The Principles of Daoism: A Beginner’s Guide to the Way

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Hailed as both a philosophy and a religion, Daoism is a major framework of living and outlook in China that offers a uniquely important perspective on life, the universe, and one’s place within it. Among the many schools of Chinese thought, Daoism heavily emphasizes establishing harmony with the natural order of things, simplicity, and non-interference. In Daoist practice, these mean a myriad of things, from a quiet meditation for spiritual guidance to deliberate and willing inaction to purposeful asceticism.

A Beginner’s Guide to the Way

Daoism originates from the idea of the Dao. This is a Chinese word that simply means “The Way.” What is The Way? Where does it lead to? And where does it begin? According to this ancient Chinese idea, the Dao is the ultimate principle. It is the underlying force that sustains and governs the universe. To ask if the Dao has a beginning or end is to ask the wrong question. The Dao is mysterious and ineffable, and it cannot be fully comprehended or defined. Otherwise, it would not be the Dao. It is from it that all things arise, and it is through it that all things change. Within the Dao is the universe and all that occurs within it. It is the ultimate representation of the cyclical nature of existence–life, death, and rebirth.

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As such, the aim of Daoism–the goal of being a Daoist–is to align themselves with the Dao, living in harmony with its natural flow and being ushered in by the winds of the universe. The path in doing so typically involves cultivating a sense of spontaneity, letting go of the rigidness of careful living, and wholly embracing the shapelessness of the unexpected. This, according to the Daoist, is the key to tranquility and finding inner peace.

The Principles of Daoism: Wu Wei

A central concept in Daoism is that of Wu Wei. The word is hard to translate into other languages, but it is often translated as “non-action” or “effortless action.” This does not mean that one has to be passive or lazy, but rather that one must be deliberately avoidant of forceful action. One should be like the leaf taken by the wind or the water, inactive and unimposing. To commit otherwise would be to misalign themselves with the spiritual stillness of the universe.

The Principles of Daoism: Ziran

The state of being in harmony with the inner self and the outer world is called Ziran. This is usually translated as “naturalness.” To achieve Ziran is to be free of the artificial constructs that surround the body and the spirit, to be undaunted and unfettered by social expectations, and to be liberated from one’s self-imposed limitations.

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The Principles of Daoism: Yin and Yang

Where the Dao is the foundation of all things, the first fundamental concept that arose from it is that of yin and yang. Moving and stopping with and over the Dao are two complementary forces, uniting but never one, dividing but never apart. This is yin and yang, and they are what make up the universe. Yin and yang are the binary forces that define everything in existence; without the other, the other would not exist–thus, nothing would be.

Yin is usually associated with the feminine, darkness, and passivity. Yang, on the other hand, is masculine, light, and active.

The Principles of Daoism: Qi

In many religions and spiritual frameworks, there is the idea of a vital element, the one that animates all things, from the dust floating through the sunlight to the great sun burning in space. For Daoism, this is Qi or “life energy.” Within humans, Qi is ever present, flowing through the body, the mind, and the spirit. It is what influences our health, our emotions, and our cognition.

An important aspect of Daoism is learning how to cultivate and balance Qi. There are many Daoist methods to do this:

• Meditation. Mindfulness is helpful in channeling Qi.
• Tai Chi. Gentle and flowing movements help harmonize body, mind, and spirit.
• Qigong. Careful breathing and deliberate posture help balance Qi.

The Harmonious Path of Daoism

This article only touches the surface of Daoism and its principles. But it is something to start with. Actual knowledge can only be gained from experience.

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