Daoism
Definition
Daoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion that emphasizes living in harmony with nature (the Dao) and achieving balance through simplicity and spontaneity. It promotes practices such as meditation, tai chi, and qigong to cultivate inner peace and align oneself with the natural flow of life.
Analogy
Think of Daoism like going with the flow of a river. Instead of swimming against strong currents or trying to control every aspect of life's journey, Daoists embrace flexibility and adaptability to navigate smoothly along their path.
Related terms
Yin-Yang: The concept of yin-yang represents complementary forces in nature that are interconnected yet opposing. It symbolizes balance between opposites such as light/dark, hot/cold, and active/passive.
Wu Wei: Wu wei is the Daoist principle of effortless action or non-action. It suggests that by aligning with the natural flow of things and not forcing outcomes, one can achieve greater harmony and effectiveness.
Immortality: In Daoism, immortality refers to the pursuit of spiritual transcendence and longevity. It involves practices aimed at preserving vitality, cultivating inner energy (qi), and achieving a state of eternal existence.
"Daoism" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Additional resources (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.