Question

What is Tao ? Explain concept and give some examples.

Answer 1

Tao is a principle underlying the universe, combining within itself the principles of yin and yang and code of behavior, that is in harmony with the natural order. Taoism is one of the main strands of traditional Chinese philosophy. Its being named after the word Dao, which means “the way".

It signifies the way in which the reality beyond human perception, a reality that Taoists strongly associate with the natural world. For Taoists, the ultimate goal of human life is to understand this reality and learn to live in harmony with it. One of the main beliefs of Taoism is wu-wei, or “not doing.”

Taoists believe that the path to wisdom and happiness involves emptying the mind and settling into a deep stillness. Like Buddhists and Hindus, Taoists practice intensive spiritual meditation as a method for understanding the world and living a better life.

Example: Star Wars shows many influences from Taoism, especially in the teachings of Yoda. Some people have also pointed out that Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader correspond to the yin-yang symbol. They are matched opposites, and yet there is some darkness in Luke and some good in Vader.