Abstract
This chapter lays out the Daoist cosmology and axiology, or the philosophy of qi and virtues. It details how Dao is viewed as the Primordial Energy and the Creative Force, and that in Daoism, meditation is taken as “cultivating Dao”. Dao has specific qualities that a practitioner can embody and become immortal like the Dao. When one is transformed one becomes a Real Person (Zhen Ren), transcending physical limitations and having exponential abilities. Essentially, Daoism is an exploration of the secret of life in order to attain ultimate freedom defying the physical laws of the universe. With this aspiration, Daoism has an expansive cosmology in which human’s body, heart and spirit can resonate with the whole universe, garnering qi energy through virtuous mind and deeds. The chapter discusses Daoist axiology or philosophy of virtues, maintaining the universe is a moral system, and all existence is equal and unified through virtue as the underlying cosmic mechanism fostering life and sustaining the universe.
This chapter discusses Daoist cosmology and axiology, or its philosophy of qi and virtues.
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Notes
- 1.
The original text in Chinese is: 天下万物生于有, 有生于无.
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Culham, T., Lin, J. (2020). Daoist Cosmology and Axiology, or the Philosophy of Qi and Virtues. In: Daoist Cultivation of Qi and Virtue for Life, Wisdom, and Learning. Spirituality, Religion, and Education. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44947-6_3
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