Calm and sunny day. Sakura leaves fly by with the fresh wind. A monk sits in a temple in a motionless position and looks into nowhere with a detached expression. His body is relaxed and his breathing is slow and measured. There seems to be emptiness and fullness all around him. Not a single phenomenon can affect this monk's deep immersion into the secrets of his own self.

This goes on for a long time. The sun, having met the lonely figure with its rays, is already slightly beginning to say goodbye. At this moment, the monk's body comes to life and begins to move. Awakening is slow, it takes time to come to your senses in the full sense of the word. Now he got up and walked quietly along the path that leads to a small house. Simple food and the same room await him there. There is nothing superfluous in the monk’s house, only the essentials for life.

It was a short journey back in time in order to see the image of the great thinker Lao Tzu and the essence of his teaching, which became one of the three main

Who is Lao Tzu?

According to the legend, this is the son whom a woman gave birth to under a plum tree. She carried him for 81 years and gave birth through the hip. He was born old and with a gray head. This greatly surprised the woman, and she called him “old child,” which is what Lao Tzu means in Chinese. There is also another interpretation of his name - “old philosopher”. His birth occurred in 604 BC.

It is worth noting that there is no reliable information about his life and birth. Research is still underway as to whether there was a person with that name at all. Therefore, here we present the data about him that is written in authoritative sources.

As an adult, Lao Tzu served the emperor and was a library tutor during the Zhou dynasty. For many years By studying and reading ancient treatises, the thinker matured and gained wisdom. Being in old age, he decided to leave his native country and went to the west riding a green bull. At the border checkpoint he was stopped by a servant of the emperor and recognized the great thinker. He asked the sage to leave his wisdom for posterity before leaving. It was at this request that Lao Tzu’s famous book, “Tao Te Ching,” was written. Its length is five thousand hieroglyphs.

Concept of Tao

Tao literally means “way”. The basis of all things and the law by which everything happens in this world. so multifaceted and deep that it is impossible to specifically describe it in words. Sometimes this concept is referred to as the force that moves the world. It has neither beginning nor end. It is in every particle of existence, and permeates the world through and through. Without this power, the future is impossible and the past crumbles. It is she who defines the concept of “now” as a way of existence.

In his treatise on the Tao, Lao Tzu describes how the force moves the entire world and fills all beings. The structure of the world is completely determined by Tao, and cannot be otherwise. But at the same time, Tao is an infinite number of options for which path the existence of a separate object can take. Therefore, there are opinions that with the help of this book any creature can gain immortality. This stems from the fact that the Tao, the path of which man must follow, can lead to the eternal source of life.

The concept of "De"

All changes in the world are caused by patterns or, in other words, by routes between the past and the future. This path personifies the Tao. At the same time, this power manifests itself through another facet of this world - De. Hence the title of the book, “Tao Te Ching.”

The concept of “De” is a property or ideal concept of the existence of everything in this world. Tao manifests itself in reality through the existence of De. This best option manifestations of matter, which is the flow from one form to another through the path of Tao. Some interpretations describe the similarity of this concept with determines how an object will exist, and to some extent echoes this concept.

The treatise describes the correct existence of man, which is personified by De. If one gets rid of passions, pride, excesses and other vices, then the path to a perfect life will be opened for a person, in which he will be filled with energy through De.

What is the book "Tao Te Ching" about?

The title means "Book of Tao". The author took it upon himself to describe what controls the whole world. This treatise consists of individual sayings and short descriptions. It is written using very ancient Chinese characters, which modern inhabitants have almost forgotten. The main theme of the treatise, so to speak, is a description of how one must behave, live and feel in this world in order for true enlightenment to be revealed to a person.

According to Lao Tzu's description, Tao is something faceless, which, however, can take form in all things. Any attempts to fit this concept into a specific framework run into contradictions. The phenomenon has a form, but you look at it and don’t see it. It is written about Tao that you hear it, but cannot hear it, you catch it, but cannot catch it.

Such contradictions run like a red thread in the texts. The main factor in this situation is the author’s desire to describe what is beyond the understanding of the ordinary person, whom he considered himself to be. If you try to define a concept, it inevitably slips away, taking on a different appearance or manifestation. As a result, there are attempts in the texts to describe the Tao as something vague and dull.

Taoism

Based on the written treatise, an entire religion with the same name arose. The followers of this teaching tried to comprehend the full depth of the meaning of what was stated through renunciation and compliance with the way of life that is described. Often the interpretations of what was stated were different, and many monks entered into an argument about the meaning of what was written. This situation gave impetus to the spread of various schools of Taoism, which understood the essence of what was written in different ways.

With the help of the teaching, you can understand that Tao is the connection of the human mind with the wisdom of nature. This is the main goal of many followers who have introduced various techniques to speed up this process. Complexes of gymnastic exercises and breathing techniques were developed. Such methods have gained great popularity in the modern way of understanding ancient scripture.

Teachings of Taoism

Evaluating the ideals of Taoism, one can understand that main role it is characterized by calmness and simplicity, as well as harmony and naturalness in human behavior. All attempts at active action are considered meaningless and only waste energy. When existing on the waves of the flow of life, effort is not needed, it only gets in the way. From tranquility comes peace in society and a harmonious life for everyone.

Sometimes actions are compared to water, which does not interfere with anyone’s movement and flows around obstacles. A person who wants strength and power must follow the example of water, which flows but does not interfere. To achieve better results in life, you need to go with the flow and try not to disrupt the flow with your actions. Also, according to the treatise, a person should not have addictions. They blind him and create the illusion that he cannot live without them.

Everyone's path in Taoism

If a person is driven by passion or has excesses in his actions and aspirations, then he is far from his true path. Any attachment to earthly things creates conditions in which a person begins to serve not himself, but specific things. This is possible if you do not listen to the aspirations of the soul and do not search for your path.

A detached attitude towards material wealth and pleasures allows you to hear the voice of your soul and, in accordance with it, begin your Tao Tzu - the path of the sage. On this path there is no question about whether it is the right one. The person becomes comfortable and his mind becomes clearer. If you remain in long thought and listen to your inner voice, over time you will come to understand the world as a universal substance for the life of every being.

Managing non-action

When China was ruled, development in the country was stable and calm. The leaders adopted the principle of Taoism, which implied that there was no need to interfere with the development of society. The inaction of the authorities in terms of governance allowed the people to live in peace and prosperity. They used their strength to develop and improve living conditions.

Modern writers and Taoism

Many personal growth and success coaches have adopted the principles of Taoism into their practice. In her book “The Tao of Life,” Irina Khakamada describes the principles that are taken from this religion. According to her, she made a certain extract from the entire text. Not all provisions are equally suitable for use for Russian man and Chinese. Therefore, there are now a great many such stripped-down manuals. “The Tao of Life” is a guide book. It describes as specifically as possible the ancient principles that should be followed for a harmonious life.

In addition, at least one full translation of the treatise from ancient language to modern. All of them represent another interpretation of truths that were written more than two and a half thousand years ago.

Khakamada Irina also presents her book “The Tao of Life” as one of the translations, but it was made more for the Russian people.

Followers who write their book "Tao"

One of the famous followers of Taoism is Anna Averyanova, who publishes books under the pseudonym Ling Bao. She did a great job of deciphering Taoist texts. He has his own understanding of this religion and writes a continuation of the book “Tao”. Bao Ling has been studying ways for humans to achieve superconsciousness for many years. In addition, she also deals with the issues of the subconscious and the immortality of the human mind.

Bao Ling describes the secrets of the Tao in the same style as the original texts of Lao Tzu. Thanks to comprehensive development and through long practice around the world, she has developed her own system of understanding this religion. This is one of the differences from the way Irina Khakamada writes, whose “Tao” is more practical.

Martial art

On the basis of spiritual improvement, there appeared martial arts. One of them was Vovinam Viet Vo Dao, which literally means “the combat path of the Viet.”

This martial art originated among village fans of fighting and soon grew into a whole hobby of the Vietnamese people. In addition to the technique of strikes and grabs, high moral and spiritual training was practiced there. She was placed at the head of all technology. It is believed that a Viet Vo Dao warrior without a spiritual foundation will not be able to defeat the enemy.

Energy "Tao"

The path is based on the energy “Qi”. She, according to scripture, is the absolute energy of all living things in this world. There is the concept of “Qi”, a person and the whole world that surrounds him. This energy helps a person to establish a connection between himself and the world around him.

The Taoists have developed a whole technique for comprehending the power of “Qi”. It is based on correct breathing using Tai Chi. This is a set of exercises and techniques that help the body tune in to receive energy. The most talented Taoists who practiced this technique could go without water or food for a long time. There were also cases when it reached unimaginable limits.

There are several techniques in Taoism that help restore connection with Qi energy. They are part of the most ancient Qigong technique. In addition to Taoist breathing practices, martial arts and meditation are used. All these systems are designed to serve one purpose - filling with Qi energy and comprehending the Tao.

Channels of filling a person with energy

According to the treatise, a person can receive energy whenever and wherever he wants. To do this, he uses special channels. But not all people work at a good level. Often, energy pathways are clogged with poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. Modern model human means the use of technological progress in order not to waste one’s energy. This way of life entails a lot negative consequences. A person becomes passive and is not interested in developing. Everyone does things and devices for him. He becomes only a consumer.

With low consumption, the Tao Te energy channels become clogged, and the person literally becomes dependent on external stimulants. This may be chemicals or other methods.

Special techniques are used to activate and expand channels. They represent the diet and its specific composition. Special exercises allow you to develop the spine and other parts of the body. It is through the spine that the main and largest energy flow passes. Therefore, special attention is paid to him.

Self-healing by listening to the body

Many practitioners have learned from the book "Tao" the secrets of how to listen to the body and understand the work internal organs. Such mastery is available only to those who have been practicing Taoist techniques for a long time. After reaching a certain level, a person begins to feel his body in the literal sense of the word. All organs seem to be transformed into a system that can be changed for healing.

Sometimes masters resort to the practice of healing other people. For this purpose they open special centers alternative medicine, where patients are admitted.

Symbolism of Taoism

The famous symbol "Yin and Yang" is used to explain the essence of Tao. On the one hand, the symbol shows that everything changes and flows from one form to another. On the other hand, opposites complement each other. For example, bad cannot exist without good, and vice versa. There is no absolute victory of one element; only a balance between them can be achieved.

The symbol simultaneously displays the struggle and balance of two elements. They are presented in the form of a cycle that has no end. At the same time, the black and white parts cannot be absolute, since they have particles of opposites in themselves.

Tattoos

To identify a person with the religion of Taoism, there is a technique for applying tattoos. They also represent smooth lines. They are often symmetrical and contain images of mythical characters. The culture of applying such tattoos came from ancient China, where they were very popular.

Wellness system

There is also the so-called “Show Tao” school. Literally translated, it means “The Path of Tranquility.” It is a set of measures to improve health and true peace of mind. They include both martial arts and breathing practices that help to achieve good health and calm. The Show Tao system is very close to the philosophy of Taoism and therefore it is believed that it can be part of it. The school's students call themselves "calm warriors" and improve their skills for peace of mind.

There are many practical guides around the world to help you lead a healthy spiritual and psychological life. For example, there are tips to find peace and harmony in life:

• Relieve stress with an inner smile. You may not show it on the external level, but it must appear inside a person.
• Talk less. Every word that is spoken in vain or inappropriately wastes Chi energy.
• Worry dissolves into action. Instead of being nervous with folded arms, you need to start taking active action.
• The mind must develop. If it is not involved, then degradation begins.
• You need to control your sex drive.
• Be moderate in your diet. You need to leave the table when you are still a little hungry.
• Moderation in all effects on the body.
• The more joy in life, the more Qi energy comes to a person. Therefore, we must rejoice at everything around us.

Taoism and love

The concept of “Tao” is inextricably linked with love. Through the relationship of two people of the opposite sex, the tree of life grows and fills both with energy. The Taoists considered having sex something so natural and necessary that they wrote practical manuals for it. At the same time, in the texts with frank illustrations there is not a shadow of lust or perversion. In accordance with the treatise “The Tao of Love,” a man must begin to completely control his sense of pleasure and effectively manage it. This is necessary primarily to satisfy a woman who needs special participation.

The doctrine of love has three main concepts:

• A man gains enormous strength and wisdom if he chooses the right mode of his ejaculation and desire. New opportunities will open up for him when abstinence is practiced. Thanks to this, he will be able to satisfy a woman to the fullest.
• The ancient Chinese believed that a man's uncontrollable pleasure was not the most enjoyable moment in sex. There is a deeper experience, described in The Tao of Love, which gives true pleasure. To achieve this mastery, you need to practice for a long time.
• The central idea is the obligatory satisfaction of the woman. It is considered a source of pleasure for both partners and is therefore so important.

Meaning of Taoism

Due to their popularity, Taoist schools penetrated to other continents and penetrated into different societies. Some critics have unreasonably rejected this teaching as inappropriate for other people. In their opinion, it was created for the Chinese and has no significant benefit for representatives of other nationalities. However, many people around the world practice the principles of Taoism and achieve exceptional results in the areas of body, mind and spiritual development.

As it turns out, this teaching can be used by both the Chinese and all other nationalities. Its principles are universal and, when studied, help improve the quality of life of every person. It was precisely this goal that Lao Tzu pursued when he wrote his treatises for future generations.

For China itself, this resulted in an entire religion, which for many centuries remains just as mysterious and multifaceted. It may take a lifetime to comprehend it.

For Russian people, separate abbreviated versions of ancient scriptures have been made, which are maximally adapted to this culture. Basically, such guides have a lot of practical recommendations on psychology and self-improvement.

Conclusion

In the light of modernity, Taoism has taken on the form of a spiritual practice that helps a person cope with the problems that arise today. By adopting the principles outlined in the book, each person can independently improve in several directions at once. It could be physical health, psychological and spiritual.

The section is very easy to use. Just enter the desired word in the field provided, and we will give you a list of its meanings. I would like to note that our website provides data from different sources– encyclopedic, explanatory, word-formation dictionaries. Here you can also see examples of the use of the word you entered.

Meaning of the word Tao

dao in the crossword dictionary

Encyclopedic Dictionary, 1998

Tao

DAO (Chinese lit. - way) is one of the main categories of Chinese philosophy. In Confucianism - the path of a perfect ruler, moral improvement, a set of moral and ethical standards. In Taoism - the law of existence, its generating and organizing principle. The world is the “embodiment” of Tao. The sage, following Tao, abandons goal-setting activity (wu wei, “non-action”), achieves unity with nature and perfection. In the tradition of the Book of Changes (I Ching), Tao is the pattern of alternation of yin-yang forces.

Tao

one of the most important categories of Chinese philosophy. The literal meaning of the term "D." ≈ “path”; Confucius and the early Confucians gave it an ethical meaning, interpreting it as “the way of man,” that is, moral behavior and a social order based on morality. In the philosophy of Taoism, the term "D." it no longer acquires an ethical, but an ontological meaning, and it refers to both the root cause of the universe, the mysterious and unknowable pattern underlying it, and the integrity of life. In the philosophy of Neo-Confucianism, the term "D." mostly identified with the term “li” (“principle”) and contrasted with the material substrate “qi”. The founder of the rationalistic system of Neo-Confucianism, Zhu Xi, emphasized the identity of the dynamic of man and the surrounding world.

Lit.: Konrad N.I., Philosophy of the Chinese Renaissance, in his book: West and East, M., 1966; Bykov F. S., The origin of socio-political and philosophical thought in China, M., 1966: Fung Yulan, A history of Chinese philosophy, v. 1≈2, Princeton, 1952≈53.

V. A. Rubin.

Wikipedia

Tao

Tao(literally - path) is one of the most important categories of Chinese philosophy. Confucius and the early Confucians gave it an ethical meaning, interpreting it as “the way of man,” that is, moral behavior and a social order based on morality. The most famous and significant Taoist interpretation of the Tao is contained in the treatise Tao Te Ching.

Dao (sword)

Tao (, pinyin dāo, not to be confused with, dào(path, Tao)) - “single-edged weapon” / “falchion” / “broadsword” / “saber” / “knife” / “cleaver” - a Chinese bladed single-edged weapon, often illiterately translated when translated as “crooked sword”.

Most often under Tao(indicating its type - for example, Newweidao - Tao"bull tail" or luedao - Tao"willow leaf") refers to single-edged falchions, sabers and broadswords, both one-handed and two-handed. However, as a meaningful element the word Tao included in the names of pole weapons - chuanweidao, yanyuedao, dadao etc.

As a significant element, the same hieroglyph is also included in the names of some specific types of weapons of Chinese martial arts (for example, baguadao), however in this case it only means the presence of sharpening along one of the edges of this weapon.

Japanese katanas were also called dao by the Chinese.

Tao (language)

Tao(Maniwo, "X-Ray") is a Papuan language spoken near the Dao River, east of Cenderawasih Bay, west of the central highlands of the Napan sub-county of the Paniai regency of Papua province in Indonesia. The Tao language is lexically 75% similar to the Auye language. The population also uses Papuan Malay.

Tao (disambiguation)

• Tao is one of the most important categories of Chinese philosophy.
• Dao is a Chinese sword.
• Dao is a Papuan language spoken near the Dao River
• Dao-tsung was the emperor of the Liao dynasty, the kingdom of the Khitan in northeast China.
• The Tao of Winnie the Pooh is a book written in 1982 by American writer Benjamin Hoff.
• Dao Thien Hai - Vietnamese chess player, grandmaster (1995).
• Tao Wu-di is the founder of the Chinese Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei.
• The Tao Te Ching is a book that has had a great influence on the culture of China and the whole world.
• Tao Tsang is a complete collection of religious and philosophical literature of Taoism.
• DAO - Decentralized Autonomous Organization.

Tao, Yin, Yang, Confucianism, Taoism - all these words evoke thoughts of China, ancient civilization, which largely influenced the development of world history. Not everyone modern man represents what the Tao means, but there are quite a few sages willing to enlighten on this matter. A huge number of works have been published. Various eminent authors have repeatedly raised the topic of Tao in their works in an attempt to understand the essence of this unique phenomenon, the teaching that came to us from eastern countries.

What are we talking about?

It is commonly said that Tao is an abstract world order. The phenomenon is absolutely natural, reflecting the development of our world and everything that exists in it. Tao expresses dynamism as the most significant characteristic space and civilization. There is no real Tao, tangible with the hands, accessible to taste or hearing. This term denotes a certain idea, and many even call Tao the essence of the world.

In the books about the Tao one cannot find an accurate description of what the intended universal order is, and some find in this ambiguity a justification for their actions. If you wish, you can call anything Tao, explain the phenomenon by this, and you will not be able to find arguments that can refute the statement. At the same time, one cannot use this term in this way, since such a use conflicts with the essence of Tao.

No beginning and no end

Tao is a unique order from which the interaction and opposition of black and white, male and female, Yin and Yang is born. Tao includes opposites as the main phenomenon of our world, its foundation. Taoism asserts: without oppositions, opposites, life would be impossible. White can only exist when there is black - and this is true in reverse.

The uniqueness of the phenomenon of Tao is the simultaneous unification in this term of a specific order of things and our entire world as a whole. The Tao cannot be divided into parts - it is an integral and indivisible reflection of the essence of the world. It simultaneously represents all the events happening around, but is also their absence.

Taoism: a general concept

Among all the philosophies developed Chinese sages, Taoism - the school of Tao - stood out especially. This is a philosophical movement founded by Lao Tzu back in the 6th century before the beginning of the current era. The author of the teaching is a contemporary of Confucius, a philosopher who was somewhat older than the famous Chinese sage.

It was he who created the famous work “Tao De Ching”, in which he described the main aspects of ideology. In the future, the movement attracted the attention of outstanding minds and actively developed. Significant contributions to Taoism were made by Yang Zhong and Le Zing. A couple of centuries after the first formation, the general movement was divided into two branches: one of them was inclined towards religion, and the other was dominated by philosophical ideas.

Religious Taoism (school of Tao) is a direction in which attention was paid to magic and medicine. People who devoted themselves to this specialized in alchemy and studied demons, and also considered other elements, devoting a considerable amount of time to them, creating significant works on this topic. Many of them have survived to this day. Despite considerable cultural value works, it is worth recognizing that this movement had very little in common with classical Taoism.

How did it all start?

The work “Tao De Jing” set the classical course of Taoism. It is in it that this phenomenon penetrates into all areas and spheres of life and is the basis of all things. Tao is both reason and the proper path to follow, as well as grace and truth. It is impossible to translate and define the Tao in words. Even in the primary teachings it was said: “Tao is an emptiness without limits, but filled with an incalculable amount of information and knowledge.”

As follows from the Tao De Jing, philosophers adhering to Taoism are obliged to follow the path of Tao, which means to follow the natural development of events, taking into account the nature of things. It is necessary to strive to achieve a stable and harmonious existence with the cosmos and the universe. The task of man is to comprehend the unity between nature and civilization.

The essence of Taoism is the desire for naturalness, which is usually understood as the random, uncontrolled embodiment of true nature. The addition of this idea is realized through “inaction,” that is, preventing the violation of natural laws by one’s activity. In Taoism, special attention is paid to a person’s ability to control and regulate their mental reactions.

Theory and application in practice

Speaking of terms, it is worth remembering the Tao sword. This name was given to a specific blade, developed in ancient times and actively used in eastern countries. Only those who comprehended the path in accordance with the classical philosophy of Taoism could master it perfectly.

In this teaching, a person masters the theory and learns to apply in practice the mechanisms to control his behavior. Based on this regulation, a combat school was created. Martial arts, including the ability to wield a special sword, were also described in books about the Tao, devoted to the applied aspects of philosophy.

Traditions and teachings

Within the framework of Taoism, followers of this teaching mastered not only religious nuances and subtleties of mystical spheres. Special methods of fortune telling, scientific approaches, methods of meditation, and even shamanic traditions were developed. Lao Tzu's Tao Te Jing was a basic work on the great teachings of the Absolute and the law.

A multi-valued phenomenon that the great Chinese philosopher tried to consider still attracts the attention of outstanding minds on our planet. It is not easy to understand endless movement, just as it is not easy to understand the essence of the cosmos and the rules according to which existence, the universe, the world develops. Initially it was declared: “Tao is everywhere, has no boundaries and dominates what is happening. This is where the beginning comes from. Tao sets the form and indicates what name should be for everything that exists and happens. The sky, no matter how great it is, also follows the Tao” - this is exactly what the ancient teachings say.

The path of Tao is dedicated to merging, achieving unity and harmony. A person must strive to unite the soul with the order that rules our world. Achieving fusion is a major theme explored in Taoism.

Historical panorama

It is worth noting that the basic work of Taoism was not born by chance. The Tao Te Jing, written by Lao Tzu, was created in the unusual situation of the country’s relative isolation from the outside world. Ancient China was quite isolated; until the beginning of the last century, it had a minimum of close contacts with other civilizations. This is precisely what explains such a unique system of philosophy, religion, medicine, and social structure.

The newest scientific, philosophical, educational achievements of the European powers practically did not reach here, and those that did reach did not find a response in the minds of people - they were too far from the usual way of life.

Lao Tzu, who lived many centuries ago, grew up in this specific environment, and his philosophical talent was nurtured by the surrounding society. He himself believed in the development of the universe in accordance with destiny, and this is exactly what he taught to others. Lao Tzu called for seeking happiness and wisdom in adapting to the order of what is happening around. He taught to recreate the path of Tao within oneself, without trying to change the movement of the world.

Lao Tzu's thoughts on the Tao turned out to be extremely popular and popular in society. They greatly influenced the life of the Chinese people and the development of a great civilization.

Today scientists say that without the teachings of Tao the world would be a much poorer place. The works of Lao Tzu became the foundation for the most important philosophical movement. True, modern study of ancient Chinese history allows only general outline imagine what the author of the path of Tao was like. Vague information allows us to imagine him as a wise, calm person, prone to philosophy, with a good sense of humor.

However, the image is more legendary than realistic, although many are ready to prove, citing an abundance of documents, that he actually lived. For example, there is a well-known story about Confucius visiting it. The philosophers spent a lot of time talking. There are references to Lao Tzu in various works of future generations.

Movement and calm

It is believed that Lao Tzu's teachings on the Tao were influenced by the problems that troubled ordinary people of that time. The author of the first book that gave rise to Taoism saw around him many, many Chinese people interested in finding answers to questions that were not possible to resolve. This is what prompted him to write his work. Even in those days, the people of China put a lot of effort into trying to understand themselves, their personality, their nuances of life and ways to change it for the better.

Who they could be, how to become better and how to change their life in better side what fruits an attempt at change might bring—all these doubts tormented numerous of the thinker’s contemporaries. It is believed that society as a whole was optimistic, and the ancient Chinese looked to the future with confidence, believing in the best.

In his teaching about the Tao, Lao Tzu drew attention to nature: its development is natural, not subject to momentary whims, harmonious and consistent. Residents Ancient China understood and believed: they also represent a part of nature, and Lao Tzu was an element of this society, having absorbed from childhood an understanding of the unity of civilization and the world around it.

At the same time, he saw how some try to fight, neglecting traditions, changing what was given to them without accepting it, and cannot achieve success. It was then that he encouraged people to choose other ways to achieve wisdom and satisfaction.

The methods used by many of his contemporaries made them, according to Lao Tzu, blind. The teachings are based on his statements about the balance of simplicity and satisfaction, the correspondence of acceptance and kindness, and the analogy between faith and wisdom. He called for understanding how the world works, coming to terms with it and adjusting yourself to it - but not vice versa.

The path and our world

People first started talking about Tao in life much earlier than Lao Tzu was born. This term denoted the path of development of the universe and nature. We should not forget that civilization and each individual person are only elements of the Universe. The naturalness of man lies in observing natural laws. Man is a piece huge world. If he does not interfere with Tao and allows everything to take its course, the world will develop according to the most positive scenario, since Tao represents perfection and harmony without the slightest shortcomings.

The Tao in life is the source of it, as well as everything that exists. Tao can be called the cause of the appearance of everything that exists, including divine beings. At the same time, Tao is not a god, but a reality. Tao preceded our universe, it was created by its forces, through it the world receives energy for existence.

Everything that happens and disintegrates, comes and goes are just opposite energy entities present in Tao and giving rise to our world. So it was, is and will be. At the same time, Tao does not force an individual person to act in a specific way, but only sets a general direction.

Step by step

Currently, in many ways it is close to the classical teaching of Shou-Dao - a philosophical direction that diligently preserves the basic principles formulated by Lao Tzu and his students. They considered the Tao a way of existence and strove for nature as the proper order. The early followers of philosophy proposed to abandon customs, rituals, civilization, since all this represents interference in the path of the Universe.

Early followers of Taoism believed that in the past people existed in absolute harmony, strictly following the natural order of things. They were free, their lives were simple, and the benefits that everyone strives for have been lost to civilization since the end of that period.

However, modern authors can argue with them (a good example is the book by Irina Khakamada “The Tao of Life”). In ancient times, followers of Tao believed that nature could provide answers to any question in life and that only in harmony with it can one find happiness. Naturalness gives inner peace, allows you to accept everything that is given from the outside. Aggression and ambition are contrary to nature, and a person begins to conflict with himself, thereby eliminating the possibility of his happiness.

Followers and opponents

Lao Tzu's ideas were impartiality, harmony, calmness, and acceptance of what is happening. Among his contemporaries, however, there were many who did not agree with this position. People sought to bring change to society, were not happy with the existing order and loudly expressed their opinions.

By the way, Confucius was one of these people, who actively carried his ideas of virtue throughout the country as the only possible path to prosperity. He suggested that everyone strive to fulfill their duties and responsibilities - only in this way can happiness be achieved. It is worth noting that this camp of teaching on the Tao also referred to the lost times of absolute happiness, but they attributed that period to the ability of people to follow their duty. It was suggested that happy times could be revived by teaching everyone to interact productively with each other.

No less interesting Dao is Viet Vo. This system was completely aggressive, and over time it developed into martial arts and was used to eliminate the enemy and for a quick victory. The development of philosophy followed this path in Vietnam. To this day, in this country there are many adherents of a combat school that has proven itself over many centuries.

There were some conflicts

Perhaps, a lot of controversy would certainly arise if adherents of the teachings of Lao Tzu and Confucius from previous centuries met, as well as our contemporaries, inspired by Irina Khakamada’s book “The Tao of Life”. Each person has his own vision, and supporters of different camps argued a lot with each other in previous centuries. The first Taoists spoke of achieving virtue and fulfilling one's duty only through the natural course of things, and the pursuit of good is a wrong direction of thought. They convinced that goodness would appear on its own when attempts to achieve it ceased, and the search for virtue would not allow one to obtain it.

Typical reformers were not approved of by Lao Tzu and his disciples, and introducing rules to improve life was considered by them to be a wrong approach. The reformers tried to explain to people how to become righteous, how to achieve purity. Lao Tzu drew attention to the fact that human disputes are not characteristic of nature, it is always natural, and there are no arguments that can lead it astray. Earthly forces do not insist on their own, do not enter into disputes, but only work as they should.

Tao does not require force - the power of this phenomenon is in the absence of tension and in constant action. A person who adheres to such a teaching must renounce the power that destroys goals. Anyone who tries to remake the world to suit his vision harms himself and those around him, and those who persist and achieve selfish goals only drown in efforts and lose the value of what they seek. Man destroyed the ideal with his own hands, which leads to his collapse.

Using examples

In Irina Khakamada’s book “The Tao of Life” you can find many interesting examples, but the most expressive to this day remains the one that Lao Tzu invented in his time. He suggested presenting a filled dirty water water. If you stir its contents, the purity will not increase, but if left on its own, the pond will gradually become clearer. Similar processes occur in people even at the level of civilization. Such an example is especially important to understand and present to the ruler.

Another expressive picture formulated by Lao Tzu was the following: small fish - that the people and the management of people are similar to preparing a dish. You need to be careful. If you overcook, overcook, or stir too vigorously, everything will fall apart, crumble, and lose its taste.

Lao Tzu also said that he who believes that he knows a lot about others can consider himself wise, but only those who know themselves can master the truth.

To speak or to remain silent?

From ancient works, information has reached our days about Lao Tzu’s dislike of talking. This was also the case with his first and most important student and follower, Zhuang Tzu. They argued their position by the impossibility of expressing the Tao through speech.

And yet people demanded from philosophers precise definitions, concepts, and terms. Lao Tzu put it this way: “Tao is like crossing into winter time river - cautious, indecisive, like a man afraid of his neighbors. At the same time, it is a modest guest and a soft, pliable entity, like ice ready to melt.” It is believed that this description reflects the nature of things and it is for this reason that it has value, and not at all because of the name of the author who formulated it.

The following story is known:

Zhuang Zi was fishing, and at that moment high-ranking officials of the province decided to visit him. Although he did not look up from his fishing rod, officials began to talk to him, praising his wisdom, and also offered him a position in the department in order to gain recognition. Without looking up from his fishing, the sage told the story of a sacred turtle that died three thousand years ago and was preserved by a prince.

He invited officials to choose what would bring greater happiness to the turtle: to be the remains of which they pray, or to live in a pond. The officials sensibly replied that a living being is always happier to live in its own environment, to which Zhuang Tzu replied: “So I am the same.” So he refused a post in the government, choosing instead the natural course of life.

What should you value?

The teaching of Tao pays special attention to understanding what is truly worth the effort. Tao does not require a person to sit idle all his life. The difficulties of everyday life surround people, and the philosophy of life should reflect the current of thought. Philosophers of ancient times formulated three basic values ​​- humility, moderation, love. Love allowed them to be brave, moderation gave them security, and humility became a method of managing those in power.

It is believed that those who have realized Tao can see it in their surroundings - in civilization, in the Universe, in every being. Such a person realizes his well-being as good for others. This also works in the opposite direction. In ancient times this was called “being in a state of love.” Having comprehended the Tao, you can begin to do good for everyone and make love your payment, regardless of the attitude towards you. But another response to hatred, even a fair one, will not bring a positive effect - evil returns as evil, and the result is disappointing. Love is a state that gives courage. Having comprehended the Tao, you can trust the world without looking back and feel its trust in you.

Following Tao, a person gains the ability to control and restrain thoughts and actions. Satisfaction is impossible in the presence of excess, and the next Tao cannot tell in advance how and when he will act. Deciding in advance how to behave is contrary to the path of Tao. A person who adheres to it must carefully follow the simplest path. Only this allows you to be confident that the right actions are being taken.

There is a time for everything and a place for everything

Neither the founder of the classical teaching of Tao, nor his students and followers sought to occupy positions in the government, since this came into conflict with the very idea of ​​Taoism. You cannot help if you direct a person’s actions. You can achieve what you want faster if you are in a humble place, and the superiority of one over the other is not typical of our world. Mutual help and naturalness are the optimal atmosphere for living in the world, and success and personal wealth are erroneous aspirations.

The earth does not change, but the sky above us is eternal. They are like this because they do not care about momentary desires, and this allows them to always be. A wise man must deny himself. Nevertheless, he will remain in front, and the one who remains on the sidelines will be present in the matter.

The main treasures of the teachings of Tao are available to everyone, even if there is no personal teacher or familiar philosopher ready to convey the essence. The Tao is based on the inherent characteristics of a person, although we usually do not look at them. To find the Tao within yourself, you need to get rid of fears, reject the familiar, abandon the superficial. Without finding the Tao within himself, without trying to realize it, a person behaves unnaturally, does not realize and cannot achieve happiness - he is depressed.

Tao... Nowadays, this term is quite widely used in a variety of fields of activity, and the term “philosophy of Tao” is becoming increasingly popular. But, unfortunately, one often observes a distortion of its true understanding. To understand what it means, it is necessary to turn, first of all, to the Taoist Tradition, because it is at its core that lies the desire to comprehend the Tao and the true nature of reality.

Tao is the root cause and source of all things. Tao is the Primordial True Reality, existing as if beyond the boundaries of our reality, our space, time and, in general, any categories and forms with which we are accustomed to describe the world around us. This is exactly what the first line of the Tao Te Ching indicates: Tao is not a path that can be passed (named, described in the usual categories) - see this below in more detail.

However, existing beyond the ordinary, Tao permeates the entire Universe, exists everywhere, in everything and always, defining the principle of existence of everything else, which is, in fact, only one of the manifestations of Tao. Due to its “otherworldliness,” Tao cannot be understood by the ordinary human mind/consciousness, since the latter is limited, while Tao is limitless in understanding and manifestations.

Therefore, any attempt to explain with the help of the mind what is beyond its limits is meaningless and doomed to failure in advance. This concept is well illustrated in the movie "The Matrix" - you cannot understand what the Matrix is ​​while inside it.

A reasonable question arises: how then can one comprehend Tao if consciousness is powerless in this matter? In fact, our consciousness is potentially as limitless as Tao, and limitations are imposed on it by the reality in which we live (the Post-Heavenly aspect of existence). Since childhood, we see this world, interacting with people around us, form our worldview, our personality, Ego, and gradually get used to perceiving reality through the prism of the picture of the world that is already in our head. This is the limitation. And to comprehend the Tao, you need to move away from it, “awaken”, cleanse your consciousness of the After-Heaven, returning to the clarity and purity of your Primordial consciousness/Primordial Spirit.

How to do this? The answer to this question lies in another meaning of the term Tao - Tao, as a Path, a method, a set of practices for transforming a person’s body and consciousness and gaining them... Tao (as the Highest Truth, the Primary Source). Already in this dual understanding of the term Tao one can see distinguishing feature Taoist philosophy: rejection of clear, unambiguous concepts that once again limit human consciousness. Instead, hints and pointers are used that can move a person towards a correct understanding, but only if he is not afraid to lose the “solid ground” of established concepts and stops clinging to the “old slippers” of the usual worldview.

The philosophy of Tao lies in the understanding of its infinity, the impossibility of enclosing it in predetermined frameworks and rules. Therefore, she takes a very flexible approach to improve a person's self-improvement and explain various concepts. At the same time, it is always necessary to remember that what is manifested and expressed is not the final Truth, but only a way to indicate the direction of movement necessary for the practitioner here and now, at a given level of skill. And here it is very important over time not to mistake “the finger for the moon it points to.”

Remember that any unambiguous concept (about the origin of the world and man, about what the Path, practice, etc. should be) only limits a person, since the Highest (Tao) cannot be limited and unambiguous.

Thus, if we do not get attached to words, then any word can be used for a deeper understanding of Tao. But if we cling to words, then we will never come to the truth, since we will always be limited by them.

Let us consider the hieroglyphic writing of Tao, since it already contains hidden deep philosophy, understanding of which is very important for the correct practice of Tao. The hieroglyph consists of 2 parts: left and right. The right part, in turn, can be divided into 2 parts: upper and lower.

The upper right part means “one Universe”; the two lines at the top symbolize . This means that the entire Universe (Universe) consists of two polar forces and, at the same time, remains a single whole. The lower right part means “myself” (自), and looking at it carefully you can see that the hieroglyph is a rectangle, inside of which there are three sectors. But, according to the Taoist tradition, a person (“I myself”) has: Jing, Qi and Shen, as well as three most important energy centers– dantians (lower, middle and upper), which represent different levels reality of human existence. It is this trinity that the hieroglyph “I myself” symbolizes, which must be realized through the practice of internal alchemy.

At the top of the rectangle is a vertical line, which is located exactly in the middle and is the connecting link between the upper and lower hieroglyphs. It means that when the 3 Treasures are united and when the central (middle) channel of Zhong Mai opens and the “unity of the three original ones” is achieved, a “spiritual channel” opens, making it possible to understand the “single Universe”. From this moment on, man and the Universe become one. After all, only by realizing the state of the One, a person comprehends his True Nature, which is the goal of his spiritual development.

By connecting the lower and upper hieroglyphs, we get a new one, meaning “head” (首) and symbolizing the fact that the whole world is “in our head,” i.e. is a creation of our mind/consciousness. This statement is difficult to even accept, let alone comprehend its full depth and meaning.

The left side of the Dao character is translated as “movement”, “go with stops”, “path” (辶). This reflects the second aspect of the term Tao, as a path to advance towards understanding the True Nature of the universe.

Having asked the question “what is the meaning of life?”, a person begins to look for a Path, a tradition that could help him find the answer. If the Path is chosen correctly, then the neophyte begins, first of all, to study himself, to develop his physical, energetic and spiritual sides. Continuing his studies, he understands that the division into “I” and “Nature” is a Post-Heavenly conditioning. And therefore he follows the Path of uniting particulars to the One, moving from the “branches to the root-primary source”, follows reverse movement from the manifested to the original. In the course of correct practice, the three external forces (Heaven, Earth and Man) and the three internal primordial forces (Jing, Qi and Shen) are united, as a result of which the practitioner becomes an enlightened being who is devoid of any obscurity and comprehends the Tao. One who has reached this level of realization in the Taoist Tradition is called a True Heavenly Immortal.

Now let's turn to one of the most important Taoist treatises, which is revered in all Taoist schools. This is "" (a treatise on Tao and Te), and there in §1 the first line reads as follows:

道可道非常道 - which reads as “DAO KE DAO FEI CHAN DAO.”

It is not so easy not only for us, but also for the Chinese to understand what this phrase is, but we will still try to analyze it a little. "Tao" ( 道 ) here means “The Path”, which should be known and comprehended through internal practice, as well as the process of movement itself. "Ke" ( 可 ) – means “may” or “possibility”. "Fay" ( 非 ) – means “not”, i.e. negation. "Chan" ( 常 ) – means “constantly”. Thus, you can try to create possible combinations yourself, taking into account synonymous words.

After several attempts, you can see that not everything is so simple and that a simple literal translation here will not clarify much and what is needed first of all is a translation that has a semantic understanding of what is said in this phrase. And since each translator has his own understanding and priorities, translations can be different and each of them can be situationally correct in its own way. Below are several common translations of the phrase “Dao ke Dao fei chang Dao”:

1. The path that can be walked is not a permanent path. (Torchinov)
2. In the Path that one can follow, there is nothing of the eternal Tao-Path (Torchinov)
3. The Tao that can be expressed in words is not the permanent Tao. (Yang Hing Shun)
4. A Path that ends in a goal cannot be the Eternal Path. (Kuvshinov)
5. Chosen One of the Tao - The Tao is not permanent. (Yu Kang)
6. The Constant Path is made up of the possibility of choosing a Path and the impossibility of choosing a Path. (Vinogrodsky)
7. The Tao that can be expressed is not the permanent Tao (Lukyanov)
8. Truth can be expressed using an unusual method. (Wanderer)

Another difficulty in translation lies in the fact that in the ancient Chinese language there are no declensions, conjugations, specific tense and gender, as well as a frequent absence of conjunctions (as if, like, yes, even, barely, if, same, and, or, so, how, somehow, when, whether, or, etc.). All this gives a very large scope for possible translation, where the meaning of the translated text can be either similar or completely different. Therefore, it should be understood that, in principle, there cannot be a perfectly correct translation here, just as when the Chinese themselves read the original, the text can be understood very differently. Therefore, all Traditional Schools talk about the importance of a living Teacher who can clarify all the nuances of theory and philosophy and how they are understood in a particular School.

As a result, it should be remembered that in Taoism there are many different Schools with their own methodologies and philosophical basis, and they cannot all be lumped together, naively believing that everything should be the same everywhere. So, for example, what is correct in the Zheng Yi School may never be used in Quan Zhen and vice versa. And in the School of Wang Chongyang and Zhang Boduan there were completely different approaches and views on where to start practice, despite the fact that both of their Schools go back to Patriarch Lü Dongbin. And such examples can be continued for a very long time.

And since our people are completely unfamiliar with the history of different Taoist Schools, having learned the position of one School, they immediately naively believe that this should be the case with others (this applies not only to practice, but also to philosophical views on the world, on the person, on the interpretation of various terms, etc.) and begin to fanatically prove to others that they are unequivocally right, not realizing that this only indicates their narrow-mindedness.

Below we present several fragments from Lao Tzu’s treatise “Tao Te Ching” to try to hear and understand his vision of the Tao:

§ 14

Translation by E. Torchinov:

I look at him and don’t see him - I call him the subtlest.
I listen to him and don’t hear him - they call him the quietest.
I catch him, but I can’t grab him - I’ll call him elusive.
This triad cannot be explained in words: it is chaotic and united. Its top is not illuminated, its bottom is not darkened. It stretches and curls, but you can’t name it; she returns to the absence of existence.
Therefore they say: formless appearance, immaterial image.
That's why they say vague and vague things.
I don’t see the beginning when I walk towards her, I don’t see the end when I hurry after her.
I hold on to the ancient Path-Tao and thus control what exists now. I can comprehend the ancient principle and call it the foundations of the Tao-Way.

Translation by Yang Hin Shun:

I look at it and don’t see it, and therefore I call it invisible. I listen to it and don’t hear it, so I call it inaudible. I try to grab it and can't reach it, so I call it the smallest. There is no need to strive to find out the source of this, because it is one. Its top is not illuminated, its bottom is not darkened. It is infinite and cannot be named. It returns to nothingness again. And so they call it a form without forms, an image without a being. That is why they call it unclear and foggy. I meet him and don’t see his face, I follow him and don’t see his back.

Translation by A. Lukyanov:

I look at him - I don’t see him, I call him “invisible”.
I listen to him - I don’t hear him, I call him by his name “silent”.
I catch it - I don’t find it, I call it by the name “hidden”.
These three cannot be distinguished because they are mixed
and form one.
Its top is not light, its bottom is not dark, it curls continuously,
[it] cannot be named.
[It] found refuge in the immaterial.
This is an image without an image, an image without flesh.
This is the foggy mixture.
I walk towards him, but I don’t see his face (head).
I follow him - I don’t see his back (tail).
Only by unswervingly following the ancient Tao to rule
existing today, one can recognize the ancient beginning.
This is the weft (guiding thread) of Tao.

Translation by B. Vinogrodsky:

You look at him without seeing him.
Call the name: “Abstracted.”
You listen to him without hearing him.
Name it: “Sparse.”
You grab it without holding it.
Name it: “The Subtle One.”
This trinity cannot be determined by asking questions.
Causality:
By mixing, they realize one thing.
When moving up it is not light.
When moving down it is not dark.
Like a slipping thread.
It cannot be defined by name.
Repeated return
into a state of absence of things.
This is defined:
Trembling and shimmering.
You move towards him without seeing his head.
You follow him without seeing his back.
Use the path of antiquity
to control availability at this moment.
Be able to know the beginning of antiquity.
This is determined by:
Guiding thread.

§ 25

Translation by E. Torchinov:

Here is a Thing accomplished in Chaos, born before Heaven and Earth!
O silent one! O formless one!
You stand alone and do not change, you surround everything that exists and do not perish!
You can be called Mother of the Celestial Empire. I don’t know your name, but, denoting it with a sign, I call you the Way-Tao. Making an effort, I call you Great.

Translation by Yang Hin Shun:

Here is a thing that arises in chaos, born before heaven and earth! O silent one! O formless one! She stands alone and does not change. It works everywhere and has no barriers. She can be considered the mother of the Celestial Empire. I don't know her name. Denoting it with a hieroglyph, I will call it Tao.

Translation by A. Lukyanov:

There is something that forms chaos, living before Heaven and Earth.
Silent! Empty!
Stands alone, does not change, revolves within itself tirelessly.
You can consider him the Mother of Heaven.
I don't know his name.
I give him a nickname - I call him Dao.
I choose a name for him - I call him Great

Translation by B. Vinogrodsky:

The thing in existence is formed from a formless swirl.
Born before Heaven-Earth.
In soundlessness, in serenity.
Stands independently, without changing.
Moves in cycles without dying.
This is how the generative principle can be realized in the Celestial Empire.
My essence does not know this name.
Let's denote it with the sign “Path”.
Trying to find a name for him, let’s define him as “great.”

§ 21

Translation by E. Torchinov:

Tao is such a thing: unclear and vague, faceless and foggy.
O obscure one! O vague one!
There are images in your center.
O faceless one! O foggy one!
There are things in your center

Translation by Yang Hin Shun:

The Tao is vague and uncertain. However, its vagueness and uncertainty contain images. It is foggy and uncertain. However, in its vagueness and uncertainty, things are hidden.

Translation by A. Lukyanov:

Tao is something vague, indistinguishable!
Oh, indistinguishable! Oh, foggy!
It contains images within.
Oh, foggy! Oh, indistinguishable!
Things are contained within Him.

Translation by B. Vinogrodsky:

The path is realized in things
just like a flickering, just like a flutter.
Here's a flutter, here's a flicker.
And at the core is the presence of an image.
Here's a flicker, here's a flutter.
And at the core is the presence of a thing.