Taoism

He who tip-toes cannot stand;
he who strides cannot walk.
Lao-Tzu

Taoism is one of the 11 "World Religions", an ages old philosophy with over 20 million followers throughout the world. Contrary to many Christian beliefs, Taoism is not one of the "pagan" belief systems, although it is often grouped among such religions.

Taoism comes from the Chinese word Tao, which roughly translated means "the way" or "the path". Tao is a force that flows through all life. The goal of a Taoist's life is to become one with the Tao. Taoism was founded by Lao-tse, who lived from 604-531 BC and in that time wrote the foundation of Taoism, the book Tao-te-Ching.

In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water.
Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.
Lao-Tzu

Some of the beliefs forming Taoism include the concept that harmony naturally exists between heaven and earth, and that harmony can be found by anyone at anytime. Taoists believe earth is a reflection of heaven, run by the same laws, and the more man interferes with the natural balance, the further away harmony retreats. Taoists are encouraged to "join the dust of the world".

"The Uncarved Block" is a cornerstone of the Taoist philosophy. P'u, the uncarved block, means natural, simple, plain and honest. To achieve P'u, one must discard arrogance and complexity, and discover the simple fact that life is fun. P'u is the ability to enjoy those things that are simple, quiet, natural and plain, to do things spontaneously.

To know yet to think that one does not know is best;
Not to know yet to think that one knows will lead to difficulty.
Lao-Tzu

Another cornerstone of Taoist thought is "Wu Wei", translated roughly as "without doing", to achieve action through minimal action. One must learn to work with one's own inner nature and with the natural laws to reach Wu Wei. The mind that sees what is in front of it and follows the nature of things is the mind that works things out. The surest way to become tense, awkward and confused is to try too hard and think too much.

An ancient Chinese fable of a man in a waterfall illustrates Wu Wei perfectly. Paraphrased, the fable has two men watching as another is swept over a particularly turbulent waterfall, only to walk out unharmed from the river below. Shocked, the men say how lucky the other is, to which the wet man tells them "Not at all, I do this often". They are even more startled, and ask how he can manage such a feat without becoming injured. The wet man replies that it is simple, he just follows the flow of water, allowing it to carry him safely through.

Tao does not do, but nothing is not done.
Lao-Tzu

Another major concept is "T'ai Hsu", the great nothing. In Taoism, nothing is something, and something is nothing at all. Taoists encourage the return to the wonder of childhood, where the smallest things are full of wonder. While a Taoist will listen to a bird singing, others will wonder what kind of bird is singing, rather than enjoy the song itself.

The symbol of Taoism, which has become popular in this century for various reasons, is the Yin Yang. Yin is the dark side and is the breath that formed the earth. Yang is the light side and is the breath that formed the heavens. They symbolize pairs of opposites which are seen throughout the universe, such as good and evil, light and dark, male and female. The complication of human civilization upsets the balance between Yin and Yang. The symbol of Taoism represents Yin and Yang in balance.

Return to the beginning, become a child again.
Lao-Tzu

Taoism is a kind, gentle philosophy of life. The chief task of a Taoist is to develop "The Three Jewels" - compassion, moderation and humility. Taoists believe people are compassionate by nature, and if left to their natural tendencies people will exhibit this compassion without expecting a reward.

Kindness in words creates confidence,
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness,
Kindness in giving creates love.
Lao-Tzu

Tai Chi is a martial art with strong roots in Taoism. It is believed to balance the energy flow, or "Ch'i" in the body, which is out of balance when one is under stress or ill. Tai chi works on all parts of the body, stimulating the central nervous system, lowering blood pressure, relieving stress and toning muscles without undue strain. It also enhances digestion, elimination of wastes and the circulation of blood, its rhythmic movements massaging internal organs and improving their functions.

Tai Chi teaches "do by not-doing" by encouraging one to let go of their problems and relax with the exercise. As a martial art, it teaches one to use one's opponent's energy against him. Tai Chi features an even rhythm within the kata form, stressing that time was invented to prevent everything from happening all at once.

TaiKiDo, one type of Tai Chi, is about non-violence. The belief behind this art is that one must exercise patience and compassion, and work within one's current limitations with a view to expansion. If a movement is not comfortable, then one is not treating oneself kindly. "We cannot force water to flow," is a basic tenet of TaiKiDo. As well, this art encourages one to perform each act as if it were your first and last, stressing that there is nothing that is not of great value. The form is relaxed, never rigid, with an eye to the wisdom that "a tree that does not bend with the wind will surely break".

A tree that can fill the span of a man's arms
Grows from a downy tip;
A terrace nine stories high
Rises from hodfuls of earth;
A journey of a thousand miles
Starts from beneath one's feet.
Lao-Tzu