Lecture: Introduction to Daoism

The lecture will present the fundamental structure of the Daoist understanding of the world as a continuous transition from primordial emptiness to an ordered cosmic and human order. We will begin with the basic concept of wuji, which denotes a formless, undifferentiated state of absolute potentiality, from which the first movement arises and, with it, the appearance of duality. 

This transition leads to the emergence of the principle of yin and yang, the dynamic balance of opposites, from which increasingly complex patterns of reality gradually develop, culminating in the system of bagua, the eight trigrams, which illustrate the fundamental configurations of nature and change.

Alongside this cosmological development, we will also consider the theological dimension of Daoism, embodied in the hierarchy of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). The highest level is represented by Yuanshi Tianzun, who symbolizes the primordial origin and is conceptually connected with the idea of the boundless beginning. He is followed by Lingbao Tianzun, who represents the establishment of cosmic order and law, while Daode Tianzun, associated with the sage Laozi, embodies the transmission of these principles into human life and ethical practice.

The lecture will show how Daoism establishes an integral vision of the world, connecting metaphysical origin, natural laws, and human life orientation into a single, meaningful flow—from ineffable emptiness to the concrete experience of living in accordance with the Dao.

Lecturer: SDT Rector Yuan Weiqi