What is Taoism? The confusing aspect for many is its definition. Many religions teach philosophy and dogma. But Taoism and Zen stand this tendency on its head. The first chapter of the Tao Te Ching simply states that that the Tao is indefinable—teaching that each person can discover the Tao for themselves. Most people have a tendency to grasp after concrete definitions and conclude that without rules and dogma the Tao is impossible to ‘grasp’. But, ‘grasping’ is an impediment to self-realisation. Here are three easy steps to begin practicing Taoism.
1. Don’t concentrate on the meaning of Tao.
2. Taoism is more than a philosophy or religion. It is to be understood as a ‘way’ of being.
3. The path of understanding Taoism is accepting yourself. Live your life and discover who you are for yourself. Your nature is ever-changing and at the same time is always the same. This, however, is paradox: something that the human mind resists. But if we examine most spiritual and religious traditions they all have one element in common—the embracing of paradox—for the human condition, itself, is a paradox. Don’t try to resolve the various paradoxes of life—rather, accept them. You will find the Tao Te Ching chock-full of paradoxes. Embrace them.
Practicing Taoism
Taoism teaches a person to flow with life. Taoism doesn’t apply labels to its nature, because it would limit a person. This philosophy teaches us to live in the heart. It teaches that by living you will express your own true nature. Here are some guidelines:
1. With care, aid those who are merely extended expressions of our own nature. We are all fundamentally connected.
2. At the same time, be true to yourself. Be authentic. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and imperfect.
3. Connect to the world as you wish to be treated. Live the Golden Rule: ‘Do unto others’.
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4. To those unwilling to accept you for who you are, no action is required.
Materialism
5. Own nothing. You are merely a passing custodian of items outside of your nature. Of course, we all need material possessions in order to function in today’s world but don’t become overly attached to the material world. It is surprising what we can do without when push comes to shove.
6. Take time, relax, and just explore the world. Taoism has no fixed plans. Follow your instincts. It’s in the pause of the breath that each step of living becomes visible for your larger life to unfold and improve.
Nothing is softer or more flexible
than water yet,
nothing can resist it.
Nature does not hurry,
yet everything is accomplished.
– Chuang Tzu
7. Smile when you need to pick a possible next step. Breathe when needing a break since to breathe is to become one with yourself. Alternate the two and the path will become free and clear for a lifetime of wonder to explore. Anything is possible within this simple practice.
‘When the path is clear, why do you throw stones before you?’
Expectations and healthy-striving
8. Let go of expectations. The more expectations you have of your life, the less you will accomplish or become. A Taoist lives life without expectations, living fully in the here and now. However, as we know, people need a few expectations as it is part of navigating life. We can practice healthy-striving, but like the Stoics, let go of the outcome of your own actions.
Here’s the secret. Create only a single expectation at a time for any future experience: an expectation that you will smile or have some fun. Don’t place any expectation of learning or changing into your expectation. Learning from your own experiences and mistakes or changing yourself for the better will occur on its own accord without the burden of expectations.
Expectations plant the seeds for the opposite to occur—you won’t learn, change, or grow from your efforts or your experiences. By creating a single, simple expectation such as smiling, this then becomes something you can always fulfil since you can empower that action to happen. Any expectation more complicated than that or relying on something outside of yourself (attachment to the outcome) just sets up the future to not meeting your needs.
9. The process of learning Taoism is also a process of healing. Take time to heal. Don’t rush. Be patient. Embrace your body and mind with healing.
The silence of practicing Taoism
10. Embrace silence. Take time off for silence. Nothing could be more important. Silence is the soul’s break for freedom.
Silence is a great source of strength.
To the mind that is still,
the whole universe surrenders.
– Chuang Tzu
11. Let go of perfection. Work at being the best you can at whatever you do in life, but also embrace the faults of life and your individual flaws. Imperfections make us individuals. Imperfections make us beautiful. Accept the good and bad or more accurately, blur the distinctions between the unhealthy labels of ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
12. Explore your essence. Learn how to trust your own intuition. Listen to your own heart. If something doesn’t feel right, then you need to examine why. Let go of judgements that hold you back. Remove conflict and anger from your relationships. If you find yourself in dysfunctional relationships either set up firm boundaries for yourself, or remove yourself from the relationship altogether. Life is too short. ‘Empty your boat while crossing the river of life.’ For more on this concept, discover our article Shaolin Master Shi Heng Yi: 16 Practical Lessons On Self-Mastery & Peace.
He who knows others is wise.
He who knows himself is enlightened.
At the center of your being, you have the answer;
you know who you are and
you know what you want
– Lao Tzu
13. And finally, and most importantly, be kind to yourself and pace your life to match your own true essence.
Taoism is acceptance of your life.
It’s following your breath to find peace.
It’s opening up a smile to enable possibility
To smile is to say yes to your life.
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