What Is the Dao?
The Dao (道) is the ineffable, underlying principle of the universe. It is the source of all things, yet it remains unseen and ungraspable by ordinary mind. Cultivating in the Dao means aligning oneself with its natural flow, acting with simplicity, humility, and compassion.
Daoist Cultivation
Daoist cultivation encompasses practices—meditation, breath regulation, mindful movement (like Tai Chi), and ethical living—that allow one to harmonize body, spirit, and environment. By observing nature’s rhythms and embracing stillness, the practitioner returns to an original state of balance and clarity.
Quotes on Heaven and Earth
“Heaven and Earth are not humane; they treat all things as straw dogs. The sage is not humane; he treats the people as straw dogs.”
“Man follows the Earth. Earth follows Heaven. Heaven follows the Dao. The Dao follows what is natural.”
“The Dao gives birth to One. One gives birth to Two. Two gives birth to Three. Three gives birth to all things.”