Daoist Theology
Daoist "theology" (discourse on the sacred) centers on emanation, immanence, and
cosmological processes. In terms of the origins of the manifest universe, or the
present cosmic epoch, the Dao represents primordial undifferentiation or pure potentiality.
In a pre-manifest "state," the Dao is an incomprehensible and unrepresentable before.
Chapter two of the Zhuangzi 莊子 (Book of Master Zhuang) describes this "moment" as
"the beginning not yet beginning to be a beginning" (you weishi you you shi 有未始有有始).
Here the Dao is understood as Source of all that is. Through a spontaneous, unintentional,
and impersonal process of unfolding or differentiation, this undifferentiation became
the One or unity. That is, even unity or the wholeness of Being-before-being is not
the Dao in its ultimate sense. The One represents the first moment or stage of differentiation.
From this unity, separation occurs. In the next phase of differentiation, the one
divides into two, yin and yang. Here yin also relates to terrestrial qi or the qi
of the earth (diqi 地氣), while yang relates to celestial qi or the qi of the heavens
(tianqi 天氣). At this moment yin and yang have not yet formed patterns of interaction.
The interaction of yin and yang is referred to as "three;" this moment involves yin
and yang in dynamic and continual interaction, resulting in further differentiation.
This further differentiation leads to the emergence of materiality as well as more
individualized beings and forces, including human beings. Here the manifest universe
is understood as an emanation of the Dao and the Dao is seen as immanent in the universe.
From such an emanationist, immanence, and process-oriented cosmology, one may understand
how Daoist theism (veneration of gods) is one way in which the Dao becomes manifest
in the cosmos. Deities are simply differently differentiated aspects of the Dao,
and worshipping deities is not, in and of itself, different than having reverence
for the unnamable mystery which is the Dao. Such cosmology also reveals a continuum
among gods, immortals, and physically-embodied beings, which may be charted on a
spectrum from the most rarified to the most material.
