Union of Life and the Tao 什么是生道合一
Paul PengUnion of Life and the Tao？
Nurturing life and cultivating the Dao are an integral whole.
Taoism is a religion that rejoices in life, values life and abhors death, and pursues immortality.
Taiping Jing states: “The Heavenly Dao abhors killing and delights in giving life.”
Union of Life and the Tao？
Union of Life and the Tao？
Supreme Lord Laozi Scripture of Inner Observation further expounds the doctrine of the Unity of Life and Dao:
“The Dao cannot be seen; it is made manifest through life.
Life cannot be eternal; it is preserved through the Dao.
If life perishes, the Dao declines;
if the Dao declines, life perishes.
When life and the Dao are united, one attains immortality.”
It holds that “Life comes from the Dao; this is called destiny.
Form is received from the One; this is called nature.”
“Among all things, humans are the most spiritual.
When destiny and nature unite with the Dao, they ought to be preserved and cherished.”
At the moment of birth, the source of the spirit is pure and tranquil, free from defilement.
Once the physical form is acquired, it becomes tainted by the six senses:
“The eye craves colors, the ear clings to sounds, the mouth indulges in flavors, the nose takes in fragrances, the mind covets gain, and the body desires comfort and luxury.”
To greedily satisfy the desires of the six senses is to harm oneself, leading to separation from the Dao and death.
To survive, one must “abide by the Dao to preserve life, do good to safeguard authenticity.”
Precisely because Laozi’s teachings hold that nurturing life is cultivating the Dao, Taoism contains numerous methods for nurturing life. Through practicing these methods, Daoists realize the realm of the Dao, gradually achieving union with it — this is called the Unity of Life and Dao.
