DAOISM

Daoism, like Confucianism, began in ancient China during the Warring States period. It is said to have
been started by a man called Lao-tzu (Loud-zuh). People who followed the teachings of Daoism were
called Daoists and their goal was to live in harmony with nature by following the Dao, or the Way.

The Story of Lao-tzu

Lao-tzu, translated as either "Old Master" or "Old Boy," is believed to be
the author of Daoism. Very little is known of his life; he may not even
have existed. According to myth, at his birth around 604 B.C.E., Lao-tzu
came from the womb as an old man, white-haired and full of wisdom.
Saddened by society's lack of goodness, Lao-tzu decided to leave his home
to live out the rest of his life in quiet and solitude. As he passed through
the city gates for the final time, the gatekeeper asked Lao-tzu to write
down his parting thoughts. Lao-tzu agreed, and three days later returned
with a small book. He then left civilization, never to return. His writings
were titled the Tao Te Ching, and became the most important text of
Daoism.
Taken from the Independence Hall Association

Feng Shui

https://audioboom.com/boos/390916hua-hu-ching19

Feng (fung) means wind, and shui (shway) means water. According to feng shui, the environment has
an effect on a persons well-being. Qi (chi) is a mysterious natural force that travels in wind and is stored
in water. Daoists believed that this natural force flowed through all things in the universe. If objects in the
world were not placed in the correct spot, Qi would be unable to flow properly. In ancient China, Feng
shui experts were in charge of arranging buildings in cities to ensure the Qi would keep flowing. These
experts held very important positions within society since their job was considered necessary for the good
health and well-being of all Chinese citizens.

Yin and Yang

Yin and Yang are opposites. Yin represents the earthly, dark, and feminine
aspects of the universe while Yang represents the heavenly, light and
masculine aspects. Daoists believed there were many other opposing
forces in the universe which could be considered either Yin or Yang.
Some examples include soft and hard, cold and hot, water and fire, and
the moon and sun. Can you think of other opposites?
In order for the world to function well, Yin and Yang must not be in
conflict. Both were a part of life and so must remain in balance with one
another. Traditional Chinese healers believed that poor health was a result of an
imbalance between yin and yang forces.

Harmony with Nature

Lao-tzu believed that people should live in harmony with nature. He believed people should lead simple
lives which do not disrupt the balance of the natural world. He disagreed with the emphasis Confucius put
on rules and tradition because he believed that rules stopped people from behaving naturally.

The Elemental Cycle

The Daoist elemental cycle is made of five natural
elements: water, wood, fire, earth and metal. Daoists
believed that all things in the world were connected
through this cycle. In this cycle, rain (water) causes
plants to grow. The wood from these plants is used to
create fire, which then turns to ash and becomes part
of the earth. The earth then forms into metals. When
metals are cooled, they cause water to condense
which then turns into rain and the cycle repeats.
In the same way that the forces of the universe could
be divided into yin and yang, other physical and
emotional aspects could be divided into one of these
five elements. The following table provides some
examples.
Wood
East
Green
Tendons
Liver
Anger

Fire
South
Red
Blood vessels
Heart
Joy/Fright

Earth
Centre
Yellow
Muscles
Spleen
Worry

http://www.fiveelementtraining.com/article_1.html

Metal
West
White
Skin
Lung
Sadness/Grief

Water
North
Black (or dark blue)
Bones
Kidney
Fear

The Independence Hall Association. Taoism and Confucianism Ancient Philosophies. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.ushistory.org/civ/9e.asp
The Five Daoist Elements. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.yinyoga.com/ys1_3.2.3.0_five_elements.php
Pearson Canada Inc. (Canada). (2012). Pathways, Civilizations through Time (2nd ed.). Toronto, ON: Pearson Canada Inc.