What is the Essence of the Dao in Taoism? 什么是道精
Paul PengWhat is the Essence of the Dao in Taoism?
The term originates from Xiang'er Commentary on Laozi:
“The Dao is most honored, subtle and hidden, without form or shape.”
The Dao possesses Qi, Essence, and Spirit.
“That which is called Essence is a differentiated Qi of the Dao.”
What is the Essence of the Dao in Taoism?
What is the Essence of the Dao in Taoism?It links “Essence” with the “Dao”, naming it “Dao Jing”.
Dao Jing is the foundation for the creation of all things and the existence and development of human life.
Thus Xiang'er Commentary on Laozi states:
“Dao Jing is distributed to all things;
the essence of all things shares a single origin.”
The thought that takes Dao Jing as the basis of all life provides theoretical support for the Taoism doctrine of preserving essence to nurture life.
It further comments on the line:
“All things rise together, and I observe their return”:
“All things contain Dao Jing;
they rise together at their initial emergence.
‘I’ refers to the Dao.
Observing the return of its Essence,
all return to their root.
Therefore it urges people to treasure and safeguard the root.”
Preserving Dao Jing is regarded as the prerequisite for longevity.
