We consider it essential to have a brief understanding of Taoism, particularly if you are considering using Tao tattoo characters for your tattoo. The following lines contain a concise summary of the key aspects. (If you are already familiar with it, you may go directly to the “Contents” section):
Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophical and spiritual tradition originated over two thousand years ago. Largely founded on the teachings of Laozi, author of the “Tao Te Ching,” and Zhuangzi, Taoism promotes a life in harmony with the Tao, which translates to “the Way” or “the Principle.” This way is not a physical entity or a specific force but rather the fundamental essence of the universe, the natural flow of life, and the order of the cosmos.
Taoism is generally divided into Philosophical Taoism and Religious Taoism:
Philosophical Taoism
Philosophical Taoism, primarily represented by texts such as the Dao De Jing attributed to Laozi and the works of Zhuangzi, emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao (道), or “The Way.”
This branch advocates for principles like wu wei (无为), which means “non-action” or “effortless action,” encouraging individuals to align with the natural flow of the universe. It promotes simplicity, humility, and a deep connection to nature, offering insights into the mysteries of life and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
Religious Taoism
Religious Taoism, evolving from these philosophical roots, incorporates rituals, temples, and practices aimed at spiritual cultivation, longevity, and attaining immortality. It blends elements of Chinese folk religion, alchemy, and devotion to celestial beings.
This branch places significant emphasis on sacred texts, ceremonies, and meditation. Adherents engage in various rites and esoteric practices to harmonize their lives with the cosmos, achieve spiritual purification, and transform their physical bodies and spirits to transcend mortality. Religious Taoism fosters individual spiritual growth and builds a community bound by shared rituals and a deep reverence for the divine.
Now that we have covered the basics about Taoism, explore how these ancient symbols encapsulate the timeless wisdom and profound symbolism of Taoism with our detailed list of Taoism characters.
Each Tao character carries layers of meaning that resonate with seekers of harmony and enlightenment, making them ideal choices for meaningful tattoos that embody personal philosophy and spiritual alignment. We have grouped them into 6 main themes.
Note: If you want to obtain an image for the characters, you can find how to do it at the end of the page: How to Get the Image of the Chinese Characters for Your Tattoo.
CONTENTS
- Fundamental Concepts
- Philosophical Principles
- Ethical and Religious Concepts
- Cosmic Principles and Concepts
- Inner States and Spiritual Practices
- Ethical and Spiritual Goals and Principles
Fundamental Concepts
1. 道 (dào) – The Way or Path
- The fundamental concept in Daoism, representing the natural order and the principle that underlies the universe.
2. 大道 (dàdào) – The Great Way
- Another term for the ultimate principle of the universe in Daoism.
3. 自然 (zìrán) – Nature or Natural
- The principle of being natural and spontaneous, aligning oneself with the natural world.
4. 道德经 (Dàodéjīng) – Tao Te Ching
- The classic text of Daoism attributed to Laozi, containing wisdom on the Dao and its virtue.
5. 混元 (húnyuán) – Primordial Chaos
- Refers to the original undifferentiated state before the creation.
6. 无为 (wúwéi) – Non-action or Effortless Action
- A key Daoist principle suggesting that one should align with the natural flow of events without forceful intervention.
7. 道生一 (dào shēng yī) – The Dao Gives Birth to One
- A phrase indicating the Dao as the source of all creation.
8. 天人合一 (tiānrén hé yī) – Unity of Heaven and Man
- The Daoist ideal of harmony between human beings and the natural world.
9. 无名无形 (wúmíng wúxíng) – Nameless and Formless
- Describing the indescribable and unformed nature of the ultimate Dao.
Philosophical Principles
10. 德 (dé) – Virtue
- Represents moral excellence and the virtue of living in harmony with the Dao.
11. 和 (hé) – Harmony
- The Daoist value of living in harmony with oneself, others, and the natural world.
12. 悟 (wù) – Enlightenment
- The realization or awakening to the truth of the Dao.
13. 神秘 (shénmì) – Mysterious
- Refers to the mystical and enigmatic aspects of Daoism. Emphasizes the mystical and enigmatic aspects of something, is commonly used to describe things that are hidden, secretive, or elicit a sense of awe due to their inexplicability.
14. 玄 (xuán) – The Mysterious
- Refers to the profound and unfathomable aspects of the Dao. Suggests a deeper, more profound mystery than shénmì, often in a philosophical or spiritual context.
15. 妙 (miào) – Subtlety / Wonder
- The subtle and wondrous aspects of the Dao that are beyond ordinary understanding.
16. 真一 (zhēnyī) – The True One
- Represents the ultimate truth and unity in Daoism.
17. 恒道 (héng dào) – Eternal Way
- The enduring and unchanging aspect of the Dao.
18. 本性 (běnxìng) – Innate Nature
- Understanding and returning to one’s true, original nature.
19. 真如 (zhēnrú) – True Suchness
- A term used to describe the ultimate reality or the true nature of things.
20. 修道 (xiūdào) – Cultivating the Dao
- The practice of aligning oneself with the Dao through various disciplines.
21. 順道 (shùn dào) – Following the Dao
- Living in accordance with the natural way.
22. 妙道 (miào dào) – The Wondrous Way
- Refers to the subtle and profound nature of the Dao.
23. 悟道 (wùdào) – Enlightenment of Dao
- The realization or awakening to the Dao.
24. 生生不息 (shēngshēng bùxī) – Life Goes On Unceasingly
- Reflecting the continuous, cyclical nature of life.
Ethical and Religious Concepts
25. 道教 (Dàojiào) – Daoism
- The religious and philosophical tradition based on the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi.
26. 道源 (dàoyuán) – Source of Dao
- Refers to the origin or root of the Dao.
27. 道心 (dàoxīn) – Heart of the Dao
- Cultivating an inner alignment with the Dao.
28. 道法 (dàofǎ) – Dao and Methods
- Refers to the principles and practices of Daoism.
29. 道祖 (dàozǔ) – Ancestral Daoists
- Refers to the founders and early practitioners of Daoism.
30. 道場 (dàochǎng) – Daoist Temple
- A place where Daoists gather for worship and practice.
31. 神仙 (shénxiān) – Daoist Immortals
- Refers to mythical figures and beings in Daoist traditions.
32. 道教化 (dàojiào huà) – Daoist Conversion
- The process of adopting Daoist beliefs and practices.
33. 逍遥游 (xiāoyáoyóu) – Carefree Wandering
- The Daoist ideal of living a simple and carefree life.
34. 返璞归真 (fǎnpú guīzhēn) – Return to Simplicity
- Returning to a natural, unadorned state, true to oneself.
35. 大道至简 (dàdào zhì jiǎn) – The Great Dao is Very Simple
- Refers to the simplicity and profundity of the Dao.
36. 道心常存 (dàoxīn cháng cún) – The Heart of the Dao Endures
- The enduring and persistent nature of aligning with the Dao.
Cosmic Principles and Concepts
37. 阴 (yīn) – Yin
- The dark, receptive, and feminine aspect of the dualistic nature in Daoism.
38. 阳 (yáng) – Yang
- The bright, active, and masculine aspect of the dualistic nature in Daoism.
39. 元气 (yuánqì) – Original Qi
- The primal energy that is the source of all life. Is considered the basis of life in traditional Chinese medicine and Daoist philosophy.
40. 阴阳 (yīnyáng) – Yin and Yang
- The dualistic nature of existence, where opposite forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world.
41. 气 (qì) – Qi or Vital Energy
- The vital life force or energy that flows through all living things and the universe, fundamental to Daoist philosophy and practices.
42. 天道 (tiāndào) – Heavenly Dao
- Refers to the cosmic principles and laws governing the universe.
43. 大道无形 (dàdào wúxíng) – The Great Way is Formless
- The idea that the ultimate truth is beyond physical form and appearance.
44. 道生万物 (dào shēng wànwù) – The Dao Creates All Things
- Reflecting the creative and generative power of the Dao.
Inner States and Spiritual Practices
45. 福 (fú) – Blessing
- Often used to denote happiness, good fortune, and blessings.
46. 无欲 (wúyù) – No Desire
- Emphasizing the Daoist ideal of minimizing desires to achieve inner peace and harmony.
47. 寧靜 (níngjìng) – Serenity
- The state of being peaceful and untroubled.
48. 静心 (jìngxīn) – Quiet Mind
- The practice of calming the mind to attain tranquility and clarity.
49. 万物 (wànwù) – All Things
- Refers to the myriad things or all creation.
50. 心静 (xīnjìng) – Inner Peace
- The state of having a calm and tranquil heart.
51. 清心 (qīngxīn) – Pure Heart
- The state of having a pure, unblemished heart.
52. 禅修 (chánxiū) – Zen Practice
- The practice of meditation and mindfulness in Daoist and Buddhist traditions.
53. 道学 (dàoxué) – Daoist Studies
- The academic study and philosophical exploration of Daoism.
54. 超然 (chāorán) – Transcendent
- Rising above ordinary experience and concerns.
55. 养生 (yǎngshēng) – Nurturing Life
- Practices and philosophies aimed at promoting health and longevity.
56. 修真 (xiūzhēn) – Cultivating Reality
- Refers to spiritual cultivation and inner refinement.
57. 清静 (qīngjìng) – Clarity and Tranquility
- A state of inner peace and clarity, free from disturbances.
58. 易经 (Yìjīng) – Book of Changes (I Ching)
- An ancient Chinese divination text and Daoist classic.
59. 道法自然 (dàofǎ zìrán) – The Dao Follows Nature
- The principle that the Dao is aligned with the natural order of the universe.
60. 心无罣礙 (xīn wú guà’ài) – A Mind Without Hindrance
- Achieving a state of mental freedom and peace.
61. 化育万物 (huàyù wànwù) – Transforming and Nurturing All Things
- Reflects the creative and nurturing aspect of the Dao.
Ethical and Spiritual Goals and Principles
62. 清 (qīng) – Purity
- Emphasizing a pure, unadulterated state of being in alignment with the Dao.
63. 神 (shén) – Spirit
- Refers to the spiritual essence or divine aspect.
64. 无极 (wújí) – The Ultimate
- Represents the boundless, the infinite, and the primordial state before duality.
65. 无名 (wúmíng) – Nameless
- The concept that the ultimate truth of the Dao cannot be named or described.
66. 仁爱 (rén’ài) – Benevolence
- Reflecting compassion and kindness, often associated with Daoist virtues.
67. 道德 (dàodé) – Daoist Ethics
- The moral principles and teachings within Daoism.
68. 福生 (fúshēng) – Blessed Life
- Achieving a life of harmony and blessing through the Dao.
69. 长生 (chángshēng) – Longevity
- Reflects the Daoist pursuit of long life through harmony with the Dao.
70. 玄德 (xuándé) – Profound Virtue
- The deep and mysterious aspect of virtue in Daoism.
71. 不争 (bùzhēng) – Non-Competition
- The principle of not competing, promoting peace and harmony.
72. 圆融 (yuánróng) – Perfect Harmony
- Achieving complete harmony and integration with the Dao.
73. 真常 (zhēncháng) – True and Constant
- Refers to the eternal truth and constancy of the Dao.
74. 身心一如 (shēnxīn yīrú) – Body and Mind as One
- Achieving unity and harmony between body and mind.
75. 无始无终 (wúshǐ wúzhōng) – Without Beginning or End
- The eternal and infinite nature of the Dao.
Keep in mind that tattoo trends evolve and individual tastes differ. It’s crucial to select a quote that has personal significance and will remain meaningful throughout your life. Additionally, ensure the accuracy of quotes and their attributions before committing to them permanently.
If you’re interested in exploring more options for your tattoo, check out our page on 75+ Meaningful Chinese Tattoo Characters and find the perfect symbol to represent your unique story and personal philosophy.
How to Get the Image of the Chinese Characters for Your Tattoo
When you have decided on the characters you want for your tattoo, you can easily obtain the image through this Chinese Calligraphy Image Generator. Here are the steps to follow:
- Select and copy the character(s) to the clipboard:
- Windows | Mac: Select the character(s) from the list, right-click and select “Copy” or (Ctrl + C for Windows | Cmd (⌘) + C for Mac).
- Mobile | Tablet: Press and hold the text until the selection option appears, then select “Copy“.
- Paste the Chinese character(s) into the corresponding text field of the Chinese Calligraphy Image Generator:
- Windows | Mac: Right-click on the text field, select “Paste” or (Ctrl + V for Windows | Cmd (⌘) + V for Mac).
- Mobile | Tablet: Press and hold the place where you want to paste the text, then tap “Paste” or the paste icon.
- Select the size, style, and the orientation for your tattoo and press the button ‘Generate the calligraphy’.
- Save the image by pressing the button ‘Download calligraphy’ or:
- Windows | Mac: Right-click on the image, ‘Save image as’.
- Mobile | Tablet: Press and hold on the image, ‘Save image’.
