Expert: Joe McSorley - 2/28/2005

Question
1.  Please explain the coming of Taoism, and will you also explain why it has diminished.

2. Is the essence of Taoism being in one with the universe and nature?  

3.  From my understanding Taoism doesn't really have a "church", or a place of worship.  It seems to me that it is a more individualistic faith or religion.  Is this correct?

Answer
1. Please explain the coming of Taoism, and will you also explain why it has diminished.


I cannot tell you the coming of Taoism or why it is diminished.  My area is not in the social/historical aspects of the philosophy.

2. Is the essence of Taoism being in one with the universe and nature?

     I would say that the central theme of Taoism is the ‘interpenetration' of things.  Many might say harmony with nature but this would be a superficial understanding. Many talk about following the tao (way) which is the natural order of things but that is an anthropomorphic concept.  Taoism has many articulations but if you look into the heart of LaoTzu and Chuangtzu  what you find is the emphasis on interpenetration.  What this means is that things are co-originating, intertwined and mutually defining.  This is the meaning of the yin yang symbol which I am sure you have seen.  The black and white swirls in the circle with the dots of opposite colors in them.  What this icon symbolizes is that opposites actually define one another.  That the foundation for darkness is light and vice versa.  Thus in the dark field you have a white dot and in the white field you have a black dot.  Each is the foundation for the other and cannot be separated from the other.  All being is defined by non-being.  Life is life precisely because you can die and without life there is no death.  Mutually defining and existing.  This is the heart of Taoism.




3. From my understanding Taoism doesn't really have a "church", or a place of worship. It seems to me that it is a more individualistic faith or religion. Is this correct?

Practicing Taoism is a tricky thing.  Since there is no dogma and the truth is something only the individual can come to there is no central belief system.  In China Taoist temples will incorporate Buddhism and all other religions, whatever is useful they use.  Taoist practice in the temples would be meditation and breathing exercises. Taoist meditation is vastly different from the Indian kind.  It is not detachment but an attempt to develop and strengthen the vital forces of the body through breathing and exercise like kung fu and tai chi. Many Chinese would consider themselves Taoist and Buddhist at the same time.  Neither is theistic and both involve self -awakening.
 I hope this helps you, take care,
         Joe