The bowing salute involves bowing slightly while clasping one’s hands in front of the abdomen and raising them upward (without exceeding the level of the nose) to greet others. Because the raising of hands is accompanied by a bending of the body (bowing), it is also called "making a bow." Additionally, since the body bends into a crescent shape, it is also known as the "circular bow." When performing the bowing salute to others, one should not bend excessively, to avoid the buttocks protruding and appearing unbecoming. The bowing salute is more respectful than the hand-clasping salute, and is often used when greeting elders.
The Taoist Zuoyi Li: The Art of Bowing with Folded Hands
The Zuoyi Li (作揖礼) represents one of Taoism's most elegant and respectful gestures. Combining a bow with carefully positioned hands, this salutation expresses deep reverence while maintaining spiritual integrity.
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Also known as Dagong (打躬, "striking the bow") or Yuanyi (圆揖, "circular bow"), this gesture embodies the Taoist principles of humility, balance, and mindful presence in human interactions.
The Form of Zuoyi Li
Precise Execution
The Zuoyi Li involves a harmonious coordination of body and hands:
- Begin with hands together at abdomen level
- Raise folded hands upward while bowing from the waist
- Hands should not rise above nose level
- The body forms a crescent shape (like a half-moon)
- Return to upright position while lowering hands
The entire movement should flow gracefully like water.
The Three Names of Reverence
Zuoyi (作揖)
"Making the Salutation" - The standard name emphasizing the intentional creation of the respectful gesture.
Dagong (打躬)
"Striking the Bow" - Highlights the bowing movement that accompanies the hand gesture.
Yuanyi (圆揖)
"Circular Salutation" - Describes the crescent shape formed by the body during the bow.
Philosophical Significance of Names
Each name reveals a different dimension of this gesture: intentional action (作), physical movement (打躬), and geometric perfection (圆揖). Together, they represent the Taoist ideal of integrating thought, action, and form.
Essential Etiquette Points
Proper Form
- Maintain a straight back during the bow
- Hands should not exceed nose height
- The bow should form a graceful crescent
- Duration: 2-3 seconds for standard respect
Common Mistakes
- Over-bending (causes protruding hips)
- Raising hands above the nose
- Rushing the movement
- Bowing without hand coordination
The Golden Mean in Bowing
Taoism emphasizes balance in all things - the Zuoyi Li bow should be deep enough to show respect but not so deep as to lose dignity. The ideal bow finds the perfect balance between humility and self-respect.
When to Use the Zuoyi Li
Honoring Elders
The highest respect to senior practitioners and teachers. Often accompanied by formal address.
Temple Rituals
During formal ceremonies when paying respects to deities or ancestors.
Formal Occasions
Important meetings, initiations, or when receiving distinguished guests.
Hierarchy of Respect
Zuoyi Li shows deeper respect than the Gongshou Li (拱手礼). Taoists use:
(Higher Respect)
(Standard Respect)
Philosophical Dimensions
Harmony of Opposites
The bow embodies the Taoist principle of yin (bowing down) and yang (rising up) in balanced harmony.
Water-like Humility
Like water flowing downward, the bow expresses the Taoist virtue of humility and yielding.
Mindful Presence
Executing the bow properly requires complete attention, embodying mindfulness in action.
"The highest virtue is like water. Water benefits all things without contention. It stays in places that others disdain. Therefore it is near the Tao."
— Tao Te Ching, Chapter 8
The Living Tradition of Reverence
The Zuoyi Li represents more than a formal gesture - it embodies the Taoist virtues of respect, humility, and harmony. Each bow carries centuries of spiritual wisdom, teaching us that true reverence involves both physical expression and inner intention.
In a world that often values speed over substance, the deliberate grace of the Zuoyi Li reminds us that true respect requires presence, intention, and the wisdom to know when deeper reverence is appropriate.
