Laozi's Theory of“ Return to the Root and Restore life”and Daoist Philosophy of Life- An Interpretation Centered on Chapter 16 of Laozi

Daoism Studies ›› 2022, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (1): 1-13.

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Laozi's Theory of“ Return to the Root and Restore life”and Daoist Philosophy of Life- An Interpretation Centered on Chapter 16 of Laozi

Zhan Shichuang, Cheng Minhua

Online:2022-06-10 Published:2022-11-10
About author:Zhan Shichuang, Distinguished Professor & Dean of Laozi Research College & Doctoral Supervisor, Sichuan University, Institute of Taoism and Religions; Research Direction: Taoist Culture; Address: Liberal Arts Building, Sichuan University, No. 24, South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Postcode: 610064; Email:13540870767@163.com. Cheng Minhua, Ph.D. Candidate, Sichuan University, Institute of Taoism and Religious Culture; Research Directions: Daoism, Religious Culture in China; Address: Institute of Taoism and Religious Culture, Sichuan University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Postcode: 610064; Email: 307025330@qq.com.

Abstract

Abstract: “Return to the root and restore life” is an important proposition about the methodology of human life maintenance proposed in Chapter 16 of Laozi, which has exerted a profound infuence on the construction of Daoist life philosophy since the Han Dynasty.“Return to the root”, this is not only for universe, but also for human life.From the Daoist point of view, the human body is a small world, and heaven and earth can be regarded as a large human body. Theoretically speaking, heaven, earth and human body are deeply rooted in the essence of Tajji (太極) , so‘return to the root and life” is to take Taiji as the hub, transform Yin and Yang.Guided by that thought, Daoist Health Culture and Daoist Inner Alchemy introduced the theory of numerals and symbols in the Book of Changes and gradually perfected the theory of life philosophy of the unity of man and nature, which still has an important practical meaning of physical and mental health.

Key words: Return to the root, Daoism, Philosophy of life

Zhan Shichuang, Cheng Minhua. Laozi's Theory of“ Return to the Root and Restore life”and Daoist Philosophy of Life- An Interpretation Centered on Chapter 16 of Laozi[J]. Daoism Studies, 2022(1): 1-13.

References

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Laozi's Theory of“ Return to the Root and Restore life”and Daoist Philosophy of Life- An Interpretation Centered on Chapter 16 of Laozi

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