Tao is what? Tao Te Ching: teaching. The Way of Tao

A calm and sunny day. Sakura leaves fly with a fresh wind. In the temple, a monk sits in a motionless pose and looks away with a distanced expression. His body is relaxed, and his breathing is slow and measured. It seems that around him is emptiness and at the same time fullness. No phenomenon can affect the deep immersion in the secrets of the self's "I" of this monk.

So goes a long time. The sun, having met a lone figure with its rays, is already beginning to say goodbye. At this moment the body of the monk comes to life and begins to move. Awakening is not fast, it takes time to recover in the full sense of the word. Here he already got up and walked quietly along the path, which leads to a small house. There he is waiting for a simple meal and the same room. There is nothing superfluous in the monk's house, only the most necessary for life.

It was a small time travel in order to see the image of the great thinker Lao Tzu and the essence of his teaching, which became one of the three main religions of China.

Who is Lao Tzu?

If you believe the legend, it's the son, who gave birth to a woman under a plum tree. She bore him for 81 years and gave birth through the hip. In the light he appeared old and with a gray head. This greatly surprised the woman, and she called him "old child", which means in translation into Chinese Lao Tzu. Also there is another interpretation of his name - "the old philosopher". His birth occurred in 604 BC.

It is worth noting that there is no reliable information about his life and birth. Until now, studies are underway about whether there was a person with that name at all. Therefore, here are given those data on it, which are written in authoritative sources.

As an adult, Lao Tzu served the emperor and was the tutor of the library during the reign of the Zhou dynasty. For many years, while studying and reading ancient treatises, the thinker ripened and gained wisdom. Being in his old age, he decided to leave his native country and went west on horseback on a green bull. At the border point he was stopped by a minister of the emperor and recognized a great thinker. He asked the sage to leave his wisdom to his descendants before he left. It was at this request that Lao Tse's famous book, Tao Te Ching, was written. Its length is five thousand hieroglyphs.

The concept of Tao

Tao is in the literal translation of the "path". The basis of all things and the law by which everything happens in this world. This concept is so multifaceted and profound that it can not be specifically identified in words. Sometimes this concept is denoted as a force that moves the world. It has no beginning, no end. It is in every particle of being, and permeates the world through and through. Without this power, the future is impossible and the past is crumbling. It is she who defines the concept of "now" as a way of existence.

In the treatise on Tao, Lao Zi describes how the power moves the whole world and fills all beings. The device of the world is completely determined by the Tao, and can not be otherwise. But at the same time, the Tao is an infinite variety of ways in which the existence of a particular object can go. Therefore, there are opinions that with the help of this book any creature can attain immortality. This stems from the fact that the Tao, the path of which man must pass, can lead to the eternal source of life.

The concept of "De"

All changes in the world are caused by patterns or, in other words, by travel messages between the past and the future. This way is the embodiment of the Tao. At the same time, this power is manifested through the other side of this world - De. Hence the name of the book "Tao Te Ching".

The concept of "De" is a property or ideal concept of the existence of everything in this world. The Tao manifests itself in reality through the existence of Te. This is the best version of the manifestation of matter, which is a flow from one form to another through the path of Tao. Some interpretations describe the similarity of this concept to karma. Karma determines how the object will exist, and to some extent echoes this concept.

The treatise describes the correct existence of a person, which is represented by De. If you get rid of passions, pride, excesses and other vices, then the person will open the way to a perfect life in which he will be filled with energy through the De.

What is the book "Tao Te Ching"?

In literal translation, the name means "Book of Tao". The author took the liberty of describing what controls the whole world. This treatise is a separate utterance and a small description. It is written with the help of very ancient Chinese characters, which the modern inhabitants have almost forgotten. The main theme of the treatise, so to speak, is a description of how to behave, live and feel in this world, so that true enlightenment is revealed to man.

According to Lao Tzu's description, the Tao is something faceless, which, however, can take shape in everything that exists. Any attempt to write this concept into a specific framework stumbles upon contradictions. The phenomenon has a form, but you look at it and you do not see it. About the Tao it is written that you can hear it, but you can not hear, you catch it, but you can not catch it.

Such contradictions are a red thread in the texts. The main factor of this situation is the author's desire to describe what is beyond the understanding of the ordinary person, to whom he himself thought. If you try to define a concept, then it inevitably eludes, taking a different shape or manifestation. As a consequence, there are attempts in the texts to describe the Tao as something vague and dull.

Taoism

On the basis of the written treatise arose a whole religion with the same name. The followers of this teaching tried to comprehend the whole depth of the meaning stated through renunciation and correspondence to the way of life that is described. Quite often the interpretations of the above were different, and many monks argued about the meaning of the written. This situation gave impetus to the spread of various schools of Taoism, which understood the essence of the written in different ways.

With the help of the teachings, one can understand that the Tao is a combination of the mind of man with the wisdom of nature. This is the main goal of many followers who have introduced various techniques to accelerate this process. Complexes of gymnastic exercises and breathing techniques were developed. Such methods have become very popular in the modern way of comprehending the ancient scriptures.

Teaching Taoism

Evaluating the ideals of Taoism, one can understand that the main role in it is played by calmness and simplicity, as well as harmony and naturalness in human behavior. All attempts at active actions are considered meaningless and only waste energy. If there is a flow of life on the waves, efforts are not needed, they only interfere. From peace comes the peace in society and the harmonious life of everyone.

Sometimes the actions are compared with water, which does not interfere with anybody during movement and flows around obstacles. A person who wants strength and power, should take an example from the water that flows, but does not interfere. To achieve the best results in life, you need to go with the flow and try not to disturb the flow of your actions. Also, according to the treatise, a person should not have addictions. They blind him and create the illusion that he can not live without them.

The Way of Everyone in Taoism

If a person is driven by passion or has excesses in his actions and aspirations, he is far from his true path. Any attachment to the earth creates conditions in which a person begins to serve not to himself, but to specific things. This is possible, if you do not listen to the aspirations of the soul and do not search for your path.

A detached attitude to material goods and pleasures allows you to hear the voice of your soul and, in accordance with it, begin your Tao tzu - the way of the wise man. There are no questions on this way about whether it is chosen correctly. Man becomes comfortable, and his mind clears up. If you stay in long meditations and listen to your inner voice, in time you will come to understand the world as a universal substance for the life of every being.

Management of non-action

When the Han dynasty rules in China , the development in the country was stable and calm. The figures adopted the principle of Taoism, which implied that there was no need to prevent the development of society. The lack of power in the management plan allowed the people to live in peace and prosperity. They applied their forces to the development and improvement of living conditions.

Modern writers and Taoism

Many coaches on personal growth and success adopted the principles of Taoism in their practice. In her book "Tao of Life" Hakamada, Irina describes the principles that are taken from this religion. According to her, she made a certain squeeze out of the whole text. Not all positions are equally suitable for use by a Russian person and a Chinese. Therefore, there are a lot of such curtailed guides. "Tao of Life" is a book - a guide. It describes the ancient principles, which should be guided for a harmonious life.

In addition, every year there is at least one full translation of the treatise from the ancient language to the modern one. They all represent yet another interpretation of the truths, which are written more than two and a half thousand years ago.

Her book "Tao of Life" Hakamada Irina presents also as one of the translations, but it is made to a greater extent for the Russian people.

Followers who write their book "Tao"

One of the famous followers of Taoism is Anna Averyanova, who publishes books under the pseudonym of Lin Bao. She did a great job of deciphering the Taoist texts. Has his own understanding of this religion and writes the continuation of the book "Tao". Bao Lin has been studying the ways of reaching a person beyond consciousness for many years. In addition, she also deals with the subconscious and the immortality of the human mind.

Secrets of the "Tao" Bao Lin describes in the same style as the original texts of Lao Tzu. Thanks to comprehensive development and long practices around the world, she developed her own system of understanding this religion. This is one of the differences from how Irina Khakamada writes that the "Tao" is more practical.

Martial arts

On the basis of spiritual perfection appeared martial arts. One of them was Vovinam Vyot Vo Dao, which literally means "combat way of the Vietes". This martial art originated among village lovers to fight and soon developed into a whole fascination with the Vietnamese people. It practiced, in addition to the technique of strikes and captures, a high moral and spiritual training. She was at the head of all technology. It is believed that the warrior Wyot Vo Dao without a spiritual basis can not defeat the enemy.

Energy "Tao"

At the heart of the path lies the energy of "Qi". She, according to the scriptures, is the absolute energy of all living things in this world. There is a concept of "Qi", a person and the whole world that surrounds him. This energy helps a person to establish a connection between himself and the world around him.

The Taoists have developed a whole technique of comprehending the power of the Qi. It is based on proper breathing with the help of Tai Chi Quan. This is a set of exercises and techniques that help the body tune in to receive energy. The most talented Taoists who practiced this technique could for a long time be without water and food. There were also cases when the holding of breath reached an inconceivable limit.

In Taoism, there are several techniques that allow us to reconnect with the energy of Qi. They are part of the most ancient technique of Qigong. In addition to the breathing practice of Taoism, martial arts and meditation are used. All these systems are designed to serve one purpose - filling the energy of Qi and comprehending the Tao.

Channels of human energy filling

According to the treatise, a person can receive energy whenever and wherever. To do this, he uses special channels. But not all people work at a good level. Often the ways for energy are clogged by improper diet and a fixed lifestyle. The modern model of man implies the use of technological progress in order not to waste one's energy. This way of life entails many negative consequences. A person becomes passive, and it is not interesting for him to develop. For him, all perform things and devices. He becomes only a consumer.

With low consumption, the energy channels of Tao Te are clogged, and a person literally becomes dependent on external stimulants. These can be chemicals or other methods.

Special methods are used to activate and expand channels. They represent the diet and its specific composition. Special exercises allow you to develop the spine and other parts of the body. It is through the spine that the main and largest energy flow passes. Therefore, he is given special attention.

Self-healing by listening to the body

Many practitioners have learned from the book "Tao" the secrets of how to listen to the body and understand the work of internal organs. Such skill is available only to those who have long been engaged in Taoist techniques. After reaching a certain level, a person begins to feel his body in the literal sense of the word. All organs seem to be transformed into a system that can be changed for healing.

Sometimes masters resort to the practice of healing other people. To do this, special centers of alternative medicine are opened, where patients are admitted.

Symbolism of Taoism

The famous symbol "Yin and Yang" is used to explain the essence of the Tao. On the one hand, the symbol shows that everything changes and flows from one form to another. On the other hand, opposites complement each other. For example, bad can not be without good, and vice versa. There is no absolute victory of one element, it is possible to achieve only a balance between them.

In the symbol, both the struggle and the balance of the two elements are displayed simultaneously. They are represented in the form of a cycle, which has no end. At the same time, the black and white parts can not be absolute, since they have particles of the opposite in themselves.

Tattoos

To identify a person with the religion of Taoism, there is a technique of applying tattoos. They are abstract drawings and flowing lines. Often they are symmetrical and contain images of mythical characters. The culture of drawing such tattoos came from ancient China, where they were very popular.

Wellness system

There is also the so-called school "Show Tao". In a literal translation, this means "The path of tranquility". It is a set of measures to improve health and genuine tranquility. They include both martial arts and breathing practices, which help to gain strong health and peace. The system of "Show Tao" is very close to the philosophy of Taoism and therefore it is believed that it can be a part of it. Pupils of the school call themselves "quiet warriors" and improve their skills for peace of mind.

Practical advice from Taoism

There are many practical guides in the world that help lead a healthy spiritual and psychological life. For example, there are tips to find peace and harmony in life:

• Avoid stress with the help of an inner smile. You can not show it on the outer level, but it should appear inside the person.
• Less talk. Every word that is uttered in vain or inappropriately spends Qi energy.
• Anxiety dissolves in action. Instead of being nervous with folded hands, you need to start acting actively.
• The mind must develop. If it is not involved, then degradation begins.
• You need to control your sex drive.
• Be mild in nutrition. You have to leave the table when you are a little hungry.
• Moderation in all impacts on the body.
• The more joy in life, the more Chi energy comes to a person. Therefore, we should rejoice all around.

Taoism and Love

The concept of "Tao" is inextricably linked with love. Through the relationship of two people of the opposite sex, the tree of life grows and fills both with energy. The Taoists considered sex to be something so natural and necessary that they wrote practical manuals for this. In the texts with frank illustrations, there is no shadow of lust and perversion. According to the treatise "Tao of Love", a man must completely begin to control his sense of pleasure and effectively manage it. This is necessary first of all for the satisfaction of a woman who needs special participation.

The doctrine of love has three basic concepts:

• A man gets tremendous power and wisdom if he correctly chooses his ejaculation and attraction. He will be given new opportunities when abstinence will be practiced. Thanks to this, he will be able to satisfy the woman fully.
• Ancient Chinese believed that uncontrolled pleasure of a man is not the most pleasant moment in sex. There is a deeper experience, described in the "Tao of Love," which delivers real pleasure. To achieve this skill, you need a long time to practice.
• The central idea is the obligatory satisfaction of the woman. It is considered a source of pleasure for both partners and is therefore so important.

The Meaning of Taoism

Due to their popularity, Taoist schools have penetrated other continents and infiltrated different societies. Some critics unreasonably reject this teaching as unsuitable to other people. In their opinion, it was created for the Chinese and has no significant benefit for representatives of other nationalities. Nevertheless, many people around the world practice the principles of Taoism and achieve exceptional results in the field of body, mind and spiritual development.

As it turned out, this teaching can be used by both the Chinese and all other nationalities. Its principles are universal and in the study help to improve the quality of life of each person. This is precisely the goal pursued by Lao Tzu when writing his treatises for future generations.

For China itself, this has resulted in a whole religion, which for many centuries remains as mysterious and multifaceted. For her comprehension, it may take a lifetime.

For the Russian people, some abbreviated versions of the ancient scriptures have been made, which are as much adapted to this culture. Basically, such guidelines have many practical recommendations on psychology and self-improvement.

Conclusion

In the light of modernity, Taoism has become a kind of spiritual practice that helps a person cope with the problems that have arisen today. Taking into account the principles stated in the book, each person can independently improve himself in several directions at once. It can be physical health, psychological and spiritual.