...03/03/2014 The book Tao Te Ching was originally called Laozi, the author’s name. When people mentioned Laozi, they were referring to the book as well as the man. The Tao Te Ching is translated as The Classic of the Way and Its Virtue, or simply The Way of Life. Laozi was a quiet and secluded person, and no one would have known him had he not written the Tao Te Ching. No details are known with certainty about his life. The introduction has the purpose to describe the concept and structure of Tao. Lao Tzu was trying to explain something that was inexpressible with language. According to the text Laozi (Lao Tzu) “One of the difficulties of the poems in the Dao De Jing is that they do not provide explanations or definitions, The Dao De Jing begins with what seems to be a series of conclusions about the dao, a word and concept for which we have no English equivalent. “ (Crawford et al. 1603) With that being said, Tao is something that is beyond whatever we could possible describe. The first two lines on the introduction “ The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao/ The name that can be named is not the eternal name.” can be described as the Tao that can be completely explained or expressed in words is not the constant, eternally unchanging and true Tao. The main idea here is that the Tao is a concept beyond reason and logic. If the name of this Tao can be defined with words, then it is not the constant, eternally unchanging name of the true Tao. Once it manifests itself...
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...Compare/Contrast Essay When utilizing the rhetorical strategy of comparing and contrasting in relationship to literature, a number of pieces of can qualify. In particular, the idea of leadership is arguably one of the most written about topics with regard to comparing and contrasting. Throughout history, it can be argued that the majority of successful societies have been based upon effective divisions of leadership. Accordingly, in their pieces of literature, The Tao-te Ching and The Qualities of the Prince, Lao-tzu and Machiavelli have sought to convey a more complete and concrete understanding of their respective definitions and duties of a ruler (leadership). The theme of political leaders and their intricate relationship with society indeed validate itself within both texts. However, both Lao-tzu and Machiavelli approach this issue from almost entirely opposite positions, though sharing minute similarities. Lao-tzu appears to focus the majority of his attention on letting problems or situations take their course, and consequently good would prevail. On the contrary, Machiavelli advocates the necessity for a successful leader, or prince, to take control of his deeds, and the skills or qualities necessary to maintain power. Since both writers propose a question as to what is in essence the same dilemma, effective leadership, it becomes almost natural literary etiquette to contrast the two in an effort to better understand what qualities a prosperous leader must possess. Despite...
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...the highest good in his Tao Te Ching: The highest good is like water. Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive. It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao. In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. In speech, be true. In ruling, be just. In business, be competent. In action, watch the timing. No fight; no blame." Write an essay of 750-1,000 words discussing this idea. 1. Think about his meaning and how it might be similar or different than key ideas in seeking the highest good in both Confucianism and Christianity. The philosopher, Lao-Tzu, wrote about the highest good in his Tao Te Ching. Lao-Tzu was known as the father of Taoism; a philosophical and religious tradition that origins from China by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu that emphasizes to live with the Tao in harmony (Taoism, n.d.). Taoism is known to go hand-in-hand with Confucianism which is a mainly characterized as Chinese philosophical and ethical system rather than a religion that was based on the teaching of the Chinese Philosopher known as Confucius (Berling, 1996). This is due to the fact that it was more of a common moral understanding and not having a separate church but rather is known through society, school, state, and family. Lao-Tzu wrote the small book Tao Te Ching which is known to be the most important book in Taoism, much like the Bible in Christianity and the I Ching of Confucianism. 2...
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...I Ching is an ancient Chinese text called The Book of changes or The Classic of changes. This book or classic of changes tells us about how Tao is always changing. The way to use I Ching is to throw coins. When the coin the thrown six times it gives a numerical value and gives a hexagram. The hexagram can be six straight lines, six broken lines or the combination. Then in the I Ching there is reading associated with the hexagram and this reading will answer the questions that are being asked. This reading is not only a destiny teller but it also guides people through their own awareness. I Ching is both Confucius and Taoist text. It is Taoist because they believe in letting things happen. For example, when the coin is thrown, we are letting...
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...Two-thousand-five-hundred years ago Lao Tzu, a famous Chinese philosopher, said that power is the essence of human nature, one translated version of his book which is called Tao Te Ching wrote “Lao Tzu believed that when people do not have a sense of power they become resentful and uncooperative. Individuals who do not feel personal power feel fear. They fear the unknown because they do not identify with the world outside of themselves; thus their psychic integration is severely damaged and they are a danger to their society. Tyrants do not feel power, they feel frustration and impotency. They wield force, but it is a form of aggression, not authority. On closer inspection, it becomes apparent that individuals who dominate others are, in fact, enslaved by insecurity and are slowly and mysteriously hurt by their own actions. "(Frederick Mann, 1993) Above all, personal power is the ability to achieve what you want in your life. There is a similar definition when it comes to the study of organizational behavior. When a leader is trying to influence others and gain social status, and his motivation towards the decision is that serve this own interest, this is called personalized power. For example, the leader of former Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin, has manifested this by cult personality and dictatorship. Along with the socialism development in Soviet Union, the personal prestige of Stalin was enhancing sharply, he became arrogant and immodest. He encouraged and advocated a cult...
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... The principle of Yin and Yang is a fundamental idea in Chinese philosophy and culture as a rule dating from the third century BCE or considerably prior. This guideline is that all things exist as inseparable and opposing alternate extremes, for instance female-male, dark- light and old-young. The two opposites are drawn toward each other and supplement one another and, as their symbol shows, every side has at its center a component of the other (represented by the little dots). Neither one of the poles is better than the other and, as an increment in one gets a comparing decline in the other, a right harmony between the two posts must be reached in order to accomplish congruity. 2. The main scripture in Daoism is the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching). What is the history and importance of this text for the tradition? The book has been linguistically dated to about 350 BCE, but it seems to have circulated in several earlier forms. In 1972, at the tombs of Mawangdui, archeologists discovered two ancient copies of the text that differ from the arrangement commonly used. Another shorter ancient version was found in a tomb at Guodian in 1993. It contains about one-third of the standard text.1 The version that is commonly known and used is from the third century CE. One theory holds that its overall purpose was political, that it was meant as a handbook for rulers; another sees it primarily as a religious guidebook, meant to lead adherents to spiritual insight; and still another...
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...Machiavelli. A philosopher, politician, diplomat and historian whose works have made his name a by-word for pragmatism and ruthlessness not just in politics but in everyday life. His most famous work, the Prince, advocated the separation of personal morals to that of one’s political morals, and the emphasis not on ideology but on what would be the most beneficial course of action to take. Though criticized by many for the amorality his beliefs possess, his influence in political thought has affected other prominent philosophers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Adam Smith, David Hume and Thomas Hobbes. The second is Lao Tzu. He was an ancient Chinese philosopher who founded the religion of Taoism, which emphasized living in harmony with the Tao, or...
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...always been seeking for a greater understanding of life and what our purpose is here on earth. Many have written books on how to find the meaning of life and how to focus on your purpose, or could we say, seeking a higher good. As we look at these three religions it is difficult to even begin to see how three religions that are so far apart can find common ground. Taking each one of them individually and trying to pinpoint their relationships can be very challenging. Lao-Tsu (570-490 B.C.) wrote the following on the highest good in his Tao Te Ching: "The highest good is like water. Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive. It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao. In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. In speech, be true. In ruling, be just. In business, be competent. In action, watch the timing. No fight; no blame." (Ching) Tao is defined as “the way” and is often compared to a body of water. Water is one of the strongest elements of the earth, it has been known to wash away building structures and wipe away cities because of floods. Water is the main source for all living...
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...Timothy Lee 12/07/15 Professor Parise Philosophy 80 – Intro to Religion Tao I have chosen the article of Taoism: The Tao Te Ching, and have decided to expand my knowledge in Taoism. The article begins with the introduction of Chinese philosophy, and enters the definition of Confucianism and Taoism. They continue with the definition, and explain that Chinese philosophy was interplayed by these two concepts. The article explains Confucianism is based on will and intuition, while Taoism are more concentrated in instinctiveness and intuition. These are important in Chinese philosophy, because China always questions balance. They give examples in the article by bringing yin and yang, light and dark, heat and cold, etc. The article tells a story about Lao Tzu who quit his occupation, and decided to go west to achieve solitude. He created the book The Tao Te Ching, which had been translated many times to show the importance and genius of the book. Before starting the essay, it is important to understand “Tao,” which is translated in English to way, or a synonym. The book begins with an introduction of The Tao Itself, and it explains to the readers how Tao works in our lives, and the infinite possibility of Tao. The author writes, “The Tao is like a well: used but never used up.” It compares Tao to the well, and no matter how many times it has been used; there would still be resources to use. Showing that Tao can never expire, and it continues by connecting the emptiness of the...
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...Taoism Tao Eternal Paradise Master Manifestations Darkness When I first read the Tao Te Ching, my first thought was that Taoism doesn’t follow the “supernatural” or any supreme God or being. Taoism is not only a religion deriving from China, but also, a philosophy. Everything is based on coming back to the center and “balancing your life to live in perfect harmony.” The Tao will always remain in a state of equilibrium and could never falter. People can get confused with Taoism, referring to the Tao as a person. The Tao is portrayed as “the way” or “the path.” Opposites such as dark and light, love and hate, male and female, and the famous Yin and Yang embody the whole of Taoism. One cannot coincide without the other. If not for the nature of the Tao, then people would not remain balanced in the universe and become troubled. To become one with the Tao, a person must leave all aggression and anger behind and live life passively, allowing everything to happen accordingly. You have to remain at peace with oneself. There is always a correct way to do everything. Another way to become united with the Tao is to practice the “wu-wei” or the “doing without doing.” Everything will fall into place and come out right, according to Taoism, if everyone does nothing. Let nature take its course. When reading the Tao, certain passages stuck out to me. I tried to interpret them into what I thought the message was. Chapter 55 talks about extending life, even superficial things...
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...Zhuangzi is the man who incorporated a prose of constantly changing styles, with embedded verse passages. Many of his works were humors. The poems transitions from wise jokes to moments of profound melancholy and then to tight philosophical arguments that turn imperceptibly paradox. Zhuangzi helped create Daoism, which traces as back as the 6th Century. Daoism is about people living without worldly possessions and resting in non-action. On the other hand, there was not a religion of choice and Tao acted as a universal belief. The people of Tao believe that there is no God, but that the universe springs from the Tao. “The One” is the essential energy of life that enables people to be themselves and live in accordance to the Tao. Later on, Taoism...
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...University of Phoenix Material Daoism Worksheet Complete the following questions in detail. Answer each question with a 1- or 2-paragraph response that includes a reference citation. Make use of Experiencing the World’s Religions and other sources in your research as you complete the questions. 1. Describe the principles of yang and yin. The nature of change, balanced as two halves of a whole.The word Yin comes out to mean “shady side” and Yang “sunny side”. “Chinese commonly thought that the universe expressed itself in opposite but complementary principles: light and dark, day and night, and hot and cold.” (Experiencing the World’s Religions) 2. The main scripture in Daoism is the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching). What is the history and importance of this text for the tradition? The Daodejing is considered one of the Worlds greatest books. It is considered the central scripture of Daoism. Its translated to mean Classic of the Way of Power. It describes the manner in which people will live if they are in harmony with the Dao; and it gives suggestions for experiencing the Dao. (Experiencing the World’s Religions) 3. How are Daoist ideals expressed through art? Offer several examples. Perspective is important in art. Paintings of cats, rabbits, birds, and deer which are the humbler elements of nature. Paintings of a bird or a stalk of bamboo seen close-up help the viewer see the mysterious energy at work in these nonhuman forms of life. 4. What...
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...your research as you complete the questions. 1. Describe the principles of yang and yin. Yin and Yang are represented by intertwined objects that look like commas. One is dark and one is white. The meaning is to show the balance between good and evil or any set of opposites. It shows that the opposite of one thing can turn onto the opposite of the other. The concept is that the universe expresses itself in opposite ways but in complementary ways like light and dark, birth and death, young and old, old and new, and the list goes on and on. The dot of the opposite color in each side is the seed that represents the division that will turn into the other (Molloy, 2012, Chapter 6). 2. The main scripture in Daoism is the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching). What is the history and importance of this text for the tradition? The Daodejing is highly regarded as one of the world’s premier religious texts. The title can be translated as the classical book about the Way and it’s power. There are multiple versions but the one most widely used dates back to the third century. The chapters do not have a clear pattern, rather they are read more as poetry. It may have perhaps originated as a collection of proverbs and oral sayings that were translated into written form. Much like the Bible, it is thought to have had multiple authors that contributed over a period of time to the book and it was eventually put all together (Molloy, 2012, Chapter 6). 3. How are Daoist ideals expressed through...
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...10 September 2013 The Perfect Government Throughout history many leaders, both good and bad, have come and gone. Many leaders had their own opinions on what would make their government great, but sadly leaders soon find that what had originally sounded like a good idea, can quickly lead to the downfall of their land. Machiavelli and Lao Tzu both had strong opinions about how a leader should run a government. However, their ideas on what makes the ideal leader are wildly different. Machiavelli believed that a prince should be strict even if, at times, it appears cruel. Lao Tzu, on the other hand, didn’t feel that a ruler needed to be controlling, but rather just let people live their lives. In The Prince, Machiavelli insisted that a good prince should be mean, or selfish. “We have not seen great things done in our time except by those who have been considered mean; the rest have failed.” (Machiavelli 186) By doing so, the prince will maintain power and, in time, improve the kingdom. He also believed a prince should be careful of wasting money because “nothing wastes so rapidly as liberality.” (Machiavelli 187) When a prince tries to be liberal he ends up losing everything and when it comes time for a large expenditure, the prince has to become greedy and heavily tax his people. A prince who takes care in saving money is able to pay for those large expenditures without...
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...Integrating Culture and Diversity in Decision Making: The CEO and Organizational Culture Profile April Smith The organization I chose to research and discuss on is Zappos. Many individuals enjoy this organization because it is an online shoe store that sells name brand designers that is half the priced than an original shoe store within a mall. Nick Swinmurn, who started the online shoe retailer Zappos.com, founded this organization in 1999. His original idea was to generate a web site that presented great quality of selections of brands, styles, colors, sizes, and widths of the shoes. By 2010, Zappos had grown so much that there was need to restructure the company so that we could continue to offer customers the very best service possible. For us to have the flexibility to possibly sell anything and everything one day, we needed to make this change. On May 1, 2010, Zappos was restructured into ten separate companies under the Zappos Family umbrella "The Zappos Family Story." Zappos is just like any other organization that holds a culture of values of their organization. There unique culture provides ten family core values that their organization stand firm about business. Their first value is Deliver WOW Through Service, at Zappos anything worth doing is worth doing with WOW. They distinguish that value short and simply but it encompasses things with the organization. The philosophy at Zappos is to WOW...
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