道家思想英文簡(jiǎn)介講解學(xué)習(xí)

1、Taoism第一頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。OK So then what is Taoism?Taoism is both a philosophy and a religion.Lao-tzuHenan Province.第二頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。 Taoist Approaches Philosophical/School Taoism Religious Taoism The end of Han Dynastyfurther development of School Taoism; on the basis of it.第三頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。There is debate over how, and whe

2、ther, Taoism should be categorized. Traditionally, it is divided into two categories:citation needed1.Philosophical Taoism (Daojia, Chinese: 道家(Doji); pinyin: doji; lit. school or family of Dao) The philosophy based on the texts of the Tao Te Ching (or Daodejing, Chinese: 道德經(jīng); pinyin: dodjng) and th

3、e Zhuangzi (Chinese: 莊子; pinyin: zhungzi). These texts were linked together under the term of Daojia during the early Han Dynasty, but notably not before.56 2.Religious Taoism (Daojiao, Chinese: 道教; pinyin: dojio; lit. teachings of Dao) A family of organized religious movements sharing concepts deri

4、ved from Daojia第四頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。* Not sure when he died. 604 B.C.E. - ?* His name means “Old Master”* 第五頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。Zhuang Zhou* lived around the 4th century BC during the Warring States period* Master Zhuang* 第六頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。TextsTao Te Chingconsidered the most influential Taoist text written by Laozi道可道非常(fichng)道The

5、 Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao名可名非常(fichng)名 The name that can be named is not the eternal name.82第七頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。Zhuangzi a collection of stories and imaginary conversations. a set of practices achieve unity with the dao and become a true person (zhen ren). The Butterfly Dream莊周夢(mèng)蝶(zhun zhu m

6、n di)第八頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。Here are three of the major Taoist concepts: TE means power. The power of a thing is its virtue, its identity, its integrity. So the te of a person is their authentic self, or genuineness. Te is expressed through humility and meekness(溫順(wnshn)的;順從的gentle and quiet). WU-WEI is a concep

7、t involving relaxing the conscious mind. It seeks the denial of anything personal and the dissolution of the conscious, individual self. Wu-wei is best illustrated by water; it is supple yet strong, it flows over and fills what it encounters. It means to simply follow the way of nature. PU is a term

8、 which literally means “unpainted wood”. PU stresses the importance of simplicity and the need to leave things in their natural state. Oh So then what do Taoists believe?第九頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。The Three Meanings of Tao Tao is the way of ultimate reality. Tao is the way of the universe: the norm, the rhythm, the d

9、riving power in all nature, the ordering principle behind all life. Tao refers to the way of human life when it meshes with the Tao of the universe.Ultimately, Tao is ineffable(cannot be described in words)第十頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。The ultimate reality in Taoism is the Tao, or Way. Broadly defined, the Tao is the my

10、sterious natural order of the universe. But paradoxically, what the sages have most often said about the Tao is that nothing can be said about it. As the Tao Te Ching puts it:The way that can be spoken of Is not the constant Way;The name that can be namedIs not the constant Name.The nameless was at

11、the beginning of heaven and earth; The named was the mother of myriad creatures.Hence always rid yourself of desires in order to observe its secrets;But always allow yourself to have desires in order to observe its manifestations.These two are the same But diverge in name as they issue forth. Being

12、the same they are called mysteries, Mystery upon mystery - The gateway of the manifold secrets.第十一頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。in Chinese thinking, to give something a name (ming) is to assign it a place in the universe. This cannot be done with the Tao, as it pervades and encompasses all.The Tao has no characteristics,

13、yet it is not nothingness. In fact, it is better understood as everythingness, as it contains within itself all potential characteristics. It encompasses both Being (yu) and Non-Being (wu). In its mode of being Unseen, we will see its mysteries; in the mode of the Seen, we will see its boundaries. 第

14、十二頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。The Tao encompasses all opposite and complementary forces, which are collectively referred to as yin and yang. As represented in the familiar Great Polarity symbol, yin and yang are interdependent and contain within themselves the seed of the other. Yin is associated with darkness, feminini

15、ty, passivity and water, while yang is light, masculinity, activity and air. Yin and yang are always in perfect balance within the Tao. The goal of the Taoist, therefore, is to keep these opposites in balance within his or her own life.The Tao is further characterized by tzu-jan, which is difficult

16、to translate directly but is usually rendered spontaneity or self-so. The self-so is unconditioned and uninfluenced; it is nothing other than itself.This, in turn, is the ideal of the sage-ruler in the Tao Te Ching. He does not strive, he does not intervene, but acts in such a way that everyone thro

17、ughout the country says, It happened of its own accord (tzu-jan).第十三頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。Here are three of the major Taoist concepts: TE means power. The power of a thing is its virtue, its identity, its integrity. So the te of a person is their authentic self, or genuineness. Te is expressed through humility and

18、 meekness(溫順(wnshn)的;順從的gentle and quiet). WU-WEI is a concept involving relaxing the conscious mind. It seeks the denial of anything personal and the dissolution of the conscious, individual self. Wu-wei is best illustrated by water; it is supple yet strong, it flows over and fills what it encounte

19、rs. It means to simply follow the way of nature. PU is a term which literally means “unpainted wood”. PU stresses the importance of simplicity and the need to leave things in their natural state. Oh So then what do Taoists believe?第十四頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。Te Virtue Power For Taoists . . . it is the means through w

20、hich the Tao becomes manifest, actualized, and realized第十五頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。What Is Wu Wei?What Is Wu Wei?One of Taoisms most important concepts is wu wei, which is sometimes translated as “non-doing” or “non-action.” A better way to think of it, however, is as a paradoxical “Action of non-action.” Wu wei refe

21、rs to the cultivation of a state of being in which our actions are quite effortlessly in alignment with the ebb and flow of the elemental cycles of the natural world. It is a kind of “going with the flow” that is characterized by great ease and awake-ness, in which - without even trying - were able

22、to respond perfectly to whatever situations arise.第十六頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。The Choice to Relate To or Withdraw from SocietyHistorically, wu wei has been practiced both within and outside of existing social and political structures. In the Daode Jing, Laozi introduces us to his ideal of the “enlightened leader” who

23、, by embodying the principles of wu wei, is able to rule in a way that creates happiness and prosperity for all of a countrys inhabitants. Wu wei has also found expression in the choice made by some Taoist adepts to withdraw from society in order to live the life of a hermit, wandering freely throug

24、h mountain meadows, meditating for long stretches in caves, and so being nourished in a very direct way by the energy of the natural world.第十七頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。The Highest Form of VirtueThe practice of wu wei is the expression of what in Taoism is considered to be the highest form of virtue one that is in no w

25、ay premeditated, but rather arises spontaneously. In verse 38 of the Daode Jing (translated here by Jonathan Star), Laozi tells us:The highest virtue is to act without a sense of selfThe highest kindness is to give without a conditionThe highest justice is to see without a preferenceWhen Tao is lost

26、 one must learn the rules of virtueWhen virtue is lost, the rules of kindnessWhen kindness is lost, the rules of justiceWhen justice is lost, the rules of conduct第十八頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。As we find our alignment with the Tao with the rhythms of the elements within and outside of our bodies our actions are quite na

27、turally of the highest benefit to all who we contact. At this point we have gone beyond the need for formal religious or secular moral precepts of any sort. We have become the embodiment of wu wei, the Action of non-action; as well as of wu nien, the Thought of non-thought, and wu hsin, the Mind of

28、non-mind. We have realized our place within the web of inter-being, within the cosmos, and knowing our connection to all-that-is can offer only thoughts, words and actions that do no harm, that are spontaneously virtuous.第十九頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。NaturalnesseditNaturalness (Chinese: 自然(zrn); pinyin: zrn; WadeGiles:

29、 tzu-jan; lit. self-such) is regarded as a central value in Taoism.54 It describes the primordial state of all things55 as well as a basic character of the Tao,56 and is usually associated with spontaneity and creativity.5756 To attain naturalness, one has to identify with the Tao;56 this involves f

30、reeing oneself from selfishness and desire, and appreciating simplicity.54An often cited metaphor for naturalness is pu (simplified Chinese: 樸; traditional Chinese: 樸; pinyin: p, p; WadeGiles: pu; lit. uncut wood), the uncarved block, which represents the original nature. prior to the imprint of cul

31、ture of an individual.58 It is usually referred to as a state onereturns to.59與美國(guó)超驗(yàn)主義有一些相似，return to nature, simple life.第二十頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。Other Taoist Values Rejection of self-assertiveness and competition “Standing on tiptoe you are unsteady” (24) Avoidance of aggression “If you want to grab the world and

32、 run it/I see that you will not succeed” (29) Naturalism, naturalness, simplicity Relativity第二十一頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。Say What?In plain English:v Taoists advocate a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural eventsv Taoists dont like politics, administration, or elaborate rituals. v So then

33、how would you have government?v Do not emphasize status, intelligence, or possessions. v Govern with least visibility and with a serving attitude. v Reduce laws and govern lightly. v Take few actions that involve the people. v Treat other countries non-aggressively.v Taoists believe that the purpose

34、 of life is to live according to the Tao.v That requires calmness, passiveness, and humility. 第二十二頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。* The basic text of Daoism.* In Chinese, it means The Classic in the Way and Its Power.* “Those who speak know nothing: Those who know are silent.” These words, I am told, Were spoken by Laozi. I

35、f we are to believe that Laozi, Was himself one who knew, How is it that he wrote a book, Of five thousand words?第二十三頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。 1. Dao Tao is the first-cause of the universe. It is a force that flows through all life. 2. A believers goal is to become one with Dao; one with nature. “The butterfly or the

36、 man?” story. 3. Wu wei - “Let nature take its course.” - “The art of doing nothing.” - “Go with the flow!” 4. Man is unhappy because he lives acc. to man-made laws, customs, & traditions that are contrary to the ways of nature.第二十四頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。 1. Rejecting formal knowledge and learning. 2. Relying o

37、n the senses and instincts. 3. Discovering the nature and “rhythm” of the universe. 4. Ignoring political and social laws. To escape the “social, political, & cultural traps” of life, one must escape by:第二十五頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。* Masculine* Active* Light* Warmth* Strong* Heaven; Sun* Feminine* Passive* Darkne

38、ss* Cold* Weak* Earth; Moon第二十六頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。 How is a man to live in a world dominated by chaos, suffering, and absurdity? Confucianism - Moral order in society. Legalism - Rule by harsh law & order. Daoism - Freedom for individuals and less govt. to avoid uniformity and conformity.第二十七頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。fSome of

39、 the beliefs that are especially fundamental to Taoism:fChi: Chi is a fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy and culture.fDeath and Afterlife: In Taoism, life and death are merely two aspects of reality, the unchanging Tao. Death is simply a transformation from being to non-being; from yang to yi

40、nfImmortals: The spiritual beings of primary importance in religious Taoism are the Immortals (Xian in Chinese). fPurpose of Life:The focus of most religious Taoism is attaining immortality.fThe Tao: The ultimate reality in Taoism is the Tao, or Way. 第二十八頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。Chi (Chi (氣) )fChi (also spelled Chi o

41、r Qi) is a fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy and culture. Found in Chinese traditional religion but especially Taoism, Chi literally means air or breath, but as a concept it refers to the energy flow or life force that is said to pervade all things.fThe nature of chi has always been a matter

42、 of debate in Chinese thinking. Some believe chi is a separate force from the physical world, while others think chi comes from physical matter. Still others, especially Chinese Buddhists and Taoists, hold that matter arises from chi.fThe quality, quantity and balance of Chi is believed to be essent

43、ial to maintaining health and achieving a long life. One author explains it this way:fQi is the basic material of all that exists. It animates life and furnishes functional power of events. Qi is the root of the human body; its quality and movement determine human health. There is a normal or health

44、y amount of qi in every person, and health manifests in its balance and harmony, its moderation and smoothness of flow. - Livia Kohn, Health and Long Life: The Chinese WayfIn addition to living a healthy life (both physically and psychologically), Chi can be regulated through practices like breath c

45、ontrol, Tai Chi, massage and acupuncture. Nearly all techniques in traditional Chinese medicine are based on the concept of Chi.第二十九頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。fBreath control is considered especially fundamental to balancing the levels of Chi in ones body. Controlled and meditative breathing, called hsing-chi, allows c

46、hi to permeate the entire body by imagining the breath as a visible current moving through the body. Another type of breathing exercise, tai-hsi, attempts to revert ones breathing to that of an fetus in the womb. This is considered especially powerful for longevity and immortality (especially in Tao

47、ism).fThe traditional Chinese art of placement and arrangement of space called Feng Shui is also based on the flow of chi, as well as the five elements, yin and yang and other factors. The retention or dissipation of chi is believed to affect the health, wealth, energy level, luck and many other asp

48、ects of the occupants of the space. Color, shape and the physical location of each item in a space affects the flow of chi by slowing it down, redirecting it or accelerating it, which directly affects the chi of the occupants.f Regulating the flow of Chi for health and long life in Chinatown, Los An

49、geles. 第三十頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。Taoist Immortals (Taoist Immortals (仙) )fThe spiritual beings of primary importance in religious Taoism are the Immortals (Xian in Chinese). First introduced in the Chuang-Tzu and perhaps intended by the author to be allegorical, these super-humans or perfected persons (chen jen) ca

50、me to be worshipped and emulated by Taoists. Some even seek to locate them, in the hope of asking them their secret of immortality.fIn the Chuang-Tzu, these perfect beings dwell far away in an untroubled place, where they experience an effortless existence of physical freedom. They are ageless, eat

51、nothing but air, drink nothing but dew, and enjoy the power of flight. They exemplify the Taoist virtue of spontaneity - they are nothing other than their essential nature.第三十一頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。fThe Eight ImmortalsfThese powerful beings are especially known and revered in the group of Eight Immortals, who are

52、said to have been born in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) or Song Dynasty (960-1279).fThe Eight Immortals frequently appear in Chinese literature, mythology and art and they each have a symbol and special power. As a group, they are associated symbolically with good fortune as well as the eight condition

53、s of life (youth, age, poverty, wealth, high rank, common people, feminine and masculine).第三十二頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。The Purpose of LifeThe Purpose of LifefThe ideal person in philosophical Taoism is the sage who understands and lives in accordance with the Tao. Knowing that all opposites are relative and interdepe

54、ndent, and that the best way to live is in harmony with the natural course of things (the Tao), a Taoist does not struggle, oppose, or strifInstead, the sage practices wu-wei, or non-action. In the Tao Te Ching, this is the central virtue of the wise ruler. Wu-wei does not mean doing nothing or doin

55、g things only in moderation. To practice wu-wei is to so orient oneself with the Tao that ones actions go unnoticed. Perfect activity leaves no track behind it; perfect speech is like a jade worker whose tool leaves no mark. In yet another paradox, wu-wei never acts, yet there is nothing it does not

56、 do.fThe focus of most religious Taoism is attaining immortality. This can have various meanings: eternal life, longevity of life, or attainment of superhuman physical abilities. Taoists have sought longevity by a variety of methods, such as:第三十三頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。fFocusing attention on the body through diet, e

57、xercises, and mindfulnessfRegulating the breath (chi), circulating its power deliberately to all parts of the bodyfHarnessing sexual energy, especially by retaining semen and sending its power throughout the bodyfExploring alchemy with the goal of finding the elixir of immortalityfBehaving in a mora

58、l way that is in harmony with the TaofSearching for the Isles of the Blessed, where the Immortals dwell and may be persuaded to share their secrets of immortality第三十四頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。DEITIESdi:ti:zWhen Taoism was first developing, there were no deities, only the Tao. As time went by, however, many gods became

59、 present in the religion. Two types of deities developed. The first type consists of the natural gods, the highest gods who are believed to have emerged from primordial energy at the beginning of the world. These gods developed as part of Taoism between the second and sixth centuries C.E. We will be

60、 giving examples of this type of god. The second type of Taoist deity consist of human beings who, through learning, self-discipline, alchemy, or some other means, have purified themselves of mortal imperfections and become gods. 第三十五頁(yè)，共45頁(yè)。THE THREE PURITIES(THE THREE CLARITIES)The Three Purities are the hig