Miceal Ledwith Ph.D.
Taoists do not believe in a personal God as advocated by the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam). The Abrahamic God is based on the political model of the ancient near Middle East. Much like a tyrant king of the same era, God is seen to be in a position to reward or punish as he sees appropriate.
The ancient Chinese didn't base their view of Nature and the Universe on a political model. They didn't see Nature or the Universe as something that was responding to a cosmic king or boss. Instead they saw that everything functioned automatically, following a predetermined pattern they called the Tao (pronounced "Dow" as in 'Dow Jones'). They believed it was the Tao that was behind all the wonders of Nature.
Rather than a God, the Tao is more similar to a force such as gravity or electromagnetism. Therefore it doesn't make much sense to try to communicate with or worship the Tao. We can't influence the Tao since it is a predetermined pattern and its design is non-negotiable. The only way we can benefit from the Tao is by learning its lessons by observing Nature and applying that knowledge to our life.
Although the Tao is often discussed as if it is an object, it is actually the universal configuration for balance and success. In other words the Tao is a verb and not a noun. This doesn't mean that Taoists don't have the greatest respect and admiration for the Tao. Taoists show their respect for the Tao by respecting all life, Nature and the Universe. This respect involves sharing this planet with all other life forms and minimising our impact on the environment.
Although there are great advantages for us to follow the Tao, we are not forced to follow this pattern. In the words of Lao Tzu (pronounced "Lao Suh" and meaning 'Old Master'), "The Tao provides a pattern for everything to follow, without requiring anything to follow it. Even after the Tao has accomplished great things, the Tao lays no claim to it."
Following the way of the Tao is very beneficial since it is the easiest and most successful way to live our lives. It's about flowing with the current and not struggling against it. There are no disadvantages in following the Tao, only advantages.
To follow the Tao, Taoists adapt 'wu wei' (pronounced "woo way"). Translated into English, wu wei means 'not forcing'. If one is following the way of the Tao, there should never be a reason to use force. The Tao will provide one with everything they need to succeed. Animals in their natural habitat need only follow their instinct to find everything they need to survive.
Taoists believe if something is difficult to obtain, it isn't necessary to have it. This is why material possessions such as jewellery or expensive gadgets contradict living in harmony with the Tao. Lao Tzu suggested living modestly so one can afford to be generous.
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