Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism
These spiritual philosophies stress on the acceptance of things the way they are, overcoming desires and humility (Rudy, 2004). They also recognize the shortness of human life and limited personal achievements. They both believe in a certain way of life (dharma) and the universal principle of merit (karma) (Rudy, 2004). Hinduism is an ethnic religion of the Indian subcontinent portrayed in customs, religious practices, beliefs, sacred places, and deities. Taoism is a spiritual philosophy in Chinese cultures about a life well lived derived from the writings of Chuang Tzu. Buddhism combines the elements of Taoism and Hinduism, although the direction and diffusion path of Taoism is unknown.
The connection between the Tao, Yin, and Ying-Yang
Tao signifies the essential energy of life which enables things to be truly themselves. In China, nature is supreme; everything must be in line with nature. The Yin-Yang concept refers to the shady and sunny side of a mountain (Shumsky, 2003). Yin and Yang are the fundamental law of the universe. According to Yin theory, Chinese like using a mild and moderate way to show their emotions, thus, the moon becomes an option. Since Tao represents the importance of harmony, yin and yang complement each other in an expression such as “water and fire”, and “the sun and the moon.”
How principles of Taoism serve as the foundation of the art of Feng Shui
In Chinese “Feng” represents “wind” while “Shui” is water” meaning “river,” “lake,” or “sea.” The Feng Shui theory was used for the choice of locations of cities, towns, buildings and graveyards (Shumsky, 2003). The application of Feng Shui was to examine the natural and physical geography so as to “avoid facing the wind while taking the advantage of using water”. Feng Shui theory was the main branch of Taoism, which referred in this respect to Dao, meaning respecting natural law. Since the general location (clime), topography, and existing building can affect the direction of “wind”, it was, therefore, important to take all potentially influential factors into consideration. Since flooding may destroy the city and its building, “water” was also considered.
References
Rudy, J. G. (2004). Romanticism and Zen Buddhism. Lewiston, NY: The Edwin Mellen Press.
Shumsky, S. G. (2003). Exploring Chakras: Awaken your untapped energy. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books.