Tao and Logos: interrelation of concepts

In the modern world a Westerner has plenty of opportunities to meet his needs. However, the development of technology and material comfort is not a guarantee of harmony. In the East, on the contrary, greater importance is attached to the spiritual riches of the person. In order to recreate the balance between material and spiritual values, it is necessary to refer to the ancient philosophy, which influenced the development of the mentality of the nations. Western philosophy originated in Greece. For the ancient Greeks, it was typical to understand the world through the concept of the Logos. Heraclitus of Ephesus interpreted the Logos as universal world law. The Logos is the force that creates the cosmic order (makes harmony). The Logos is not similar to anything but only identical to itself. Despite the fact that people see the manifestation of the Logos, they do not think of it. The Logos organizes all the things but the people are not aware of their actions and do not relate them to the great law. In ancient China, there was also a term for the optimal development of the world - the Tao. Lao Tzu defines the Tao as spirit which cannot be comprehended by senses. The Tao is above all earthly and sensual things. The Tao does not have a name. It is easier to define the Tao through negation (through what it is not), because it is the highest law, which can not be expressed per se. The Tao produces all things in the world: everything comes from it and everything comes back to it. The Tao leads all beings to the perfection, and perfection is rest. To know the Tao, one should only be able to see the manifestation of the world of law and not to interfere with the natural rhythms of life. A person, who has attained the highest level of knowledge of the true law, merges with it, eventually finding harmony and peace. According to Confucius, the Tao is directly connected with man, has anthropogenic bases. Through the teaching Confucius wants to set people on the right path, have power over them, influence their mind and behaviour, thoughts and actions. To comprehend the Tao means to gain the truth. All human life must be devoted to the search of the truth. To cognize the Tao is the meaning and the essence of human life. However, Confucius doubted the possibility of each person to comprehend the Tao. The Tao and the Logos are a universal law of the world, the fundamental principle of the world. These concepts are similar in meaning, but at the same time they are different. In modern world their complementarity and inter-penetration are necessary, only then we will have a complete picture of the harmonious world. There must be the meeting of the Tao and the Logos.

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