Tao facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tao |
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| Chinese name | |||||||||||||||||
| Chinese | 道 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Vietnamese name | |||||||||||||||||
| Vietnamese | Đạo | ||||||||||||||||
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| Hangul | 도 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Japanese name | |||||||||||||||||
| Kanji | 道 | ||||||||||||||||
| Hiragana | 1. とう 2. どう 3. みち |
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The Tao (pronounced "Dow") is an important idea from ancient Chinese philosophy. You'll find it in teachings like Taoism and Confucianism. The word "Tao" means "way," "path," or "route."
In Taoism, people believe the Tao is where everything in the universe came from. This includes all living things, materials, and even ideas. When something changes or disappears, its energy (called qi) goes back to the Tao. It then gets absorbed and can be reborn in a new form.
What is the Tao?
The Tao is seen as a powerful force that cannot be fully named or described. It represents the natural balance and harmony between all living things. It's like the way everything in nature moves together smoothly.
Taoists believe that if a person can "forget themselves" and let go of their own plans, they can "move effortlessly." This idea is called wu wei, which means "non-action." When someone lives this way, they are in harmony with the Tao. They become like animals and plants, flowing naturally with the world.
Living in Harmony with the Tao
The main goal in Taoism is to achieve this harmony with the Tao. It means living in a way that is natural and simple. It's about accepting things as they are and not trying to force them. This helps people find peace and balance in their lives.
Images for kids
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A Taoist monk practicing Chinese calligraphy with water on stone. Water calligraphy shows how physical things don't last forever.
See also
In Spanish: Tao para niños
