Daoism:
An Overview

Introduction

Introduction

Daoist philosophy teaches that all things are interconnected and core Daoist ethics include compassion, empathy, and simplicity, all of which requires choosing vegan. Daoist stories teach that there are no meaningful boundaries between species, presenting other living beings as sentient, thinking individuals who prefer to be left alone to live out their natural lives. Despite all of this, Daoist ritual offerings and some Chinese medicines harm and destroy other animals, while Lao Tzu, Zhuang Tzu, and Kuan Yin offer powerful examples of activism on behalf of animals, inspiring contemporary animal activists to work for change.

Texts & Teachings

Text & Teachings

Daoist philosophy teaches of interconnection and Daoist ethics call for a deep, pro-active caring for all living beings.  

  • All that exists is equal and forms one integrated whole.

  • Daoism entails deep compassion and empathy (ci), requiring humans to protect and foster all life.

  • Daoist m oral ideals include humility, simplicity, and living in harmony.

Diet

Diet

Daoist ethics and best practice require choosing vegan.

  • Compassion, kindness, harmony, and simplicity are core Daoist ideals.

  • Daoism speaks against manipulation and exploitation.

  • Daoist monasteries are usually vegan, demonstrating right practice.

Sacred Stories

Sacred Stories

Daoist stories remind that other species are sentient, thinking, independent individuals.

  • The author of the Zhuangzi writes that he cannot tell if he is a human or a butterfly.

  • The Zhuangzi teaches humans not to interfere with the lives of other animals, including as a pheasant, horse, and ox.  

  • Stories of Daoist Immortals teach compassion and remind that animals can be endowed with special powers.

Abusive Traditions

Abusive Traditions

In addition to eating animal products, some Daoists harm and even kill animals for ritual offerings and through the use of Chinese medicines.

  • Some Daoists make offerings of animal bodies and animal body parts.

  • Some Daoists buy and release captured animals.

  • Some Daoists use medicines made from the body parts of animals, including rare and endangered animals.

Activism

Activism

Lao Tzu, Zhuang Tzu, and Kuan Yin are just a few of the most important Daoist figures who model animal activism for contemporary activists.

  • Lao Tzu and Zhuang Tzu modeled teaching as a way to bring change.

  • Daoist immortals model harmonious living and kindness to animals.

  • Kuan Yin models kindness to animals and animal activism.

Relevant Publication by Tapestry:

AMORE

Vegan Ethics

A short description about the book, should take about two rows and not more.

Image Credit

Texts & Teachings: Sketch of the Chinese immortal Dongfang Shuo (Tobosaku), Maruyama Ōkyo (Japanese, 1733 - 1795)
Sacred Stories: Tsukioka Settei - Carp Leaping Out of Water (right of a pair of Carps) - 1777 - Minneapolis Institute of Art
Abusive Traditions: WeAnimals.org