What is the Primordial Commencement in Taoism? 什么是太始
Paul PengShare
What is the Primordial Commencement in Taoism?
It refers to the primal state where all principles of heaven and earth have taken form yet not acquired substance.
Yi Wei·Qian Zao Du (The Secret of the Dragon's Work in the I Ching Apocrypha) states: "Taishi is the origin of form."
What is the Primordial Commencement in Taoism?
Taoism adopted the concept of Taishi, using it to denote the state and stage where all things have form but no substance. Records of Emperors notes: "The initial state of Qi and form is called Taishi." Volume 67 of Dao Fa Hui Yuan (The Compendium of Taoist Methods) quotes General Treatise on All Methods: "Taishi is the state where Yin and Yang intermingle and merge into one, from which form is born. Though form exists, substance does not—and this is named Taishi." Additionally, The Supreme Precious Golden Court Scripture of Non-Action states: "Taishi is the transformation of the divine; through the divine transformation, all things take form
About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
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