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Pathway to Universal Harmony - Coggle Diagram
Pathway to Universal Harmony
Tao
ideas coming Chinese school of thought
cannot be described in words; humans can only form an idea of it but not an exact definition
is not a thing or a substance; rather a system of guidance
EVERYTHING comes from the Tao
translates to mean "way"
Wu Wei
the method of following Tao
allowing for things to take their natural course
allows for Taoists to live lives of balance and harmony
translated as uncontrived action or natural non-intervention
Yin Yang
opposites that fit together seamlessly and work in perfect harmony
depend on one another and do not make sense on their own
Yin
characterized by inward energy
ex. dark, feminine, soft, passive, evil
Yang
characterized by outward energy
ex. light, masculine, hard, active, good
traditional Yin Yang symbol
The 5 Elements
Earth
believed to be the fundamental elements of everything in the universe between which interactions occur
understanding these elements allows for someone to attain greater health, power, knowledge, happiness, etc
5 elements around the Yin Yang
Wood
Water
Metal
Fire
Ch'i
(or qi) is the cosmic vital energy that enables beings to survive and links them to the universe as a whole
its quality and movement determine human health
the basic material of all that exists; animates life and furnishes functional power of events & is the root of the human body
human life is the accumulation of qi; death is its dispersal
Alchemy
Internal (nei-dun)
physical practices such as breathing exercises, yoga and meditation are designed to transform a person both mentally and physically
brings them into closer harmony with the Tao & gives them a longer life
External (wai-dan)
involves diet and the use of minerals and herbs to promote long life
these people searched for an "elixir"; a pill, potion or practice that would allow them to live on forever
involved various combinations of ingredients, various methods of heating, grinding, and mixing as well as the utilization of other rituals
alchemists are those who which to transform things and make them more valuable
Lao Tzu
Tao Te Ching
"The Way and Its Power"; was a testament to humanity's at-home-ness in the universe
basic text of Taoist thought
born around 604 BC, traditionally described as the founder of Taoism, names translates into "the Grand Old Master"
praised spontaneity and naturalness
modern writers think he is a legendary figure
image of Taoism "founder" Lao Tzu
