Humanities 388
Non-Western Religions
Spring 2003
Professor David A. Salomon
Taoism Essay

You may opt-out of one essay. If you choose to opt-out of this essay, you must download the "Opt-Out Sheet" on the class webpage and submit it when the essays are due.

Choose ONE and only one of the following questions. Answer it in a complete and thoughtful essay. Your essay should be a well-developed, clear, logical and complete idea developed from a definite thesis statement. Use texts where appropriate to support your answer. You need not consult secondary sources for this paper, but if you do, give credit for the information you use. Certainly use Wong’s text as a source. Unless otherwise noted, do not use Internet sources. Use the conventions of good essay writing; if you have doubts as to what those are, either see the instructor and/or visit the Writing Center.

Essays should be typed (double-spaced) and approximately 4-6 pages in length–no fewer than 4 full pages will suffice for this assignment, and longer than that is undoubtedly necessary to answer of the questions in any kind of depth. This paper is due on Thursday, April 3. Papers must be submitted on time. Papers handed in late will receive a one grade deduction for each class late. I will be happy to look at drafts ahead of time; in fact, I encourage it!

You must, by noon of the day the paper is due, upload a copy of the paper to turnitin.com, following the proper procedure. You have not completed the assignment until you have handed in a hard copy and uploaded a digital copy of your paper.

Read the questions carefully. Proofread your work.

1) What is the Tao, and what does it "do"? How does a mortal human get "in tune" with the Tao?

2) How would Lao-Tzu answer the following question: "what is human nature like?" Use an online text of the Tao-Te Ching to perhaps support your response. (You can find them linked on our course links page.)

3) Perhaps more than any other religious system, Taoism focuses heavily on the importance of physical health and its relationship to spiritual health. Discuss the role of meditation, herbal medicine, and physical movement/exercise in Taoism.

4) Balance is a central tenet of Taoist thought. Using the Yin and Yang as your guiding theme, discuss the importance of balance in Taoism. You should probably look at the Tao Te Ching and also consider the role of Chinese medicine in maintaining or restoring balance.