Happiness and well-being from a Daoist perspective

Abstract

In Daoist philosophy, happiness relates closely to wellbeing through a human being’s attempt to reach and connect with their innate nature, consequently enabling action that is in accordance with one’s innate nature. This is different from the popular view which regards happiness as the achievement of wealth, reputation, fame, or honour. From a Daoist perspective, being connected with one’s innate nature paves the way to developing one’s potentiality and creativity fully, and thus to reaching an ideal, or even unexpected, perfect outcome in an effortless and spontaneous manner. In Daoist religion, happiness can be achieved through an inward-seeking experience of oneness or unity between oneself and the source of the universe, e.g. the Dao, through cultivation-orientated meditation. In contrast with Confucianism, which emphasises the importance of collective happiness above that of the individual, Daoism focuses on individual happiness and wellbeing. Yet, Daoism still suggests that wellbeing requires an individual not only to take care of their own health and personal cultivation, but that this is a prerequisite for having a good relationship with others in society.