Daoism Worksheet

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Daoism Worksheet
Complete the following questions in detail. Answer each question with a 1- or 2-paragraph response that
includes a reference citation. Make use of Experiencing the Worlds Religions and other sources in your
research as you complete the questions.
1. Describe the principles of yang and yin.
Yin and Yang represent how the universe is comprised of opposite but complimentary forces such as
night and day, light and dark, hot and cold, male and female. One cannot exist without the other. This is
not the same principle as good and evil. The two forces of Yin and Yang work together to make up the
universe and exist in everything in the universe.
2. The main scripture in Daoism is the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching). What is the history and importance of
this text for the tradition?
The Daodejing is a book made up of five thousand Chinese characters and is seen as one of the world's
greatest books. It is the main scripture for Daoists and the title is translated as "the classical book about
Way and its power". It is made up of 81 chapters that are arranged in no particular order and is
considered more poetry than prose. It is believed that it is made up of passages from multiple authors
rather than one single author.
It is believed that the Daodejing was originally a handbook for rulers and some believe it to be a
religious guidebook. The Daodejing speaks on how people will live if they are in harmony with the Dao
which has no clear definition. The Dao is the origin of nature but not considered to be God which can
make Daoism and the passages in the Daodejing a bit confusing.
3. How are Daoist ideals expressed through art? Offer several examples.
Daoism has influenced many forms of art in China such as paintings and sculptures with Laozi riding an
ox which are often confused with images of Buddha. There are references to Zhuangzi in poetry and
there is many paintings that show images of nature like flowing water, valleys and stones which represent
fundamental Daoism teachings.
4. What challenges does Daoism face in the modern world?
Daoism seems to be making a bit of a comeback in China since many Daoist temples are being rebuilt
and Daoist pilgrimages are becoming more prevalent. In Taiwan and Hong Kong, Daoism has never
been suppressed so it is still prevalent there.
5. Explain a situation to which following the Daoist principle of wu wei might be beneficial to you or
others. In what situation might following the principle of wu wei be harmful in some way?
Wu wei is the ideal of effortlessness or no action. This means to avoid unnecessary action or action
that is not spontaneous. This reminds me of Bruce Lees philosophy of flowing like water in his fighting
style of Jeet Kune Do. In other martial arts like Judo, using the other persons momentum against them
without using much of your own energy is another example.
Where this can be harmful in some way is not taking action to prepare for situations that may arise. It may
not be a good idea to just go with whatever happens especially if a natural disaster happens. Sometimes
taking action to be prepared is better.
References:

Molloy, M. (2013). Experiencing the Worlds Religions (6th ed.). New York, New York:
McGraw-Hill.

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