Rooted in ancient China, Taoism is a philosophical and spiritually traditional way of thinking about life.
While Taoism emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with Tao, it does not place much of a focus on trying to explain what Tao is.
Instead, Taoists focus on genuineness, longevity, and health by living a simple and balanced life in harmony with nature. It promotes achieving harmony or union with nature. the pursuit of spiritual immortality.
There are a few core beliefs that Taoism follows.
Referred to as the three jewels of Taoism; they are compassion, moderation, and humility.
With this blog, we’ve created a brief synopsis of those jewels and what they mean to Taoists.
3 Jewels of Taoism
Compassion
Compassion is one of the most prominent beliefs in regards to living in harmony with Tao.
In Taoism, compassion is about empathy and perceiving things for what they are. Empathy for others, yes, but mainly, empathy for yourself.
When things get tough or complicated, compassion allows us to see things without blurred lenses. It allows us to take a step back when we are feeling overwhelmed and consider our perspective.
“Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
Moderation
According to Taoism, moderation is a key part of personal development and there is nothing in life that cannot be moderated.
While it might feel like pushing yourself beyond your limits is the only way to achieve your pals, moderation is the real key to freedom.
This is because when one better knows their limits, they will be able to find the most comfortable space for them to alter their behavior or achieve their goals. It will also allow them to take a step back from their work and see when they’ve done too much, or not enough.
“Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench. Care about people’s approval and you will be their prisoner. Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
Humility
To live life according to Tao, one must also embrace the jewel of humility as a way of viewing the world.
The traditional Chinese text, Tao Te Ching, explains that Taoists ought to “resemble water,” in the way that it stays in places that people dislike. It stays not where it benefits itself, but in places of humility.
While we often avoid places that make us uncomfortable or shrink our ego, humility tells us that those are the most important places to be.
When we become too hung up on our place, our status, or our wealth, we naturally end up boosting our egos into a palace to negativity.
When we remain humble, we are able to accept and embrace reality as what it is.
“The highest good resembles water. Water greatly benefits myriad things without contention. It stays in places that people dislike. Therefore it is similar to the Tao”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
By following these core beliefs and values, along with the rest of the Tao Te Thing, Taoists believe that people can ultimately become deities, or live forever.
Stay tuned for more information on Taoism to come.
