Taoist philosophy

Author: Lu Guolong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Daoist philosophy is an integral part of traditional Chinese philosophy and a subsystem within the larger framework of traditional philosophy. As the theoretical crystallization of one of humanity's great civilizations, traditional Chinese philosophy possesses unique thematic elements. Daoism, in turn, is both a theoretical form that elucidates these themes and an exploratory journey dedicated to them. Therefore, when discussing Daoist philosophy, one cannot afford to detach it from the entirety of traditional philosophy, nor from its thematic elements. Otherwise, our discourse will become rootless and directionless, adrift without a purpose. This is the fundamental guiding principle of this book.
The relationship between heaven and humanity, or between nature and the Dao, possesses a mutually dependent and contrasting nature. This duality determines that their philosophical implications will be fully realized through mutual interpretation. To elucidate the Dao, one must first understand human nature and human affairs, which imbues traditional Chinese metaphysical or ontological philosophy with a strong historical consciousness. Conversely, to examine human nature or human affairs, one must necessarily take the Dao as the basis and standard, which in turn endows traditional Chinese xinxing (mind-nature) studies or spiritual philosophy with an inherent cosmic consciousness.