Tao Te Ching Glossary

Tao Te Ching Glossary

Tao

The "Way"--the natural order and progression of the universe: unified, eternal, and indescribable.

Te

Power or virtue.

Wu-wei

Non-action. The ideal ruler according to the Tao Te Ching rules using a policy of relative non-action, intervening only when necessary. 

Qi

Life energy which fills the body and the universe.

P'u

The "uncarved block"--the natural, unaffected state of an individual.

Yin and yang

The two opposite but complementary forces of nature. Yin is said to be associated with the female, darkness, and passivity, while yang is associated with the male, light, and activity.

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