Transcript Lao Tzu* Tao Te Ching Dow Duh Jing (

Lao Tzu*
(6th century BC?)
and the
Tao Te Ching
(Dow Duh Jing)
*Also known as
Laotse, Laozi, Li Erh,
Li Tan, & Lao Tan.
(Text, pp. 33-59)
According to tradition,
Lao Tzu (“The Old Boy”)
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was born in 604 BC in the Chu Province,
had a long career as the royal historian-librarianarchivist in the Chou capital of Lo-yang,
& (after becoming disillusioned as a result of the
increasing decline of the Chou dynasty) left China for
Tibet or India late in the 6th (or perhaps early in the
5th) century BC.
Before leaving, however, he recorded his philosophical
insights in a short book, the Tao Te Ching (also known
as the Lao Tzu), which is one of the foundational
classics of “Philosophical Taoism.”
A second major primary source
of Philosophical Taoism is
The Book of Chuang Tzu,
by
Chuang Tzu
(also known as Chuang Chou)
(c. 369-286 BC)
Taoism is both
a philosophy
&
a religion.
Leading ideas in Taoist thought
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Metaphysics
– Ontology/Cosmology
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The TAO
Te
 Yin/Yang
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The natural order (the universe & all things in it)
– Theology - gods & spirits
– Anthropology - human nature & the human
predicament
Axiology: Ethics & Political Philosophy
 Epistemology?
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TAO
DOW
DAO
“a metaphysical first principle that embraces and
underlies all being, a vast Oneness that precedes and in
some mysterious manner generates the endlessly
diverse forms of the world . . . . [U]nknowable as the
tao may be in essence, one must somehow learn to
sense its presence and movement in order to bring one’s
own life and movements into harmony with it. The aim
of the text . . . is to impart to the reader, through hints,
symbols, and paradoxical utterances, such an intuitive
grasp of the tao and the vital ability to move with it
rather than counter to it.”
(Burton Watson)
Te (“Duh”)
“denotes a moral power or virtue
characteristic of a person who follows
the correct course of conduct . . . .
[In Taoism], te is the virtue or power
that one acquires through being in
accord with the tao, what one ‘gets’
from the tao.” (Burton Watson)
The power (Te) of the TAO
is expressed in the cosmos
in accordance with the
Yin/Yang principle.
Yin & Yang
female
dark
cool
moist
passive
negative
evil
Earth &
moon
Heaven &
sun
male
bright
hot
dry
active
positive
good
Taoist metaphysics
- Ontology/Cosmology
- TAO
- TE
- Yin/Yang
- The natural order
The cosmos
(universe, nature)
is an ever-changing expression &
blend of Yin and Yang, full of the
power (Te) of the TAO.
(Taoist metaphysics, continued)
Taoist theology
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The TAO is the highest reality. It is the Ground of
Being; but it is not “God” or “a god.” It is the
absolutely transcendent and incomprehensible Source
of the natural world (the universe). The TAO is
beyond sensation, beyond thought, beyond
imagination, beyond words, etc. It is knowable only
through direct mystical experience or intuition.
Gods, good spirits, and demons exist as expressions of
the power (Te) of the TAO. These spiritual powers
can be accessed and harnessed through various
magical rituals.
Philosophical Anthropology -
The Taoist perspective on human nature &
the human predicament
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Humanity is merely one of
the “Ten Thousand Things”
manifested in nature, one
animal species among
others.
However, human beings
(unlike other animals) have
the power of free choice.
This enables them to act
contrary to nature (contrary
to the TAO), to become
alienated from the “Way.”
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Humans can choose to
separate themselves
from the natural order,
and they can pursue
things they want in
addition to things they
need.
This leads to an
unnatural existence
filled with various kinds
of pain & suffering.
(Taoist metaphysics/anthropology, continued)
The solution to the human predicament
Back to nature; back to the TAO.
 The practice of wu-wei (non-ado,
effortless action, action without friction &
conflict, swimming with the current) -the simple, natural life.
 Go with the flow.
 Chill out.
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Leading ideas in Taoist thought
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Metaphysics
– Ontology/Cosmology
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The TAO
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Te
Yin/Yang
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The natural order (the universe & all things in it)
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– Theology - gods & spirits
– Anthropology - human nature & the human
predicament
Axiology: Ethics & Political Philosophy
 Epistemology?
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Ethical Doctrines
(guidelines for right conduct)
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Tune in to Te (the power of TAO), & follow the TAO.
Practice wu-wei (non-ado).
Follow the path of least resistance (like water does);
practice relaxed action through yielding.
Avoid self-assertion & competition; practice humility &
non-combativeness.
Disdain worldly prizes.
“The way to do is to be.”
Other specific ethical principles the same as in
Confucianism, but with an individualistic & non-political
emphasis.
On the religious side of Taoism,
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There is major interest in
conserving, increasing, &/or
gaining control over Te & its
vital energy (chi).
There are numerous rituals
aimed at the veneration of the
gods & good spirits & at
placation of & protection from
demons.
There are also magical & occult
practices (oracles, divination,
astrology, mediumism, healing
rites, etc.) aimed at gaining
control over the powers of
nature (Te).
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The concern with increasing the
supply of Te’s vital energy (chi) is
expressed in practices involving
diet & nutrition, pharmacology &
folk medicine (including
acupuncture), and yoga-like
concentration on the inner self
(sexual experiments, breathing
exercises, tai chi chuan & other
martial arts, & control of the mind
through meditation techniques).
Taoists also believe that TAOMasters who have realized a
surplus of chi can radiate from
themselves a healing &
harmonious psychic influence to
the communities in which they live.
Taoist Political Philosophy
(an application of wu-wei)
Limited government & a laid-back prince -a kind of libertarianism?
(See the TTC’s many passages on government, political
leadership, warfare, social & economic policy, etc.)
Taoist Epistemology
Is there any?
How do I know this?
Like this!
Leading ideas in Taoist thought
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Metaphysics
– Ontology/Cosmology

The TAO
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Te
Yin/Yang
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The natural order (the universe & all things in it)
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– Theology - gods & spirits
– Anthropology - human nature & the human
predicament
Axiology: Ethics & Political Philosophy
 Epistemology?
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The philosophical content of
the Tao Te Ching:
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TAO
Yin & Yang & the principle of reversal
Non-ado (wu-wei)
The TAO-Master (the Taoist hero)
Seeking the TAO & living in the TAO
How to live
Meditation
Emptiness
Anti-Confucianism
Political philosophy
Lao Tzu says that his teachings
are derived from an ancient
system of principles & that they
are easy to understand & to put
into practice,
but that no one understands &
practices them.
(TTC 70)
He also says:
Many consider my teaching to be
nonsense.
 But the profound is a lot like nonsense.
 If a teaching does not seem
nonsensical, then it must be trivial.
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(p. 37)
Characteristics of the TAO
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Indefinable
Unnamable
The source of both
reality & appearance
Empty, but never used
up; always available
Hidden, but always
present
Older than the gods
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Invisible, inaudible,
intangible
The One
Appears in countless
forms; given countless
names
Without form, but
complete
The Mother of all
things
Silent. Empty. Independent.
Unchanging. Infinite. Eternal.
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Creator of all things
Present in all things
Returns all things to their origin (nothingness, nothing-ness?)
Does not contend, but it prevails; does not speak,
but it answers; is not called, but it responds; has
no purpose, but it achieves all of its aims
When you seek it, you find it.
Yin/Yang & the Principle of Reversal
TTC
 TTC
 TTC
 TTC
 TTC
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2a Yin/Yang bipolarity
22 Reversal
28a Yin/Yang balance
36 Reversal
40 Reversal & Yielding
42 Yin/Yang & Reversal
(pp. 37-38)
Wu-wei (non-ado)
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(p. 39)
Therefore, the Tao-Master acts with non-ado
& teaches without speaking.
Things come & go.
He lets them come & go.
He creates, but he does not own.
He achieves, but he takes no credit.
He completes his work & then forgets about it.
Practice non-ado, & your accomplishments
endure.
Other wu-wei passages
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TTC 10b (non-ado as
non-action)
TTC 10c (non-ado &
virtue)
TTC 29 (letting go &
letting be)
TTC 43 (soft/hard)
TTC 44 (knowing
when enough is
enough)
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TTC 48 (letting be)
TTC 76 (softness &
flexibility vs. hardness
& stiffness)
(pp. 39-40)
The TAO-Master
Thoughts of a Tao-Master
No more learning, no more trouble.
Is there any real difference between “Ahhh!” and “Yuk!”?
What about “good” and “evil”?
Must I fear what others fear?
Ridiculous!
Everybody else is smiling,
having fun as if at a festival or carnival.
I alone am drifting, not knowing whether I’m coming or going,
like a baby before it has learned to smile.
Others have what they need; I have nothing.
I might as well be homeless.
I’m a fool. Very confused.
Others are bright; I am dim.
Others are sharp; I am dull, lost at sea, without direction.
Others have plans; I am aimless.
(pp. 45-46)
I am different from others.
I am nourished by the Great Mother.
Characteristics of the TAO-Master
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Detached
 Good to people
Selfless
who are good
Cautious
 Good to people
Alert
who are not good
Courteous  Trusts those who
are trustworthy
Yielding
Undefined  Trusts those who
are not trustworthy
Open
 Radiates peace &
Murky
harmony
Quiet
Calm & unperturbed
Passages describing the TAO-Master
TTC
 TTC
 TTC
 TTC
 TTC
 TTC
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7b (detachment)
15 (general description)
24 (disgusting things)
26 (not swept away)
45 (seems vs. is)
49 (radiator)
(See pp. 40-45)
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TTC 63 (The T-M’s M.O.)
TTC 64 (ditto)
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TTC 67b (virtues)
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TTC 71 (Socratic wisdom)
TTC 81 (truth, goodness,
wisdom, non-ado)
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(Look at underlined passages?)
When a thoughtful man hears of the Tao, he tries to follow it.
When an average man hears of the Tao,
he wonders about it, but then tends to forget it.
When a fool hears of the Tao, he makes fun of it.
If someone didn’t make fun of it, it wouldn’t be the Tao.
Therefore, when seeking the Tao,
light seems dark,
advancing feels like retreating,
the simple appears difficult,
power is like weakness,
purity seems tarnished,
true virtue seems deficient and unsteady,
and the clear seems obscure.
The true square has no corners.
The true vessel never sails.
The true sound is hard to hear.
The true form has no shape.
(TTC 41)
(p. 46)
The Tao is hidden, beyond definition; but it alone fulfills.
Much talk is contrary to nature.
The wind doesn’t blow all morning.
The rain doesn’t fall all day.
Wind and rain are caused by nature,
If nature restrains herself, shouldn’t people do the same?
He who follows the Tao is one with the Tao.
He who is virtuous is one with Virtue [Te].
He who loses the Tao becomes a loss.
Surrender to the Tao, and it will be your home.
Practice virtue [Te], and it will be your abode.
Lose the Tao, and you will then reside in loss.
No trust given, no trust received.
(TTC 23)
(pp. 46-47)
The Tao never acts, yet through it everything gets done.
If rulers could reside in the Tao,
everything would fall into place all by itself.
Action is restrained by the Tao.
Action restrained, no desire.
No desire: tranquillity.
All things at peace.
(p. 47)
How to Live
(Ethical Prescriptions)
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TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
8
9*
12*
33*
52*
56*
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*(See Text)
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(pp. 47-49)
It is good to be like water.
It nourishes without effort.
It flows without contention into low places
that people scorn.
Thus, it is like the Tao.
In dwelling, live close to the land.
In thinking, go deep.
In relating to others, be gentle.
In governing, seek good order and justice.
In acting, be skillful.
In working, do all things at the right time.
No contention, no strife.
Can you keep body and soul together
and find your wholeness in the One?
Can you make your breathing as soft as a
newborn child’s?
Can you cleanse your inner vision
until you see with perfect clarity?
(pp. 49-50)
The Value of Emptiness & Non-Being
Thirty spokes are joined in the hub of the wheel,
but it is the center hole, where it is empty,
that makes the wheel useful.
We make a clay pot,
but it is the emptiness inside that makes the pot useful.
We cut windows and doors to make a room,
but it is the inner emptiness that makes the room useful.
We seek to take advantage of what is,
but we also find much use for what is not.
(p.50)
(pp. 51-52)
Lao-Tzu’s Anti-Confucianism
TTC 18
 TTC 19
 TTC 38
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Down with kindness & morality,
intelligence & learning, family values,
industry & profit, clinging to power,
activism, virtue, justice, & propriety!
Lao-Tzu’s Political Philosophy
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TTC 3 (Taoist rule)
TTC 17 (types of rulers)
TTC 28b (uncarved wood)
TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
30 (war)
31 (weapons)
32 (dividing & naming)
46 (enough is enough)
53 (social criticism)
57 (keep it simple)
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TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
TTC
(pp. 52-59)
58 (limited govt.)
60 (large country, small fish)
61 (yielding)
65 (enlightening the people)
66 (low profile)
68 (non-contending)
69 (war)
74 (death penalty)
75 (limited govt.)
77 (social policy)
78 (water)
Imagine a small country with a small population.
They have lots of technology, but they use none of it.
They take the prospect of death seriously
and thus do not travel far from home.
They have boats and carriages, but no one takes them out.
They have weapons and armor,
but no one takes them out of the armory.
(TTC 80)
(p. 59)
Instead of writing, they have gone back
to the old system of cord-knotting.
They enjoy their plain but good food,
their simple but fine clothing,
their humble but secure homes.
They are happy with their way of life.
The next country is so close that the crowing of the cocks and
the barking of the dogs over there can be easily heard over here;
and yet the people over here grow old and die
without ever having been over there.
Self
Being in favor or being in disgrace: either way, trouble.
It is all within the Self.
What does this mean?
Being in favor, we fear falling out of favor.
Being out of favor, we fear remaining there.
This fear is within the Self.
No Self, no fear.
Do you value the world as you value yourself?
You may be trusted to rule.
Do you love the world as you love yourself?
The world may be entrusted to your care.
(p. 50)