by Author Name Withheld 161

Created on: July 08, 2009   Last Updated: July 25, 2009

Taoism is one of the oldest practicing religions today, and it is one of three main religions practiced in China-the others being Confucianism and Buddhism. Like Confucianism, Taoism also began in China around 1,500 years ago. It is said that around 600 B.C.E., a man by the name of Lao Tzu was born an 80-year-old man. He spent much of his life surrounded by books, and eventually decided to leave China. Upon doing so, a guard required him to leave his possessions behind; as he had nothing but his knowledge, Lao Tzu spent time writing down his thoughts. These thoughts were a compilation of sayings and other writings, pertaining to the natural mechanisms of life. This sacred book became known as the Tao Te Ching and is revered by a great many Taoist practitioners. The Tao Te Ching is a beautifully simple, yet elaborate, book that describes what is known as the Tao-or, the way. The Tao Te Ching describes the way of nature and the natural order of things; and, it provides insight as to how to attain harmony with Tao, considered the ultimate goal for Taoists.

The Tao Te Ching proclaims that the true Tao is not something that can be adequately described in words, that it is not something tangible; rather, it is experienced and it is observed. It is the origins of everything that began and everything that exists today and tomorrow. The Tao Te Ching describes the Tao as being manifestations of all that surrounds us.A key element in regard to experiencing the Tao is the importance of letting go of the ties to the material world. The material world takes away from understanding the Tao; thus, by living in simplicity, one can realize the true Tao.

Along with the many phrases and other Taoist sayings that are found within the Tao Te Ching, there are certain images of importance. These images are revered as being where the Tao can be most easily observed; by realizing these observations, a Taoist practitioner can attain harmony with the Tao. The first image pertains to water. Water is believed to be a necessary element; and, while its calmness does not seem spectacular, at first, it functions as the basis of all natural life. Images of women are also used to represent the observable manifestation of the Tao. Women, while reserved and collected, have the power to support and continue human life. The child is yet another image that is used to represent the Tao; the naive child, not yet affected by the bonds of the material world, are connected to the awe-inspiring

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