Journal of East China Normal University (Philosoph ›› 2014, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (3): 77-83.

• 宗教学研究 • Previous Articles     Next Articles

On the Religious Implications of Laozi’s Dao

AN Lun   

  • Online:2014-05-15 Published:2014-09-29
  • Contact: AN Lun
  • About author:AN Lun

Abstract: As the core of Dao De Jing, the Dao is the mostly discussed topic which has caused most disputes and misinterpretations. According to the original idea of Dao De Jing, the metaphysical Dao, as the origin of the all things in the universe, is effortless and spontaneous, weak and far from having intention for struggle, and ready for turning to the opposite. The Dao for human conduct, the Dao for administration, and the Dao of the sage – all of these advocated by Laozi are worldly principles following the example of the metaphysical Dao. The essential attributes of the metaphysical Dao, including having no image, no sound and no substance, being ineffable, existing for itself and being eternally, make the Dao similar to the supreme God or the Creator in other civilizations in the world.