Taoism, a philosophy that dates back as early as Confucianism,
was developed by several people over a long period of time. Lao
Zi, the major Taoist philosopher and thinker, lived in about 5th
Century B.C. China. (575-485) His ideas were supposedly recorded
in the book Daodejing, which means "Classic of the Way and Virtue",
Dao (Tao) meaning "the way" or the universal path that provides
guidance for all living things.
In this book of classics, the principles of Taoism are introduced
and explained. There is need for simple life, in which yin and yang
exist in balance. Yin is the representation of females, quietness,
darkness, valleys, black, earth, and night, while yang represents
males, noise, light, hills, white, sky, and day. The two are represented
in the often-seen yin-yang diagram, which basically communicates
that in every good thing, there is something bad, and vice-versa.
People are just part of the natural world, and must retire from
the business of the world. This emphasis on non-action opposes Confucian
beliefs. Taoism insists on that truth must be felt, not taught,
and there could never be an amount of learning that can help to
find peace. This also opposes Confucianism. Followers of this faith
withdraw from public life, since there is no purpose in being involved
with government and other people, upon the belief that "Those who
strive for nothing cannot be disappointed".
By traditional myths, Lao Zi was saddened by people's unwillingness
to accept his ideas, so he climbed on a water buffalo and set west,
but was then later persuaded to return to write Daodejing. Till
this day, Taoism remains as the basis of many philosophers, and
its ideas are still sometimes consulted to serve as examples in
teachings.
