Outlines

#3. How do we get there?

We achieve living the Way (Tao) by:

• living a contemplative life in nature (in harmony with the Tao); Te and Tai Chi

• taking no action, that is, not interfering with wu-wei (the highest virtue)

• balancing yin with yang; yin being female, dark and receptive; yang being male, bright and assertive

• reconciling opposites on a higher level of consciousness or intuitive level (i.e. baibai); understanding that opposites are neccessary (yin and yang)

• releasing Ch’i (natural energy of the universe), the life force.

We achieve living the Way by:

1. Making Offerings:

a. Baibai- ritual of offering incense to an altar in one’s home or in a temple

i. a ritual of recognition; the offering represents the separation of purity and impurities- the refinement and purification of internal energies; acknowledges the human body as the meeting-place of Heaven and Earth

2. Ch’i- the quality, quantity, and balance of Ch’i is essential

a. Breath control is especially fundamental in balancing Ch’i (taixi)

3. I Ching- one of the oldest Chinese classical texts

a. Used as a source of consultation and reflection on basic ideas

4. Tao Te Ching- The Way and its Power

a. Helps people recognize and focus on the harmony of opposites within Tao; emphasizes values each person must hold (i.e. solitary)

5. Three Treasures, Jing, Qi, Shen (“Path of Transmutation”)

a. Jing into Qi into Shen or Shen into Qi into Jing

b. Important in balancing oneself; must be strived for

6. Tai Chi- slow, rhythmic, meditative movements designed to help one find peace and calm

a. Aligns with living a contemplative life with nature and wu-wei

7. Te "virtue"- refers to humans’ moral action that is in accordance with the way of nature; nature and human become one (Tao Te Ching)

8. Yin/Yang (“shady side” and “sunny side”)

a. The wholeness of two halves; a staring point for change; both halves chase after each other as they seek a new balance with each other

Works Cited

"Baibai: The Taoist Ritual Of Offering Incense to the Altar." About.com Religion & Spirituality. About.com, 5 Dec. 2015. Web. 21 Feb. 2016.

“Chi.” ReligionFacts.com. 10 Nov. 2015. Web. Accessed 21 Feb. 2016.

"What Is Yin Yang? - Personal Tao." Personal Tao. One River LLC, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2016.