What is Fate in Taoism? 道教中命运的含义
Paul PengWhat is Fate in Taoism?
In ancient times, it referred to the inevitable force that determines one’s life circumstances, including good or ill fortune, blessings or calamities, longevity or premature death, nobility or lowliness.
Although both ming (destiny) and yun (fortune) belong to inevitability, they differ:
- Destiny refers to longevity, premature death, nobility or lowliness already fixed at birth.
- Fortune refers to good or ill luck, smoothness or adversity in the course of life.
What is Fate in Taoism?Confucius spoke of destiny many times. Analects·Yan Yuan states:
“Life and death are governed by The Dao, wealth and honor are ordained by Heaven.”
He regarded destiny as an irresistible force, and held that whether the Dao would prevail or decline was entirely determined by this destiny.
Zhuangzi regarded destiny as a decisive factor beyond human control. One can do nothing about it but follow nature and accept it calmly—and this is the highest virtue.
The doctrine of destiny has profoundly influenced Taoism.
Taoism pursues immortal life, which can only be attained through arduous and extraordinary cultivation.
Yet whether one can become an immortal is closely related to destiny. Those destined for immortality will surely be aided by immortal fortune through diligent self‑cultivation; at the proper time, immortals will come to guide them to attain the Dao and achieve immortality.
The idea of destiny finds its fullest and most vivid expression in countless tales of immortals and realized beings.
However, the “destiny” in Taoism only indicates the possible range of life circumstances, not that every detail of daily life is rigidly controlled by destiny without the slightest deviation.
On the contrary, while acknowledging the inevitability of destiny, Taoism leaves room for acquired human effort.
Cultivation arts and divination arts are both efforts to grasp destiny and master oneself, based on the refinement and transformation of Qi.
