THE TAO OF LIFE

Popularly associated with the polytheistic worship of deities and immortals accompanied by formalised prayers and rituals including the burning of incense and joss paper, Taoism is often indiscriminately lumped together with Chinese folk religions, with so much emphasis on the spiritual realm that much of its age-old philosophical wisdom is lost in obscurity. In actual fact, Taoism is a highly sophisticated school of thought focused on living in harmony with the Tao, or the Way, through the adoption of the Three Jewels (the fundamental virtues of compassion, moderation and humility), with the physical and spiritual cultivation of concepts such as wu wei (effortless action; going with the flow), naturalness, yin and yang, and life force, otherwise known as qi.

Believed to be founded between the 6th ‒ 5th century BC by Laozi, a contemporary of Confucius and alleged author of the Tao Te Ching (Scripture of the Way and Morality), Taoism draws its foundation from the School of Naturalists (School of Yin-Yang), which explains that the universe was created out of a primary chaos of energy, also referred to as qi, organised and manifested into cycles of opposing forces (heaven and earth, day and night, fire and water, hot and cold) that interact with each other to form a dynamic system where all life and objects come into existence as a complete whole.

It’s emphasised in Taoism that while one is the opposite of the other, yin and yang essentially complement each other and are bound together as a mutual, indivisible whole (for every win, someone must fail); neither yin nor yang is more superior or more valid than the other, as one cannot be defined without the other, like the silver lining behind every cloud. The smooth, natural and seamless interaction between the two gives rise to harmony and balance, allowing for the easy and effortless flow of qi.

All this is perfectly and beautifully captured in the Taijitu symbol - a balance between two opposites, each containing a portion of the other (there are always two sides to every story), constantly interacting in a seemingly fluid motion to form a complete circle.

As all things in the universe are interconnected, Taoism highlights the need for us to be constantly in tune with the events happening around us and everything in our surroundings - people, nature, animals, objects, organisations, the elements - and find a way to live in harmony with one another. Taoism encourages us to live like the water in a river, ever flowing and finding its natural course, and prompts us to be aware of our every single intention, thought and action, and the impact they may have on our surroundings. One can live a proactive life and accomplish a great many things, but to do so without causing any friction and suffering, he must align his plans and activities with the natural order of things.

“IF YOU ARE DEPRESSED, YOU ARE LIVING IN THE PAST. IF YOU ARE ANXIOUS, YOU ARE LIVING IN THE FUTURE. IF YOU ARE AT PEACE, YOU ARE LIVING IN THE PRESENT.” - LAOZI

Laozi by Zhang Lu, Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) The subject deals with the story of Laozi riding an ox through a pass. It is said that with the fall of the Chou dynasty, Laozi decided to travel west through the Han Valley Pass. The Pass Commissioner, Yin-hsi, noticed a trail of vapor emanating from the east, deducing that a sage must be approaching. Not long after, Laozi riding his ox indeed appeared and, at the request of Yin-hsi, wrote down his famous Tao-te ching, leaving afterwards. This story thus became associated with auspiciousness.— National Palace Museum, Taiwan