UNITY OF THE EXPERIENCE OF TAO IN LAOTZU

Kao, Marian Ling Hsia - Fu Jen Catholic University, Institutum Philosophiae Scholasticae, 510, Chung Cheng Rd., Hsinchuang Taipei Hsien, Taiwan, R.O.C.

This paper is an attempt to use the transcendental method as understood by Marechal to analyze Laotzu's experience of Tao. Analysis proceeds from the content of experience. Reflection from content to the act reveals that the origin of all human experience takes its root in one's inner self. It is called "Wu" (non-having) while the other is called "Yu" (having). Through the continuity of "Yu" and "Wu", the principle of unity of the various modes of consciousness is made manifest. This is on the level of philosophical thinking. Ascent from the philosophical to the mystical level is made possible only through ascesis and it results in the mystical union with Tao.