but the emptiness is what we use. — Tao Te Ching, translated by J. H. McDonald
Introduction
This session introduces Taoism (DOW-iz-uhm), an Eastern faith more than 2,500 years old. Taoism arose from indigenous Chinese religion. Its unique approach to the spiritual journey was first recorded in approximately 550 BCE, when Lao Tzu (LAU tsuh) wrote the Tao Te Ching(DOW duh jing), Taoism's most important text. Taoism does not usually refer to "God." It teaches instead "the Tao," which translates as "the Way" or "the Path." The Way is indistinct and incorporeal, it has no personality, and it is infinitely soft and infinitely powerful.
The engagement activity will deepen participants' understanding of Taoism and is encouraged; however, if no engagement takes place outside of workshop time, consider using Alternate Activity 2 to provide an experiential component. Further, consider holding the entire workshop outdoors, to express Taoism's connection with the natural world.
The basic concepts of Taoism are supremely simple, yet its very simplicity can be a trap—if something is "simple," it seems like it should be easy! The tendency to underestimate the depth of Taoism is the biggest pitfall in understanding it. You may need to remind participants that Unitarian Universalism looks simple to people, too: Most people agree with the values inherent in the seven UU Principles. However, living those principles—just like living Taoism—is not easy. Nondogmatic religions (those with no specific doctrine relating to such matters as morality and faith) ask followers to bear a huge responsibility for their own understanding of what is true and good.
If anyone in your congregation is Taoist or has a Taoist background, consider replacing an activity with a guest to speak with the group.
Goals
This workshop will:
Introduce participants to some fundamental aspects of Taoism
Promote discussion of ways in which Taoism resonates with participants' Unitarian Universalist faith
Optional: Invite youth to engage with Taoist concepts in nature.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
Understand and discuss fundamental tenets of Taoism
Explore the Tao Te Ching
Realize that sacred texts are subject to different interpretations by both the writers and the readers
Experiment with balance as represented in the yin/yang symbol
Compare Taoism and Unitarian Universalism and understand how the Taoist tradition can inform Unitarian Universalism
Optional: Experience service to the community from a Taoist perspective (Faith in Action).
