Tao Qian

1. The common theme I gathered from both the web article and web video is Daoism's role in China's strategy in dealing with environmental issues and how it's philosophy relates to modern life. Bilhartz did well in explaining the Daoism philosophy of going with the flow of life and living in harmony with nature. "To these mystics, some who later would be known as Daoists, human needs were best met when individuals rejected all artificial restraints and lived spontaneously in harmony with nature" (Bilhartz

Taoism. How Taoism, or Daoism, was shaped and influenced by Chinese culture, as well as presenting how Daoism has formed and prospered in Chinese civilization with both Confucianism and Buddhism as an influence. The teachings of the Dao De Jin, or Tao Te Ching, and other religious text will be explored in the context of societal influence. According to Littlejohn Taoism is commonly acknowledged as “the oldest indigenous philosophic-spiritual tradition of China and one of the most ancient of the world’s

The Daodejing by Laozi has simplified the way I interact with others, the way I see myself, and the way I want to live my life. I found myself being indulged by this piece of literature, despite the amount of times I had to re-read phrases due to my lack of understanding. After multiple failed attempts of comprehension and frustration, I settled with the idea that maybe I shouldn't contemplate it too much, instead approach the text, in the most simplistic way possible. The Daodejing changed my values

century. “Tao Te Ching” and “Chaung Tzu” focused on two most prominent Taoist writings in that era. Tao Te Ching, written by Lao Tzu translated the literary piece known as “The Classic of the Way and its Power”. Taoism symbolizes the idea of oneness; it introduces philosophical concepts such as ying and yang. Yin is related to darkness while yang is associated with brightness and interrelates with the wu wei. Although the wu wei means non-action, not only does it correlate with the Tao but also guides

The text “Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching,” by Lao-Tzu, is a philosophical text that addresses government and how one should live their life. This outlines a leader's outlook at how to behave for a prosperous government. The ruling government described by Lao-tzu is minimal and having the people act of their own accord. Largely, this text disavows a materialistic view, it promotes relinquishing desires, power, and wealth. The main arguments made are logical and emotional and try persuade that an individual

In the poem, “Tao Te Ching”, translated by Stephen Mitchell, there were many stanzas that stood out and made recognizable points. Stanza number 79 in specific is a very influential one in the sense that it illustrates a “path of non-interference”. The path of non-interference is also known for wu-wei. It is a saying that states “Do nothing, and nothing will be left undone”. This could be interpreted as to not worry of finishing work when there was never work started in the first place. In stanza

Stated in the primary document of Daodejing, it dates back to 300 BCE when it was first produced. This work was attributed to Laozi, but has not been proven completely true that it is his work. The Daodejing was written after the Zhou Dynasty had lost its authority and the government was split into small states. This piece focuses on “the way” an idea of philosophy of Daoism. The Daodejing states that, “The way is empty. It may be used without ever being exhausted.” The Daodejing is in a poetic form

Summary The Tao-te Ching is an exemplary work of Chinese philosophy that talks about good government and moral behavior. Although the author of the Tao-te Ching is unknown, the earliest texts attribute the work to Lao-tzu (sixth century B.C.E.),whose name can be translated to “Old Master.” However, nothing can be said with certainty about the historical figure. The writings of Tao-te Ching are considered the basis for Taoism, confucianism, and Buddhism. The term Tao refers to the art of living, embracing

Stanza 5 of the Tao Te Ching tells us of desires and their limits. The first half of the stanza reference actions of survival (filling the bowl and sharpening the knife), and that although these actions are needed, there comes a point where we clearly stepped over a limit. The second half references desires (wealth and approval) that blind us as we chase them. A fault of today's society is the need to "overfill our bowls" and "chase fortune", born from humanity's persistence in wanting improvements

Sun Tzu He lived and studied throughout China and Asia. 544 BC - 496 BC Sun Tzu was a general and strategist during the warfare China faced against its states who desired power and control of the vacant land. This inspired him to write about tactics, advice, and the principles of warfare, leading to the book called, "The Art of War" and becoming a very well known philosopher today. During Sun Tzu's early years he was under the King of Wu, King Helü, and it can be assumed that he influenced Tzu