Re: Daoism & Dharma
hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~
namasté
I see it slightly differently - which then influences the kind of answer or discussion that may unfold.
Dao ( some prefer the spelling Tao) is a philosophy. The word itself as I comprehend it means 'path'. Hence the philosophy of a path or way that is engaged by their three jewels - humility, compassion and moderation which I see as self-control. These values are noble, excellent and something one should aspire to bring to full bloom in this life.
Now consider dharma धर्म - this word is rooted dhṛ meaning that which upholds, supports, preserves. It is a basic functional quality of this universe and many times see it as the quality of viṣṇu, He that uplifts, preserves and supports.
It is almost talking the basic physical laws of nature that allows this full functioning universe to exist. At this level it is beyond philosophy.
Now let's add in the notion of sanātana dharma. This sanātana means eternal , perpetual , permanent , everlasting. So sanātana dharma is that which uplifts and supports eternally. This sanātana dharma is also called ārṣa dharma.
This ārṣa means 'derived from ṛṣi-s' - the great seers, who have viewed and experienced the essence of creation (sattā). From here our values arise - from here different schools of thought manifest.
So as I see it it is very difficult to try and equate Dao with dharma, because without dharma¹, this Dao could not come into being.
Others may differ...
praṇām
words
1. we find dharma in the ṛg (rig) ved as dhárman
Last edited by yajvan; 10 April 2011 at 07:08 PM.
यतस्त्वं शिवसमोऽसि
yatastvaṁ śivasamo'si
because you are identical with śiva
_
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