Abstract
This paper is a response paper to Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Ching" and discusses how following the Way is like not following the way and vice versa.

From the Paper
"Lao Tzu who is credited with writing the "Tao Te Ching" was trying to come at the idea of right conduct in the opposite direction from Confucius. Where Confucius was using external right conduct to teach a thoughtful and correct internal attitude, Lao Tzu seems to be using an internalized way of being referred to as the Way to teach right conduct, be it external or not. Yet, like Confucius, what is being sought by the Tao Te Ching..."

Tags:Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu

Abstract
This paper analyzes the "Tao Te Ching", the Chinese text that teaches there is one undivided truth at the root of all things. "Tao Te Ching" written in China about 2,500 years and is probably the most influential Chinese book of all times. The "Tao Te Ching" provides the basis for the philosophical school of Taoism, an essential pillar of Chinese thought.

From the Paper
"Stylistically, the verse uses a number of figures of speech. At the beginning is a series of antithesis or contrasting constructions as well as repetition of the word "be": "Yield and overcome"; "Bend and be straight"; "Empty and be full"; "Wear out and be new"; "Have little and gain." This whole part of the verse is also a tautology, saying the same thing with different words. The words also evoke images: The bending tree or plant, the full bucket of water, the warn out clothes.
These words in the beginning of the verse are also similar to "ying" and "yang." Yin originally meant "shady, secret, dark, mysterious, cold." Yang in turn meant "clear, bright, the sun, heat," the opposite of yin. From these basic opposites, a complete system of opposites was elaborated. Yin represents everything about the world that is dark, hidden, passive, receptive, yielding, cool, soft, and feminine."

Tags:way, strength, virtue, scripture, Lao, Tsu, Gia-Fu, Feng, Jane, English, yin, yang

Abstract
This paper looks at the various forms of Chinese divination called I Ching. The author discusses I Ching's long history based on the philosophy of an ever-changing universe. The paper discusses how trigrams and hexagrams lead to a better understanding of the future, and how the practice was used during several dynasties in China. The author also examines I Ching's text, "Book of Changes".

From the Paper
"I Ching is a form of divination used in China for the prediction of many affairs, both personal and affairs of the state. "I" or yi means change. "Ching" or ying means book. Therefore it is known in English as the Book of Changes. It is based on the philosophy that everything in the universe is constantly changing. The I Ching reflects this process of changes and gives a way to interpret the way that energy is flowing at any particular moment."

Tags:chinese, divination, shang, dynasty, confucius, elements, universe, future, oracle, book, changes, yin, yang, trigram, energy, tao, hexagram

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the ideas and philosophies of Tao Te Ching, and how these ideas and philosophies can be applied in everyday modern life. According to this paper, the concept of Tao has trickled into western ideas, such as the expression of 'going with the flow'.

From the Paper
"The Tao Te Ching is a mystical treatise of philosophy and individual spirituality. The central concept is the Tao, meaning the Way, followed by Wei-wu-wei which refers to action through inaction. Actions that are in harmony with Tao (Nature) are more productive than those which oppose the Tao. Our common expression today of `going with the flow' is the essence of Chapter 64. This idea along with other concepts can be applied to current daily situations since Lao Tze is pertinent for the modern era just as the Tao Te Ching has had an influence on Chinese thought through the ages" (Lau ix).

Tags:tao, inaction, life

Abstract
This paper gives a brief history and explanation of three Eastern religions known as Tao Te Ching, Buddhism, and Hinduism. In addition, the paper points out the many similarities between the three philosophies, as well as their differences.

From the Paper
"The Tao Te Ching shares a great number of similarities with Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, although there are some important differences between the three religions. The Tao Te Ching and Buddhism share similar ideas of harmony with the environment, nirvana, and even reincarnation. Similarly, Hinduism and the Tao Te Ching share a common understanding of human suffering, the relief from suffering, and the nature of the divine. Nonetheless, the differences between the Tao Te Ching and Hinduism are important. Ultimately, the Tao Te Ching, Hinduism, and Buddhism provide an interesting and welcome contrast to Western philosophy and thought."

Tags:lao-tzu, taoist, tao, universal, entity, nirvana, harmony, environment, brahman, atman

Abstract
A primary source-based examination of the similarities and differences between the understanding and description of 'Ultimate Reality' (or God) as found in the Taoist and Hindu main theological texts, the "Tao Te Ching" and the "Upanishads". History and explanations of the differing religious traditions and the concept of 'Ultimate Reality' are supplied. Cause of creation and nature of reality are discussed. Many textual references included. Includes annotated bibliography.

From the Paper
"Although composed over two thousand years ago, the Upanishads and the "Tao Te Ching" are considered to be the mystical texts par excellence of their respective religious traditions. The content of these documents were foundational to the establishment of Hinduism and Taoism and continue to be highly referenced within these traditions today. Primarily identified for their mystical content, these texts reflect a desire on the authors' behalf to identify through direct contact a reality that transcends their own, an Ultimate Reality."

Tags:brahman, dao, daoism, god, hinduism, religious, taoism, texts, upanishads

From the Paper
"Fairbank and Reischauer (1989) discuss the early Ching dynasty and make the comment that contemporary impressions of the culture of the time in China "is of a rich culture so firmly imbedded in its inherited tradition that it is more critical than creative and, in some cases, even repetitive and decadent" (p. 237). This raises interesting questions about the role of the intellectual in such a society, centering on whether the intellectual class supports the traditional or agitates for change and how the specific intellectual response is viewed by the rest of society. This was a period of dynastic decline, but even that was in some fashion a preparation for the next surge forward even if the people of the time could not see what form that surge would take. There is a parallel here between the declining Ching dynasty and our own era, as we are beset by concerns about the (...)"

Tags:CHINA

Abstract
Chinese Taoism has became popular through the interpretations of the Tao-te-ching, written around 168 B.C.E. by Lao-tzu or Laozi, therefore he and Zhuangzi are considered the "fathers" of the religion (Kohn, Livia, and Lafargue; Robinet and Brooks). The term Tao itself means 'absolute truth' and the ideals of Taoism first became popular between 479 to 221 B.C.E. during a period in Chinese history called the "Warring States" (Kohn, Livia, and Lafargue 3; Robinet & Brooks 27). The teachings of the Tao-te-ching that embrace tranquility, moderation, and simplicity were desired at a time when Chinese society was troubled by war and a collapsing structure (Kohn, Livia, and Lafargue). The word Tao itself means "a road, path, way; and hence, the way in which one does something; method, principle, doctrine" (Waley 30). To some the Tao-te-ching can represent anarchy and liberation from government and elitism; while others see it as a radical criticism that undermines social conventions and a return to nature (Kohn, Livia, and Lafargue).

From the Paper
Student's Name Name of Instructor Name of Course March 3, 2008 Laozi, Zhuangzi and Taoism Chinese Taoism has became popular through the interpretations of the Tao-te-ching, written around 168 B.C.E. by Lao-tzu or Laozi, therefore he and Zhuangzi are considered the "fathers" of the religion (Kohn, Livia, & Lafargue; Robinet & Brooks 1997). The term Tao itself means `absolute truth' and the ideals of Taoism first became popular between 479 to 221

Tags:laozi, zhuangzi, taoism

Abstract
In this paper, the writer shows how Plato and Lao-tzu both display similarities within their theme of enlightenment and political success and the modern day influence of their works. However, the methods of dialogue and poetry to present their writings helps to maintain their philosophical uniqueness.

From the Paper
"Philosophy is the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct . Plato, a Greek writer and teacher, is thought to be one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy. In his work, "The Allegory of the Cave," he discusses politics and perception within a symbolic narrative. Lao-tzu's "Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching," is another document containing philosophical ideology, focusing on government and moral behavior. Both Plato and Lao-tzu display similarities within their theme and their influence in the modern world; however, one distinct variation they possess is the method in which their material is presented."

Tags:allegory, ching, philosophy, republic, tao, taoism, te, enlightenment, journey, influence, poetry

Abstract
This is an analysis of two poems found in the Book of Odes and the inspiration of nature on the author. This paper compares common themes running throughout the entire book by looking at two inspiration poems. Despite the fact that the style of poetry faded away about as quickly as it was born, much of its value and meaning have lived on to the present day. The Book of Odes is after all the earliest work of Chinese poetry ever discovered and it "represents all we know of early Chinese poetry" in a culture where the oldest is often thought to be the best.

From the Paper
"Poetry, throughout history, has been one of the most admired artistic forms of inner expression and has inspired readers to search for personal meaning and value within the context of the most beautiful words written by man. It is impossible to fully understand ancient Chinese history without studying its contribution to the art of poetry. Chinese poets are known for their brilliance and Chinese poetry for its unique style, inner meaning and its ability to educate and inspire readers throughout the centuries. One of the most noteworthy pieces of literature is the Shih ching or the Book of Odes, also referred to as the Book of Songs. This collection of approximately 300 poems from the Chou dynasty is a Confucian classic and was traditionally compiled by Confucius himself. Confucius used these 305 poems in order to teach his disciples about the meaning they should be drawing from poetry. Two poems, one about a peach tree, and the other about a pear tree, are just a miniscule fragment of the entire Book of Odes, yet they reveal an ocean of meaning and provide an amazing preview into one of the most incredible volumes in Chinese history."

Tags:ancient, china, confucius, literature, book, of, songs, history