What is the Way of Heaven in Taoism? 什么是天道
Paul PengWhat is the Way of Heaven in Taoism?
It stands in contrast to the Way of Humanity.
Originally, Dao means "road" or "path". When combined as Tiandao (the Way of Heaven), it refers to the governing principle and operational law of Heaven.
In its earliest conception, Heaven was associated with ancient Chinese religion, regarded as a personal deity ruling all. The Way of Heaven thus meant the will of the supreme governing god.
What is the Way of Heaven in Taoism?
What is the Way of Heaven in Taoism?
The Book of Documents·Tang Announcement states: "The Way of Heaven rewards the good and punishes the wicked; it sends down calamities upon Xia."
The Duke of Zhou more clearly put forward the idea that "High Heaven shows no partiality; it only assists the virtuous", holding that kings must "match Heaven with virtue" and receive the Mandate of Heaven through reverencing virtue. The Way of Heaven was closely bound up with human affairs.
During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, a current of skepticism arose, and the Way of Heaven was critically examined. Zichan of Zheng advanced the idea that "The Way of Heaven is distant; the Way of Humanity is near", distinguishing the two and emphasizing humanity over Heaven. This marked the first appearance of the Way of Heaven as a concept in traditional Chinese philosophy.
Laozi characterized the Way of Humanity by action and the Way of Heaven by non‑action, proposing the view that "the Way of Heaven is natural and non‑active", which is a core thought of the Dao.
