World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

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Taoism and Vedanta (Upanishads)- A Comparative Study
- Prof. Dr. Yajneshwar S.Shastri
Taoism and Vedanta (Upanishadic philosophy] are the two major philosophical traditions of Asia. Taoism is one of the important religio-philosophical traditions, which shaped (along with Confucianism and Buddhism] the Chinese civilization and life style since ancient times. The Vedanta especially Upanishadic philosophy is bedrock of Vedic civilization and influenced almost all philosophical systems of India. Philosophically, ethically and ecologically, there is lot of commonality between these two Asian traditions. Here, comparative study will be made only in respect of philosophical aspect of both these traditions.
The Tao [Dao] - is the central theme of Taoism and the Brahman is the central metaphysical concept of Upanishads. The supreme Reality is designated as Brahman i.e. the all-pervasive, in the Upanishads and Tao or Dao by the Taoists. In terms of ultimate mystery, both the Brahman and Tao are similar.
Lao Tzu- Grand Old Master (6th or 5th B.C.E.Jis considered as founder father of Taoism. His work 'Tao Te Ching' is a masterpiece and basic text of Taoism. The word "Tao' literarily means 'The Way' or 'The Path'. The text "Tao Te Ching' is translated as 'The Law (or Canon) of Virtue and it's Way'. Taoism is mystical in nature and greatly influenced by nature.
The Tao is indescribable, indefinable and unnamable.
The concept of 'Tao' (the Way) is the central theme of Taoism. It is a way of Ultimate Reality. For Lao Tzu , it is impossible to describe 'Tao' in human language, because it is beyond our sense perception and categories of thought. It is the beyond the realm of adequate description and conceptualization. Lao Tzu, in the beginning of his text "Tao Te Ching' makes it very clear by stating that
"The Tao that can be expressed
is not the eternal Tao, The name that can be defined Is not the unchanging name". [Trans: Shu Ta Kao). Tao is basically unnamable and hence indefinable. Lao Tzu, in 25th
Chapter of his text states that - "I do not know its name.
If I am forced to give it a name;
I call it Tao and I name it as Supreme or Great".
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