The Tao

Tao represents the basic concept of Taoism. Though it is used on a grand scale by Taoists this term belongs to the spiritual atmosphere of the ancient China and can be translated by "way", "mean", "art", "skill".

The graphs of tao: to the left - the old form, to the right - the new form

The word for word meaning of tao is represented also by the ancient symbol of this term. It is made out of two distinct graphic elements: the first - placed to the right of the sign - suggests the image of a hairy, human head; the latter - placed to the left - suggests moving by presenting a foot walking.

• Tao with Confucians and Taoists

However, the term "tao" is differently translated depending on the context of the doctrine in which it is understood. Thus, for Confucius and for his philosophical school, "tao" refers to the art of ruling the state of the ancient emperors like King Wen and Duke of Chou, famous characters in the history of China.

For the Taoists, the same term alludes, in the late speculations, to the beginning, the origin of all the things or other similar concepts. In this context, the polysemy of this term resembles the polysemy of the concept prima materia of the Greek-Egyptian classic alchemy or of the medieval European alchemy.

In the Book of Changes tao is said to represent a yin and a yang. It is, more precisely, a moving phenomena including alternation of contraries, like day and night.

• Tao and the Heavenly Constitution

Tao is linked to the Heavenly Constitution too. The meaning of this syntagm is clearly revealed by a passage of the Book of Chuang-tzu,

"What do you mean," pursued the earl, "by the Heavenly, and by the Human?" Zo replied, "Oxen and horses have four feet; - that is what I call their Heavenly (constitution). When horses' heads are haltered, and the noses of oxen are pierced, that is what I call (the doing of) Man. Hence it is said, <>". (Book XVII, Chap 7, Legge).

What we can understand from this short dialogue is that Taoists consider tao a natural and usual concept of harmony and equilibrium of the essence of things in the Universe.

What represents the natural part of a creature or of a phenomenon - not necessarily animated - is its very essence, and is alluded by the term tao.

The human being brings about, by his activity, essential changes to the Heavenly Constitution . These changes - human ones - represent real deviations from the Tao, and can become the opposite of the natural way of things.

• Tao at Robber Kih

Tao means the idea of skill, talent for a certain thing, of ability, not only related to the ancient sovereigns. Even ordinary people could demonstrate something out of common, as is shown by a fragment from book of Chuang-tzu.

The followers of the robber Kih asked him, saying, 'Has the robber also any method or principle [i.e. tao] (in his proceedings)?' He replied, 'What profession is there which has not its principles? That the robber in his recklessness comes to the conclusion that there are valuable deposits in an apartment shows his sageness; that he is the first to enter it shows his bravery; that he is the last to quit it shows his righteousness; that he knows whether (the robbery) may be attempted or not shows his wisdom; and that he makes an equal division of the plunder shows his benevolence. Without all these five qualities no one in the world has ever attained to become a great robber.' Looking at the subject in this way, we see that good men do not arise without having the principles of the sages, and that Kih could not have pursued his course without the same principles. (Chuang-tzu, Chap. 10, "Cutting open Satchels")

Chinese people admired gifted archers, calligraphers, philosophers having the gift of speech and, generally speaking, all the people who distinguished themselves by a certain skill. They were invited at sovereign's court, put to the test and rewarded properly when they proved their skill.

The Bible also hints at these aptitudes, but these are called "gifts". Apostle Paul adds to the act of possessing such "gifts" also love - without which they have no importance - that means, passion.

Nowadays you could also find this special vocation: there are very skilled people for business, art, music, successful sportsmen acclaimed by the people, talented politicians, etc. All of them have their own tao, and this means a distinct aptitude.