Daoism
Details
Topic: Daoism
Chairman:
Mary Kennedy
Moderator:
Spencer Sinclaire
Meetup Date:
Wednesday, February, 18th. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a 15 minute break at 8:00 p.m.
Meetup Location:
Upstairs at The Bent Mast, 512 Simcoe St. Victoria, BC, V8V 1L8
Members:
If you plan to attend, please take a moment and RSVP. If your plans change and you cannot attend, to the right of your name there are three dots, please click on them and move yourself to “Not Going.” Thank you.
Quotes:
“Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.” ~ Lao Tzu
“Nothing is lost. . .Everything is transformed.” ~ Michael Ende
Synopsis:
Daoism (or Taoism) is an ancient Chinese philosophical and religious tradition emphasizing living in harmony with the Dào (道)—the natural, underlying flow of the universe. Founded on principles of simplicity, spontaneity, and “effortless action” (wúwéi), it seeks balance through nature, often contrasted with the structured, social focus of Confucianism.
Core Texts
The Dàodéjīng (attributed to Laozi) and the Zhuāngzǐ are foundational.
Key Principles
Wúwéi: “Non-action” or “effortless action”—acting in alignment with the natural flow rather than forcing outcomes.
Zìrán: Naturalness, spontaneity, and authenticity.
Yīn-yáng: The balance of opposing forces (dark/light, passive/active).
Philosophical vs. Religious
While sometimes divided into Dàojiā (philosophical school) and Dàojiào (religious, ritualistic tradition), historically, Daoism combines both, focusing on aligning human life with the cosmic order.
Originating around the 6th–4th century BCE, Daoism has profoundly shaped Chinese culture, art, medicine, and spirituality for millennia.
Daoism Practices
- Accept everything just the way it is.
- Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
- Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
- Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
- Be detached from desire your whole life long.
- Do not regret what you have done.
- Never be jealous.
- Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
- Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.
- Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
- In all things have no preferences.
- Be indifferent to where you live.
- Do not pursue the taste of good food.
- Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
- Do not act following customary beliefs.
- Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
- Do not fear death.
- Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
- Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
- You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honour.
- Never stray from the Way.
Watch:
"What is Daoism (Taoism)? Daoist Philosophy, Religion, and Practices Easily Explained" on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mYcCPP2hLj0?si=FY1F0bYWeF6ttnoi