What is the Transformation of the Dao in Taoism? 什么是道化
Paul PengWhat is the Transformation of the Dao in Taoism?
Dao Hua refers to the generation and transformation governed by the natural laws of the Dao.
The concept of Dao Hua originates from the pre-Qin Daoist school.
Laozi and Zhuangzi regarded the Dao as the foundation of the cosmos, from which Heaven, Earth, and all things come into being through transformation.
What is the Transformation of the Dao in Taoism?
What is the Transformation of the Dao in Taoism?All things are born from the Dao, and return to the Dao again.
The Dao follows Nature in its movement. Human beings should take the Dao as their model.
Liezi • Shuo Fu states:
“Therefore, the sage relies on Dao Hua, not on clever ingenuity.”
Taoism developed Daoist teachings into doctrinal theories.
Tan Qiao of the Five Dynasties provided the most typical exposition of the theory of Dao Hua.
Hua Shu • Chapter of Dao Hua says:
“In the unfolding of the Dao:
Emptiness transforms into Spirit,
Spirit transforms into Qi,
Qi transforms into form;
once forms arise, all things become obstructed.
In the functioning of the Dao:
Form transforms into Qi,
Qi transforms into Spirit,
Spirit transforms into Emptiness;
when Emptiness is clear, all things are interconnected.”
Dao Hua is a cyclical process.
The Dao evolves from Emptiness into Spirit, Qi, and tangible beings.
Once things take form, their transformation is obstructed.
From the perspective of the Dao’s function, formed things revert to formless Qi,
Qi to Spirit, Spirit to luminous Emptiness,
so that all transformations flow unimpeded.
Heaven, Earth, and all things exist within this endless cycle of change.
Practitioners ought to understand the principle of Dao Hua.
Cultivation lies in penetrating the origin of obstruction and circulation,
attaining the source of creation,
and realizing the mystery of Dao Hua.
Forget form to nourish Qi,
forget Qi to nourish Spirit,
forget Spirit to nourish Emptiness.
When Emptiness and form intercommunicate,
one reaches the state of “Great Unity,”
transcending the cycle of life, death, and change,
and becomes a sage.
