The Philosophy of Laozi: Taoism

Laozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher and reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, is regarded as the founder of Taoism. His philosophy centers on living in harmony with the Tao, which he describes as the fundamental, underlying force that flows through all things in the universe. Taoism emphasizes simplicity, naturalness, and the art of non-action (wu wei), encouraging individuals to align with the natural order rather than forcing their will upon the world.

Key Concepts in Laozi’s Philosophy:

1. The Tao: The Tao is an ineffable force that underlies and sustains the universe. It is beyond human comprehension but manifests in all things. Living in harmony with the Tao leads to balance, peace, and fulfillment.

2. Wu Wei (Non-action): This principle encourages individuals to act in accordance with the natural flow of the Tao, rather than striving or forcing actions. Wu wei does not imply inaction but effortless, spontaneous action that aligns with nature’s rhythms.

3. Simplicity and Humility: Laozi advocates for living a simple, humble life, free from desires and attachments. He warns against excess and urges people to embrace moderation, which fosters harmony both within the individual and in society.

4. Yin and Yang: Laozi highlights the importance of balance between opposites, represented by yin (the passive, receptive force) and yang (the active, assertive force). Both are necessary, and the interplay between them creates the natural order of the universe.

5. Compassion, Moderation, Humility: These are central virtues in Laozi's teachings, emphasizing the importance of caring for others, avoiding extremes, and maintaining a humble attitude toward life.

Analyzing Laozi’s Philosophy through the Lens of OM

The Oneness Movement (OM) and Laozi’s philosophy share significant overlap in their approaches to interconnectedness, living in harmony with nature, and the cultivation of wisdom. However, OM extends Laozi’s teachings by incorporating elements of gnosis, purpose, and a framework for individual and collective growth toward higher consciousness (HC) and away from lower consciousness (LC).

1. Oneness and the Tao: Interconnectedness

Laozi’s concept of the Tao closely mirrors OM’s core tenet of Oneness. In Taoism, the Tao is the universal force that binds all things together, flowing through and connecting everything in the cosmos. Similarly, in OM, Oneness is the ultimate reality, where all beings are fragments of the same universal consciousness.

• Alignment: Both Laozi’s Tao and OM’s Oneness emphasize that everything is interconnected, and recognizing this truth leads to peace and balance. In both systems, individuals must transcend the illusion of separateness to experience the deeper unity that underpins existence.

• Difference: While Laozi teaches that the Tao is unknowable and beyond human comprehension, OM encourages the direct gnosis of Oneness, achieved through deep meditation, spiritual practice, or the sacramental use of psychedelics. OM suggests that Oneness can be experienced firsthand, rather than being an abstract, ineffable principle.

2. Wu Wei and CONAF (Circle of Needs and Fulfillment)

Laozi’s principle of wu wei—effortless action in alignment with the Tao—parallels OM’s approach to CONAF (Circle of Needs and Fulfillment), which involves learning to meet one’s mental, emotional, and spiritual needs in a wise, healthy, and adaptive manner. However, OM adds more intentionality to this process by encouraging the cultivation of virtues such as wisdom, kindness, and strength to achieve well-being.

• Alignment: Both wu wei and CONAF advocate for natural flow and the avoidance of forceful actions. OM, like Taoism, recognizes the importance of living in harmony with the world and understanding one's place within it. In both systems, avoiding unnecessary resistance helps maintain balance.

• Difference: OM emphasizes the intentional cultivation of virtues as the key to fulfilling one’s needs and achieving mental well-being. While wu wei advocates a more spontaneous, passive alignment with nature’s flow, OM teaches that to truly fulfill one’s CONAF, individuals must actively develop the virtues of wisdom, kindness, and strength. OM is more goal-oriented and purposeful in its approach, whereas wu wei encourages a more hands-off, reactive stance toward life’s challenges.

3. Purpose: Laozi’s Simplicity vs. OM’s Transcendence

Laozi’s purpose for life involves achieving a state of simplicity, harmony, and balance with the Tao. He encourages people to live humbly, to be content with what they have, and to avoid striving for material gain or power.

• Alignment: OM resonates with Laozi’s emphasis on simplicity and humility. Both reject the pursuit of material wealth and ego-driven success, emphasizing instead a life of balance, moderation, and service to others. Laozi’s idea that balance creates harmony aligns with OM’s teaching that cultivating virtues leads to the elevation of consciousness.

• Difference: OM frames the purpose of life not only as living simply and harmoniously but also as part of a cosmic journey toward self-realization and the ultimate merging with Oneness. Laozi’s teachings are more focused on earthly contentment and harmony, while OM includes a broader, transcendental purpose: the dissolution of ego and merging with the universal consciousness.

4. Gnosis: The Experience of Oneness

Laozi emphasizes inner stillness and living in harmony with the natural flow of the Tao, but he doesn’t specifically focus on the direct gnosis of the Tao as an experience. In OM, gnosis of Oneness is central to spiritual awakening, often facilitated through meditation or the sacramental use of psychedelic mushrooms to access higher states of consciousness.

• Alignment: Both philosophies prioritize inner stillness, self-awareness, and the cultivation of wisdom. Laozi’s teachings on balance and simplicity provide a foundation for the spiritual practices OM encourages, such as mindfulness and meditation, which lead to direct experiences of Oneness.

• Difference: While Laozi hints at a deep connection to the Tao, OM explicitly encourages individuals to seek direct gnosis of Oneness. OM promotes experiential awareness of the interconnectedness of all life, whereas Laozi leaves the Tao more abstract and undefined, accepting it as a mysterious force.

5. Lower Consciousness (LC) and Higher Consciousness (HC)

Laozi’s teachings encourage individuals to avoid living in a state of desire, ego, and ambition, which aligns with OM’s concept of Lower Consciousness (LC)—a state in which people are caught up in selfishness, attachment, and material pursuits.

• Alignment: Both Laozi and OM emphasize the need to rise above ego and desire to achieve a higher, more harmonious state. Laozi’s ideal of living humbly, without striving for excess, aligns with OM’s pursuit of Higher Consciousness (HC), where individuals transcend ego and align with universal truth.

• Difference: OM takes this concept further by outlining the path from LC to HC as a deliberate process of self-development and spiritual growth. Laozi, on the other hand, teaches that one should simply live according to the natural flow of the Tao and avoid forceful action. OM integrates a more structured path for evolving consciousness.

Conclusion: Laozi and Oneness Movement (OM) – Harmony and Expansion

Laozi’s philosophy of the Tao and OM’s vision of Oneness share deep commonalities, especially in their emphasis on living in alignment with the natural order and cultivating inner peace and balance. Both traditions reject ego-driven ambition, materialism, and forceful striving, promoting instead a life of simplicity and compassion.

However, OM builds upon Laozi’s teachings by offering a more explicit framework for transcending ego, actively cultivating wisdom, and experiencing gnosis of Oneness. OM also introduces a broader, cosmic vision of life’s purpose, which includes merging with universal consciousness, a perspective that extends beyond Laozi’s focus on living in harmony with the Tao in everyday life.

Laozi provides a foundational philosophy that OM can build upon, offering a deeper experiential framework for individuals seeking to elevate their consciousness and align with the truth of Oneness.