What is Tao?

Tao (澭) - also spelled Dao - translates "way" or "path".
But it is not the physical road one steps on to reach somewhere. It is not a matter of materialism.
It is rather a method or doctrine that one "follows" to acquire some spiritual knowledge.

Tao with Taoists and Confucians

Tao meaning differs widely depending on the context of the doctrine in which is included.

Thus, for Taoists, "tao" is the very source and creator of all things in the universe and, in the same time, a model for the sage's conduct.

Tao-te ching (the Book of Tao and its Characteristics) maintains that the "tao" concept is obscure and difficult to describe.

It seems it is about something that exists since the beginning of the Universe, the root of Heaven and Earth, and the Mother of everything (the so called ten-thousand).

Confucius

For Confucius and his school, mainly interested in politics, 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 ancient China.

Thus it points to a "way" or "method" of ruling taken as a model by the Confucians.

Tao with Common People

Chinese people admired gifted persons such as archers, butchers, doctors etc.

They were invited at the sovereign's court, put to the test and rewarded properly when they proved their skill.

Nowadays one could also find successful businessmen, gifted artists, writers, sportsmen acclaimed by the people, talented politicians etc.

All of them have their own tao, and this means a specific aptitude or talent.

Quotes about What is Tao

Max Kaltenmark

Tao with sometimes a slight variation in the script means "to direct", "to guide", or "establish communication". A person directs another by telling him the way to follow, so Tao also means "to say" or "to tell" And insofar as saying or telling is the same as informing and teaching, Tao has the further meaning "doctrine". (From Lao Tzu and Taoism, Stanford University Press, 1969, p. 22)

Alan Watts

(...) It must be clear from the start that Tao cannot be understood as "God" in the sense of a ruler, monarch, commander, architect, and maker of the universe. The image of the military and political overlord, or of a creator external to nature, has no place in the idea of Tao (...)

Yet the Tao is most certainly the ultimate reality and energy of the universe, the Ground of being and nonbeing. (From Tao: the Water Course Way, Pantheon Books, New York, 1975, p. 40)

Let's conclude that Tao is a concept related to the birth of the universe, the way of governing and even the specific skills of certain people.

Stories about Tao

Tao is not God

Question: I remember I had an argument with my wife and been very affected. I was practicing the Tao but it didn't help me. Why?

Answer: Tao is not a God. One shouldn't ask Tao to behave like God and do things to help one. Stop thinking of Tao in terms of a mighty God who can change things and do anything. If you have problems with your mate or family just keep that state of nondoing (AKA don't do anything to change the situation for the good) and see what happens. This is the way.

Question: Well, I was keeping that state and still there was so much suffering.

Answer: This is because Tao is not God. It doesn't help you with your suffering. Actually it brings the suffering! (From Master Lu Sayings about Living in Tao).

Tao, Good and Bad

- What is the Tao good for? asked Wu from the Northern Sea. Is it good for eat, for ride or perhaps for fighting enemies?

- No, replied the Seagull of No Concern, it is not good for eat, ride or fighting your enemies. Just because the Tao is the Lord of everything you shouldn't ask about his utility.

Wu from the Northern Sea changed countenance and replied, sadly: "Once again I mistaken the master for the servant!"