Religious philosophy has always played an important role in civilization and its beliefs. Globalization has caused many philosophies to conform to the rapid changes of the world while others haven't. Daoism is one religious philosophy that is unchanged by globalization due to their clashing ideals. Daoism has remained with only minute changes in its values and teachings since its beginning.
Daoism was created in opposition to Confucianism, during the Warring States, due to Daoist emphasis on withdrawing from the world to seek comfort and answers in nature. Daoism stresses the importance of rejecting the stiff social and political control in order to focus on independence of the individual. The ideal life style would be one without a community, books, travel, and technology. The only things that would be needed are simple foods, clothing, and shelter. Daoist believe that the cause for human suffering is attributed to corruption through education and knowledge. The moral philosophy is often compared to water which is constantly flowing around obstacles and always trying to find the lowest places.
Daoism isn't an easy concept to grasp because it can't be taught or explained to a full understanding. You can be pointed in the direction of Dao, but it is determined by one's self through understanding and study. The mind must be clear of common sense and external knowledge before it can be comprehended. When studying Daoism, there are nine norms that should be fallowed. The first is to keep to harmony. This is done by understanding that Yin and Yang act upon each other and are always unifying. Yang stands for strong, bright, intellectual, assertive, and male and Yin represent the exact opposite which is soft, intuitive, passive, gentle, aesthetic, and female. Daoists must observe this balance of Yin and Yang in nature so they too may obtain this model equilibrium. .
The second norm is to keep to the spirit so that it may be guarded from external things to prevent exhaustion.
