Does Taoism teach free will?

[DanielR]

Hey all,

I've read different things on that subject, some say free will doesn't exist, everything is based on fate, others say it does exist?

What does ph. Taoism teach about it? I hope some of you can help me with that?

Thanks and regards

 

[Alceste]

Free will is not a concept that is relevant in any eastern religion or philosophy, as far as I'm aware. It's a Christian thing, I think. You only need "free will" if you are trying to believe in an omnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent being in a world where little kids die of cancer.

 

[Twilight Hue]

A Taoist would likely opt out altogether. Free will dosent involve choice.

 

[DanielR]

Thanks to both of you

Free will is not a concept that is relevant in any eastern religion or philosophy, as far as I'm aware. It's a Christian thing, I think. You only need "free will" if you are trying to believe in an omnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent being in a world where little kids die of cancer.

I just wanted to know if I'm free to decide, or is everything based on Fate, if everything is already predetermined, or is it maybe both ?

 

[Alceste]

Thanks to both of you


I just wanted to know if I'm free to decide, or is everything based on Fate, if everything is already predetermined, or is it maybe both ?

Taoism is neither fatalistic nor predicated on free will. That is not a dichotomy that is relevant to a taoist point of view.

Your nature is what it is, and cannot be changed, like the nature of all living things and the universe itself.

Taoists cultivate the ability to live in harmony with their own nature through various practices like tai chi and meditation. The concept of wu-wei - "not doing" - refers to a sense of effortless, spontaneous action. Kind of like Yoda telling Luke "there is no try. Do or do not." we cultivate that state of being.

The idea is that when you are in harmony with your own nature, you are in harmony with the universe itself and everything in it. You can choose to behave otherwise, but the consequences are usually undesirable.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Choices follow a linear path. Usually a or b. Free will tends to traverse c. .. or 11. 22...k........ or just runs away screaming.

Alceste is correct by which there is no basis to go on in making such a reference to free will associated with choices. Or fate for that matter. No such linearaty, thus irrelevant.

 

[crossfire]

Your nature is what it is, and cannot be changed,

You do know that this is highly debated by some within Taoism? (The Taoist alchemists and their search to transform themselves into immortals?)

 

[Wu Wei]

Well since my name was brought into this

T The concept of wu-wei - "not doing"

You do know that this is highly debated by some within Taoism? (The Taoist alchemists and their search to transform themselves into immortals?)

Actually the search for immortality amongst taoists has changes much over the years and it is not an internal search that is based on understanding and taking care of the body you are in as well as following ones true nature.

 

[Wu Wei]

As to free will, if you mean the ability to make choices then yes there is free will in taoism.... however I seriously doubt that a taoist in Baiyun Guan whould refer to it as such. As previously mentioned "free will" is more of a western thing

 

[DanielR]

^Okay, yes, that's what I meant, thanks a lot

 

[Alceste]

You do know that this is highly debated by some within Taoism? (The Taoist alchemists and their search to transform themselves into immortals?)

Everything is highly debated everywhere.