Global Circulation of Daoism: Personal Reflections and Analysis

This essay delves into the philosophical and religious system of Daoism, also known as Taoism, originating in ancient China. The student, a follower of Daoism, reflects on the religion's core principles, including the concept of 'Dao' (the way), and its emphasis on living a simple life. The essay explores the principle of Wuwei (non-action), the significance of the Daodejing, and the student's personal alignment with and disagreement with certain aspects of Daoism, such as the Yin and Yang philosophy. The author provides insights into how Daoist principles influence their daily life and interactions with modern American society, highlighting the importance of harmony, simplicity, and the value of life. The essay draws on several scholarly sources to support its analysis, providing a comprehensive overview of Daoism's global circulation and its impact on individuals and cultures.

Running head: GLOBAL CIRCULATION OF DAOISM
Daoism- A popular Asian culture
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1GLOBAL CIRCULATION OF DAOISM
Daoism is among the two most dominant religious systems of China, which originated
in ancient times around 500 BCE. Also referred to as Taoism, this religion is based on the
philosophy of ‘Dao’ which means ‘the way’ (Dean). I am a follower of Daoism and
incorporate its vital principles of following a fixed path through life in my daily activities. It
feels like more of a philosophical belief than a religion. I am appreciative of some of its
principles while also stand against some other beliefs.
I am appreciative of one of its chief principles of living a simple life (Simpkins,
Alexander, and Simpkins). As a daoist, my daily life is meant to be elementary. Enjoyment is
necessary to stay healthy both physically and mentally but not excessive of it as is the current
American scenario with rapid technological growth. I prefer to extend this practice of
simplicity to all domains of my life, including home and college work rather than make it
complicated in at attempt to do many things. I strongly believe in another essential principle
of Taoism that life is the most precious gift bestowed to us. Without this gift of life, we
would not be able to understand the important lessons required to ascend the to the higher
state (Simpkins, Alexander, and Simpkins). Though a believer of rebirth, every life is
considered very valuable. Hence, I inculcate the practice of taking good care of myself,
including both physical and mental state which is integral to keep sane in the advanced
American society of today. A crucial element of the philosophies of Daoism is present in
Daodejing, an attribution to the founder of this religion, Laozi. Legends state that this book
was written when Laozi decided to move to the west from China as a memory of him
(Barbalet). This document is essential to Chinese history as it displays the mindset of Ancient
China and is one of the sources of the philosophies of present-day China. The principle of
Wuwei is one I am firmly in favour of. The term WuWei in literal sense means ‘no sense’.
This practice of refraining from interference with the natural course of any action forms a
primary element of my daily routine. The entire universe, including humans, find their natural

2GLOBAL CIRCULATION OF DAOISM
course according to the ‘Dao’ (way) if left uninterrupted and result in flourishing outcomes
(Moon). Nonetheless, humans disturb this natural flow through their language, culture and
thoughts. Ultimately, these interventions forsake spontaneity for artifice. This principle holds
an integral part in my routine by ensuring that no effort is spent in vain and that no action
contradicts the primary laws of nature.
As a follower of Daoism, I believe in the practice of WuWei, and it is beneficial in
most cases but I do not find the theory supporting this practice to be logical. The logic behind
this theory is that a uniform force exists which drives all the natural processes that occur in
the universe. This uniform force is responsible for the spontaneity of all activities, including
those of humans due to which they take up their natural course in the absence of any
intervention such as government, linguistic factors, though-process and cultural practices
(Gregory). However, this binding force is not worshipped in this religion. Though this force
is considered sacred, it is not considered as a representation of God. This force is described as
a power that encircles and runs in all systems, both living and non-living.
Though a follower of Daoism, being a female in today’s modern American society, I
disagree with an essential doctrine of this religion, the Yin and Yang. While Yin symbolises
female, dark and hatred, Yang is a symbol of male, light and love. Yin and Yang cannot be
separated and they represent a balance between the two types of forces driving nature (Dean).
However, set in ancient times, it associates women with the idea of dark or negativity while
men with light or positivity. It is discriminatory towards women and in line with the reduced
status of women in ancient societies. I do not imbibe this theory in my daily routine today as
women hold equal positions and rights as men and should not be associated with any
discrimination. The idea that Yin and Yang outlines is that any two extremities when together
are harmonious (Dean). Thus, neither males nor females should be associated with any form

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of dark or light but just be explained as two opposites that form a perfect harmony when
together.
Lastly, Daoism is an important reflection of Chinese culture and history and guides
us, its followers’ style of living full of harmony and prosperity.

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Works Cited
Barbalet, Jack. "Laozi’s Daodejing (6th Century BC)." The Oxford Handbook of Process
Philosophy and Organization Studies. Oxford University Press, 2014. 17-31.
Dean, Kenneth. Taoist ritual and popular cults of Southeast China. Princeton University
Press, 2014.
Gregory, Jason. Effortless Living: Wu-Wei and the Spontaneous State of Natural Harmony.
Simon and Schuster, 2018.
Moon, Seungho. "Wuwei (non-action) Philosophy and Actions: Rethinking ‘actions’ in
school reform." Educational Philosophy and Theory 47.5 (2015): 455-473.
Simpkins, C. Alexander, and Annellen M. Simpkins. Simple Taoism: A guide to living in
balance. Tuttle Publishing, 2015.