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Taoist dietary practices are deeply rooted in the philosophical concepts of Yin-Yang, Qi (vital energy), and the pursuit of balance and harmony. While various schools of Taoism offer differing teachings, Taoist practitioners—particularly those in monastic and spiritual traditions—view diet as essential for maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health. Central to these practices is the belief that food not only nourishes the body but also influences the flow of Qi, supporting the alignment of the practitioner with the natural rhythms of the Tao (the Way). Taoist diet emphasizes simplicity, frugality, and moderation, advocating for natural, minimally processed foods that help cultivate balance. By avoiding excess, practitioners seek to maintain harmony between internal and external forces, promoting longevity, clarity, and spiritual cultivation.
" The highest goodness is like water. Water easily benefits all things without struggle. Yet it abides in places that men hate. Therefore it is like the Way" (Laozi, 1991).
Similarly, the Zhuangzi illustrates this harmony with the story of Cook Ding, a butcher whose mastery lies in his ability to work in alignment with the natural rhythms of life. This story serves as a metaphor for approaching all aspects of life, including dietary choices, with mindfulness and respect for nature’s inherent order:
" Now I practise with my mind, not with my eyes. I ignore my sense and follow my spirit. I see the natural lines and my knife slides through the great hollows, follows the great cavities, using that which is already there to my advantage" (Zhuangzi, 2006).
These teachings collectively underscore a Taoist approach to diet that values simplicity, balance, and respect for the natural world.
" The five colors blind the eye.
The five tones deafen the ear.
The five flavors confuse the palate.
Racing and hunting madden the mind.
Possessing rare treasures brings about harmful behavior.
Therefore, the sage acts from within and not from the senses."
This teaching reflects the Taoist ideal of avoiding excess and finding harmony through moderation. In the context of diet, it encourages the consumption of simple, natural foods while avoiding overly rich, processed, or highly spiced items that could overwhelm the senses and disturb inner balance. By prioritizing simplicity, Taoists seek to cultivate mental clarity, spiritual focus, and alignment with the natural order of the Dao.
The Zhuangzi introduces the concept of xinzhai or "fasting of the heart," a practice of emptying the mind and relinquishing desires. In this state, one is open and receptive to Dao (pag. 231). This spiritual fasting emphasizes inner clarity over external distractions:
" Your mind must become one; do not try to understand with your ears but with your heart. Indeed, not with your heart but with your soul. Listening blocks the ears, set your heart on what is right, but let your soul be open to receive in true sincerity. The Way is found in emptiness. Emptiness is the fasting of the heart" (Zhuangzi, 2006, Chapter 4).
As Littlejohn (2019) explains in the Historical Dictionary of Daoism: "Yan Hui mistakenly takes this to mean he should avoid eating. Confucius tells him that xinzhai, or 'fasting of the heart-mind,' does not have to do with what one eats but with emptying the mind of thoughts and distinctions so that one’s qi can unite with the Dao." (pag. 116)
In the context of diet, this teaching extends to the principle of simplicity and moderation. Just as spiritual growth requires detachment from excess thoughts, dietary choices should reflect balance and avoid indulgence. Taoists view mindful eating as a way to foster both physical and spiritual well-being, aligning with the rhythms of nature and the Dao.
" Nourishing. Righteous persistence brings good fortune. Watch people nourishing others and observe with what manner of things they seek to nourish themselves" (Wilhelm & Baynes, 1967, Hexagram 27).
The text also connects nourishment to moral discipline, encouraging thoughtful behavior. According to Blofeld (1968), the symbology of this hexagram expresses: “ The Superior Man is thoughtful in speech and frugal in his eating and drinking.”
In Taoism, achieving balance in one’s diet reflects a broader effort to harmonize internal and external forces, aligning the body and spirit with the rhythms of nature.
“ To hold until full is not as good as stopping.
An oversharpened sword cannot last long.
A room filled with gold and jewels cannot be protected.
Boasting of wealth and virtue brings your demise.
After finishing the work, withdraw.
This is the Tao of Heaven” (Chapter 9)
In Chapter 67, Laozi describes frugality as one of the three essential treasures:
" I have three treasures that I hold and cherish. The first is compassion, the second is frugality, and the third is not daring to put myself ahead of others."
Further, in Chapter 59, frugality is linked to good governance and spiritual growth:
" In governing the country and serving Heaven, there is nothing like frugality. Only by being frugal can you recover quickly. When you recover quickly, you accumulate virtue. Having accumulated virtue, there is nothing you can't overcome"
By advocating frugality, Daoism promotes a way of life that is sustainable, virtuous, and harmonious with the natural order, encouraging individuals to avoid indulgence and to focus on what truly nourishes the body and spirit.
The Taoist practice of bigu (grain avoidance) emerged as a method of preserving purity and enhancing longevity. The Zhuangzi highlights the dangers of grains in the Verse of Great Existence:
“ The five grains are chisels cutting life away,
Making the five organs stink and shorten our spans.
Once entered into our stomach,
There’s no more chance to live quite long.
To strive for complete avoidance of all death,
Keep your intestines free of excrement!” (Zhuangzi, 1994)
In Taoist mythology, abstaining from grains was linked to mystical practices and spiritual refinement. One passage describes a transcendent being who nourishes themselves not with food but with the elements:
“ He does not eat any of the five grains but inhales the wind and drinks the dew” (Zhuangzi, 1994).
By avoiding grains, practitioners aimed to purify their bodies, cultivate their qi, and align with natural rhythms. This approach reflects the Taoist ideal of minimizing external influences that disrupt the balance of life, fostering harmony with the Dao and longevity.
In legend, Han dynasty prince and Taoist adept Liu An is credited for inventing the vegetarian food tofu.
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