Taoism and environment
This project combines this ancient oriental philosophy of Taoism with the natural environment and conveys the core ideas of this philosophy: Human follows land, land follows sky, sky follows Taoism, and Taoism follows nature.
Illustrations based on four main principles of Taoism guide the relationship between humanity and nature
1. Respect the Earth
The Tao De Jing says: 'Humanity follows the Earth, the Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Tao, and the Tao follows what is natural.' Taoists, therefore, obey the Earth. The Earth respects Heaven, Heaven abides by the Tao, and the Tao follows the natural course of everything. Humans should help everything grow according to its own way. We should cultivate the way of no-action and let nature be itself.
2. Affluence in biodiversity
Taoism has a unique sense of value in that it judges affluence by the number of different species. If all things in the universe grow well, then a society is a community of affluence. If not, this kingdom is on the decline. This view encourages both government and people to take good care of nature. This thought is a special contribution by Taoism to the conservation of nature.
3. Harmony with nature
In Taoism, everything is composed of two opposite forces known as Yin and Yang. The two forces are in a constant struggle within everything. When they reach harmony, the energy of life is created. Someone who understands this point will not exploit nature but will treat it well and learn from it. Obviously, in the long run, the excessive use of nature will bring about disaster, even the extinction of humanity.
4. An extreme can only lead to an opposite direction (retribution)
If the pursuit of development runs counter to the harmony and balance of nature, even if it is of great immediate interest and profit, people should restrain themselves from it. Insatiable human desire will lead to the over-exploitation of natural resources. To be too successful is to be on the path to defeat.
