Calm and sunny day. Sakura leaves fly with the fresh wind. In the temple, a monk sits in a motionless position and with a detached expression on his face looks nowhere. His body is relaxed, and his breathing is slow and measured. It seems that around him emptiness and at the same time fullness. No phenomenon can affect the deep immersion in the secrets of this monk’s self.
This has been going on for a long time. The sun, having met a lonely figure with its rays, is already beginning to say goodbye a little. At this moment, the monk's body comes to life and begins to move. Awakening is not quick, it takes time to recover in the full sense of the word. Now he got up and quietly walked along the path that leads to a small house. There he was 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 short time travel in order to see the image of the great thinker Lao Tzu and the essence of his teachings, which became one of the three main religions of China.
Who is Lao Tzu?
According to legend, this is the son whom the woman gave birth to under a plum tree. She bore him 81 years and gave birth through a hip. He was born old and with a gray head. This greatly surprised the woman, and she called him “the old child, ” which means Lao Zi in Chinese. There is also another interpretation of his name - the "old philosopher." His birth took place in 604 BC.
It is worth noting that there is no reliable information about his life and birth. Research is still being conducted on whether there was a person with that name at all. Therefore, here are those data about him that are written in authoritative sources.
As an adult, Lao Tzu served the emperor and was a mentor to the library during the reign of the Zhou Dynasty. For many years, studying and reading ancient treatises, the thinker matured and gained wisdom. Being at an advanced age, he decided to leave his native country and went west riding a green bull. At the border checkpoint he was stopped by a servant of the emperor and recognized the great thinker. He asked the sage to leave his wisdom to the descendants before leaving. It was at that request that Lao Tzu's famous book, Tao Te Ching, was written. Its length is five thousand characters.
Concept of tao
Tao is literally translated "path." The basis of all things and the law by which everything happens in this world. This concept is so multifaceted and deep that it cannot be specifically defined with words. Sometimes this concept is referred to as the force that drives the world. It has no beginning and 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 crumbles. It is she who defines the concept of "now" as a way of being.
In the treatise on Tao, Lao Tzu describes how power moves the whole world and fills all beings. The structure of the world is completely determined by Tao, and could not be otherwise. But at the same time, the Tao is an infinite number of options for how the existence of a separate object can go. Therefore, there are opinions that with the help of this book any creature can gain immortality. This stems from the fact that the Tao, the path which a person must go, can lead to an eternal source of life.
The concept of "De"
All changes in the world are caused by laws or, in other words, travel messages between the past and the future. This path represents Tao. At the same time, this force manifests itself through another side of this world - Dae. Hence the name of the book "Tao Te Ching."
The concept of "De" is a property or an ideal concept of the existence of everything in this world. Tao manifests itself in reality through the existence of De. This is the best manifestation of matter, which is the flow from one form to another through the path of Tao. Some interpretations describe the similarity of this concept with karma. Karma determines how the object will exist, and to some extent echoes this concept.
The treatise describes the correct existence of the person who personifies De. If you get rid of passions, pride, excesses and other vices, then a person will open the path to a perfect life, in which he will be filled with energy through De.
What is the Tao De Ching book about?
In literal translation, the name means "The Book of Tao." The author took the liberty of describing what rules the whole world. This treatise represents separate sayings and small descriptions. It is written using very ancient Chinese characters, which modern residents have almost forgotten. The main theme of the treatise, so to speak, is the description of how to behave, live and feel in this world, so that true enlightenment is revealed to a person.
According to the description of Lao Tzu, Tao is something faceless, which, however, can take shape in all things. Any attempts to fit this concept into a concrete framework run into contradictions. The phenomenon has a form, but you look at it and you do not see it. About Tao it is written that you hear him, but you cannot hear, you catch, but you cannot catch him.
Such contradictions are a red thread in the texts. The main factor in this situation is the author’s desire to describe what is beyond the scope of understanding of an ordinary person, whom he considered himself. If you try to define a concept, then it inevitably escapes, assuming a different appearance or manifestation. As a result of this, there are attempts in the texts to describe the Tao as something vague and dull.
Taoism
On the basis of the written treatise, a whole religion of the same name arose. The followers of this teaching tried to comprehend the full depth of the meaning stated through renunciation and correspondence to the way of life that is described. Often the interpretations of the foregoing were different, and many monks began to argue about the meaning of what was written. This situation gave impetus to the spread of various schools of Taoism, which understood the essence of writing in different ways.
Through teaching, one can understand that Tao is a combination of the human mind 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 gained great popularity in the modern way of understanding ancient scripture.
Teaching of taoism
Assessing the ideals of Taoism, we 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 action are considered meaningless and only waste energy. When existing on the waves of the course of life, efforts are not needed, they only interfere. From peace flows the peace in society and the harmonious life of everyone.
Sometimes actions are compared with water, which does not bother anyone when moving 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 upset 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 cannot survive without them.
Everyone's Way in Taoism
If a person is driven by passion or has excesses in his actions and aspirations, then he is far from his true path. Any attachment to the earthly creates conditions in which a person begins to serve not himself, but specific things. This is possible if you do not listen to the aspirations of the soul and do not search for your own path.
A detached attitude to material wealth and pleasures allows you to hear the voice of your soul and, in accordance with it, begin your Tao Tzu - the path of a sage. There are no questions on this path about whether he is correctly selected. It becomes comfortable for a person, and his mind becomes clear. If you remain in deep thought and listen to your inner voice, over time, understanding of the world will come as a universal substance for the life of every creature.
Non-action management
When the Han Dynasty ruled in China, the development of the country was stable and calm. Figures adopted the principle of Taoism, which implied that there was no need to interfere with the development of society. The failure to act in terms of governance allowed the people to live in peace and prosperity. They used their strength to develop and improve living conditions.
Modern writers and Taoism
Many trainers on personal growth and success have adopted the principles of Taoism in their practice. In her book Tao of Life, Hakamada Irina describes principles that are taken from this religion. According to her, she made a certain squeeze out of the whole text. Not all provisions are equally suitable for use by Russian people and Chinese. Therefore, there are a great many such truncated manuals. The Tao of Life is a guide book. It most specifically describes the ancient principles that need to be guided for a harmonious life.
In addition, at least one full translation of the treatise from ancient to modern is published every year. All of them represent another interpretation of truths that were written more than two and a half thousand years ago.
Irina presents her book “The Tao of Life, ” also as one of the translations, but it was made to a large extent for a Russian person.
Followers who write their book Tao
One of the famous followers of Taoism is Anna Averyanova, who publishes books under the pseudonym Lin Bao. She did a great job of decoding Taoist texts. He has his own understanding of this religion and writes the continuation of the book "Tao". For many years, Bao Ling has been studying the ways to achieve man beyond consciousness. In addition, she also deals with the subconscious and immortality of the human mind.
Secrets of "Tao" Bao Ling describes in the same style as the original texts of Lao Tzu. Through comprehensive development and long practices around the world, she has developed her own system for understanding this religion. This is one of the differences from the way Irina Khakamada writes, whose Tao is more practical.
Martial arts
On the basis of spiritual perfection, martial arts also appeared. One of them was Vovinam Flying Vo Dao, which literally means “the fighting path of the Viet”.
This martial art originated among the village lovers to fight and soon developed into a whole fascination of the Vietnamese people. In addition to the technique of strikes and grabs, a high moral and spiritual training was practiced in it. She was at the head of all the technology. It is believed that a warrior is flying Vo Dao without a spiritual foundation will not be able to defeat the enemy.
Energy "Tao"
At the heart of the path is the energy of Qi. She, according to the scripture, is the absolute energy of all life 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 relationship between the mind and the world.
The Taoists have developed a whole technique of comprehending the power of "Qi." It is based on proper breathing using tai chi. 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 have also been cases where breath holding has reached unthinkable limits.
There are several techniques in Taoism that make it possible to reconnect with Chi energy. They are part of the oldest Qigong technique. In addition to the breathing practice of Taoism, martial arts and meditation are used. All of these systems are designed to serve one purpose - filling Chi energy and comprehending Tao.
Channels of filling a person with energy
According to the treatise, a person can receive energy anytime, anywhere. To do this, he uses special channels. But not all people work at a good level. Often, energy pathways are littered with malnutrition and an unstable lifestyle. The modern human model implies the use of technological progress in order not to waste one's strength. This way of life entails many negative consequences. A person becomes passive, and he is not interested in developing. For him, everyone does things and devices. He becomes only a consumer.
With low consumption, the energy channels of Tao De become clogged, and a person literally becomes dependent on external stimulants. These may be chemicals or other methods.
Special methods are used to activate and expand channels. They represent a 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, special attention is paid to him.
Self-healing through listening to the body
Many practitioners have learned the secrets of how to listen to the body and understand the work of internal organs from the Tao book. Such skill is available only to those who have long been engaged in the techniques of Taoism. 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. For 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 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, the bad cannot be without the good, and vice versa. There is no absolute victory of one element, you can only achieve a balance between them.
The symbol displays both the struggle and the balance of the two elements. They are presented as a cycle that has no end. At the same time, the black and white parts cannot be absolute, since they have opposite particles in themselves.
Tattoos
To identify a person with the religion of Taoism, there is a technique for tattooing. They are abstract drawings and flowing lines. Often they are symmetrical and contain images of mythical characters. The culture of applying such tattoos came from ancient China, where they were very popular.
Wellness system
There is also the so-called Shaw Dao school. In literal translation, this means "The Way of Calm." It is a set of measures to improve health and genuine peace. They include both martial arts and breathing practices that help to find good health and tranquility. The "Tao Show" system is very close to the philosophy of Taoism and therefore it is believed that it can be part of it. Pupils of the school call themselves “calm 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:
- Get rid of stress with your inner smile. You can not show it on an external level, but it should appear inside a person.
- Speak less. Every word that is spoken in vain or inappropriately spends Chi energy.
- Anxiety dissolves in action. Instead of being nervous folded hands, you need to begin to act actively.
- The mind must develop. If it is not involved, then degradation begins.
- It is necessary to control your sex drive.
- Be moderate in nutrition. You need to leave the table when you are still a little hungry.
- Moderation in all effects on the body.
- The more joy in life, the more Chi energy comes to a person. Therefore, we must rejoice in everything 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. Taoists considered sex to be something so natural and necessary that they wrote practical manuals for this. Moreover, in texts with frank illustrations there is not a shadow of lust and perversion. In accordance with the Tao of Love treatise, a man should completely begin to control his sense of pleasure and effectively manage it. This is necessary in the first place to satisfy a woman who needs special participation.
The doctrine of love has three basic concepts:
- A man receives tremendous power and wisdom, if he selects the correct mode of his ejaculation and attraction. New opportunities will open up for him when abstinence is practiced. Thanks to this, he will be able to satisfy a woman to the fullest.
- The ancient Chinese believed that the uncontrolled pleasure of men is not the most pleasant moment in sex. There is a deeper experience described in the Tao of Love that delivers true pleasure. To achieve this skill, you need to practice for a long time.
- The central idea is the obligatory satisfaction of women. It is considered a source of pleasure for both partners and is therefore so important.
Значение даосизма
Благодаря своей популярности даосские школы проникли на другие континенты и внедрились в разные общества. Некоторые критики необоснованно отвергают это учение как неподходящее другим людям. По их мнению, оно создано для китайцев и не имеет существенной пользы для представителей других национальностей. Тем не менее, многие люди по всему миру практикуют принципы даосизма и достигают исключительных результатов в области возможностей тела, разума и духовного развития.
Как оказалось, это учение можно использовать как китайцам, так и всем другим национальностям. Его принципы универсальны и при изучении помогают улучшить качество жизни каждого человека. Именно эту цель и преследовал Лао Цзы, когда писал свои трактаты для будущих поколений.
Для самого Китая это вылилось в целую религию, которая на протяжении многих веков остаётся все такой же загадочной и многогранной. Для её постижения может потребоваться целая жизнь.
Для русского человека сделаны отдельные сокращённые варианты древнего писания, которые максимально адаптированы к этой культуре. В основном такие руководства имеют много практических рекомендаций по психологии и самосовершенствованию.
