Well, for the first lesson on taoism we must first understand it's basic premise. And this premise is Tao. The character Tao is made up of 2 pictures, one meaning walking or movement. And the other meaning mind, or correct. When put together the character denotes a meaning of "correct movement," or "mindful walking." For Lao Tzu, he saw the Tao as an ever present "force" that was the "Way" of all things. And thus, Tao is known as "The Way."

Unlike god, Tao has no anthropomorphisms. But can be subjected to metaphors. Primarily however, Tao is seen as an ever present force that is unfortunately incapable of being completely understood. Words do not come close, ideas do not come close, and above all, our understanding comes no where close. So how do we come to know the way of the Tao? Nature.

When observing nature, the ancient chinese noticed that all things happen in certain ways, as if following "laws" (laws of physics). And by studying these natural ways they developed the I-Ching and from this philosophy came Taoism. The Tao was an idea fluent in the Chinese culture around Lao Tzu's and Confucious' time. However, Lao Tzu and Confucious had 2 different and contradictory perceptions of it.

Confucious believed the Tao was created by human morality, society. In effect, humans were above it and created it. Lao Tzu saw it differently (and in my opinion, correctly ). Lao Tzu saw the Tao as the creator, and humans as below it. The Tao shapes us, not vice versa. This shines through in his humble teachings, and simple writings. And thus, Tao is the force that is the encompassment of all things. The heavens, the earth, fire, water, thunder, mountain, wind, and lake. The soul, the physical, and it connects us all with Chi.

In the next lesson I will discuss Chi, and its relationship to the western concept of the "soul." And how its concept is noticeable all throughout chinese culture and art.

Master Vigil