When a religious position on abortion is discussed, it is often condemned by a majority of the religions across the globe. But still, other religions permit abortion only in certain specific conditions. This makes it extremely important to understand such religions.
Taoism beliefs on abortion are that it should not be encouraged. In Taoism practice, it is determined as the necessary evil, which is forbidden by the ethical codes of the religion. Only rarely such practice is promoted such as the mother’s health requires it. The final decision lies in the hands of the parents.
They view it as a last resort, which should only be taken in case of utmost emergency to save the life of others based on both ethical and moral grounds.
Quick Links
- Taoism Beliefs on Abortion Based on Moral Value
- Taoism Stances on Abortion
- Taoist’s view on abortion
- Conclusion
Taoism Beliefs on Abortion Based on Moral Value
The 3 moral values that all Taoist will agree upon are listed below. Based on these moral values we have come up with the Taoism beliefs on abortion, which is quite subjective, yet quite self-explanatory.
- Taoism disapproves of killing, stealing, lying immorality
- It encourages to live with peace and harmony, maintaining the true balance of nature
- It encourages people to treat everyone equally and with mutual respect
These morals have given rise to several beliefs that we need to understand thereby balancing the true nature of the world.
All the parents are encouraged to plan the parenthood well so that they are ready to have children and then support them in their growth and upbringing. Before having kids, the parents are encouraged to have a strong and fruitful relationship.
Parents are encouraged to conceive kids, only if they have a very strong and growing relationship among themselves and that they are confident that they could raise them without any problems.
Read: Taoism Beliefs on Death and Afterlife
Taoism Stances on Abortion
Based on Taoism beliefs on abortion several stances are made clear that parents should have in mind before proceeding any further;
- The practice of abortion is strictly forbidden by the culture but under special circumstances where it saves the life of some human, then and only then it should be practised.
- The cultural stance on the practice is that the birth of children must be celebrated by the parents.
- Parents should have a child, only when they are ready and married. Therefore, there should not be any reason for abortion in the first place.
Read: Taoism Beliefs on Education and Teaching
What is the Taoist’s view on abortion?
The Taoism beliefs on abortion are not explicitly mentioned in any ancient books or folklore. Yet, by Taoism laws and practices we all are aware that they favour protecting nature and maintaining balance.
By destroying a life, one destroys the balance of nature, which conflicts with the beliefs of Tao. Thus, the practice of abortion must only be sought by those who are in danger of losing their life or in case of a situation of utmost urgency.
Another viewpoint in a group of ancient Taoists is that the practice of abortion must not be favoured as they believe that intercourse should only happen between married couples. Even conceived out of marriage, abortion is not encouraged.
Read: Taoism Beliefs on Marriage Rituals
Conclusion
The Taoism beliefs on abortion are that it conflicts with the Tao, as the destruction of life is the disruption of the true balance of nature. On this basis, one must oppose it without any humiliation.
However, it must be only sought by those people who wish to preserve their own lives (or way-of-life) and possibly the lives of people they love.
As a result of this logical deadlock, we advise that the choice of abortion must be avoided whenever possible, but we do not judge those who choose to have an abortion if their reasons for doing so are generally sound.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What God does Taoist believe in?
Taoism does not have a God in the way that the Abrahamic religions do. There is no omnipotent being beyond the cosmos, who created and controls the universe. In Taoism the universe springs from the Tao, and the Tao impersonally guides things on their way.
What is the most popular symbol in Taoism?
The taijitu (太極圖; tàijítú; commonly known as the “yin and yang symbol” or simply the “yin yang”) and the Ba-gua 八卦 (“Eight Trigrams”) have importance in Taoist symbolism. The ubiquitous yin-yang symbol holds its roots in Taoism/Daoism, a Chinese religion and philosophy. The yin, the dark swirl, is associated with shadows, femininity, and the trough of a wave; the yang, the light swirl, represents brightness, passion and growth.
What is the basic idea of Daoism?
The basic idea of the Daoist was to enable people to realize that, since human life is only a small part of a larger process of nature, the only human actions which ultimately make sense are those which are in accord with the flow of Nature — the Dao or the Way.