Questions and Answers
It is uncertain whether Lao Tzu ever existed.
True
Confucius is said to have sought Lao Tzu's advice.
True
The teachings of Taoism, like those of other religions, contain many paradoxes.
True
Tao is intense and complex, yet able to be understood by humans.
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Tao is not immanent.
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Taoism emphasizes the need to embrace the yin.
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Males are made up of both the yin and yang.
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For a Taoist, there is no such thing as absolute goodness.
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The Tao Te Ching says that personal souls continue to exist in the afterlife.
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Human beings are not a part of the grand harmony of nature in Taoism.
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Taoists advocate simply doing nothing in order to achieve wu-wei.
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Taoist naturalism, unlike some forms of environmentalism, is always a hands-off approach.
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Taoists believe a good ruler takes a passive approach to governing.
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For over two thousand years, Taoism has been a central part of the religious life of India.
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From a Taoist perspective, the West is fixated on the yang.
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What is the original name of the Tao Te Ching?
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What is the Chuang Tzu?
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What is one of the central themes of the Chuang Tzu?
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The power or virtue an individual acquires through living in harmony with the Tao is called what?
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What is Tao?
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How does Taoism regard moral values?
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In Taoism, life and death are seen as what?
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How does a sage attain oneness with Tao?
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What happens when a sage chooses not to compete?
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What does Taoism admit about warfare?
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What is a statement that seems illogical on the surface and yet contains deeper truth?
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What is Taoism's foundational text, traditionally thought to have been authored by Lao Tzu?
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What is the negative, passive, feminine, earthly component of the universe called?
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What is the positive, active, masculine, heavenly component of the universe called?
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What is a perfectly balanced individual called in Taoism?
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What is the practice of being perfectly in harmony with nature called?
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Study Notes
Lao Tzu and Confucius
- Existence of Lao Tzu is uncertain.
- Confucius sought advice from Lao Tzu, indicating interactions between their philosophies.
Teachings of Taoism
- Taoism incorporates many paradoxes, reflecting complex ideas.
- Understanding of Tao is seen as challenging; it is both intense and complex.
Concepts of Yin and Yang
- Taoism highlights the importance of embracing yin, the feminine, passive force.
- Both males and females embody a mix of yin and yang.
- Taoists reject the notion of absolute goodness, emphasizing relativism in moral values.
Nature and Human Existence
- The Tao Te Ching does not propose the continuation of personal souls after death.
- Human beings are considered integral to the grand harmony of nature in Taoism.
Wu-wei and Governance
- Achieving wu-wei does not involve complete passivity; it’s about effortless action aligned with nature.
- A good ruler, according to Taoism, should adopt a passive approach to governance.
Environmentalism and Approach to Nature
- Taoist naturalism promotes a hands-off approach, contrasting with some forms of environmentalism.
Cultural Perspectives
- From the Taoist viewpoint, Western culture is seen as overly focused on yang, the active, masculine principle.
Foundational Texts
- "Tao Te Ching," traditionally attributed to Lao Tzu, is the foundational text of Taoism.
- The "Chuang Tzu" is a significant text that explores the relativity of all things.
The Nature of Tao
- Tao is described as the source of the universe, the principle of order, and the way of nature.
- The concept of Te refers to the virtue gained by living harmoniously with the Tao.
Life and Death in Taoism
- Life and death are perceived as two harmonious aspects of a single whole, reflecting balance.
The Sage and Paradox
- A sage finds unity with the Tao through insights into its simplicity and natural order.
- Non-competitive behavior leads to personal triumph for a sage, illustrating paradoxical wisdom.
Summary of Taoism
- Taoism recognizes the necessity of warfare at times while simultaneously promoting pacifism.
- Paradoxical statements convey deeper truths within Taoist philosophy.
Yin and Yang Explained
- Yin represents the negative, passive, feminine, and earthly attributes.
- Yang symbolizes the positive, active, masculine, and heavenly characteristics.
Balance in Taoism
- A perfectly balanced individual is referred to as a sage, reflecting harmony with nature.
- Wu-wei means being in such harmony with nature that one is infused with its energy.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 8 on Taoism with these flashcards. Each card presents a statement related to the teachings and history of Taoism, where you can assess your understanding of the key concepts and figures. Perfect for students seeking to reinforce their learning and comprehension of this ancient philosophy.
