Exploring Beingness: Insights from Heidegger, Christian Mysticism, and Taoism

May 30, 20245 min read

Introduction

The nature of being has been a central question in philosophy and spirituality across cultures. Martin Heidegger, a prominent 20th-century Western philosopher, explored beingness through his concept of Dasein. Meanwhile, both Christian mysticism and Taoism offer rich, albeit different, perspectives on being. This article compares the views of Heidegger, Christian mysticism, and Taoism on the nature of beingness, highlighting their unique contributions and intersections.

Martin Heidegger on Beingness

Dasein: Being-in-the-World

Heidegger’s exploration of beingness centers on the concept of Dasein, which translates to "being-there" or "existence." For Heidegger, Dasein refers to human beings as entities that are fundamentally concerned with their own being. Unlike objects, Dasein is characterized by its ability to question and reflect upon its own existence.

Being and Time

In his seminal work "Being and Time," Heidegger introduces the idea that being is always situated in a temporal context. Dasein is intrinsically linked to time, and its understanding of being is shaped by its past, present, and future. This temporal aspect makes being dynamic and ever-changing.

Authenticity and Being-toward-Death

Heidegger emphasizes authenticity as a crucial aspect of being. Authentic existence involves confronting the reality of one's own mortality—being-toward-death. By acknowledging the finitude of life, Dasein can live more authentically, making choices that are true to its own being rather than conforming to societal norms.

Christian Mysticism on Beingness

Union with God

Christian mysticism, represented by figures such as St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila, views beingness in terms of a deep, transformative union with God. This union transcends ordinary existence and connects the individual with the divine essence, which is the ultimate ground of being.

The Dark Night of the Soul

St. John of the Cross describes the "dark night of the soul" as a profound spiritual journey where the soul undergoes purification through suffering and detachment from worldly attachments. This process leads to a deeper understanding of being, culminating in a mystical union with God.

Contemplative Prayer

Contemplative prayer is a key practice in Christian mysticism. It involves silent, meditative prayer that opens the soul to the presence of God. Through this practice, mystics seek to experience God directly, moving beyond intellectual understanding to a direct, experiential knowledge of divine being.

Taoism on Beingness

The Tao: The Way of Being

In Taoism, the concept of the Tao (or Dao) is central to understanding beingness. The Tao is the fundamental principle that underlies and unifies all existence. It is both the source and the path of life, embodying the natural order and harmony of the universe.

Wu Wei: Effortless Action

A key aspect of Taoist beingness is wu wei, often translated as "non-action" or "effortless action." Wu wei involves aligning one's actions with the natural flow of the Tao, acting in harmony with the natural order without force or struggle. This principle emphasizes living in accordance with the way things are, rather than striving against them.

Yin and Yang: Balance and Harmony

Taoism also emphasizes the interplay of yin and yang, the complementary forces that create the dynamic balance of the universe. Beingness in Taoism is seen as the harmonious interaction of these opposing but interdependent forces, reflecting the fluid and interconnected nature of existence.

Comparative Analysis

Being-in-the-World vs. Union with the Divine

Heidegger’s concept of Dasein as being-in-the-world highlights the importance of situational context and temporal existence. In contrast, Christian mysticism focuses on transcending the worldly plane to achieve union with God, suggesting a more dualistic view where the divine and the worldly are distinct yet interconnected.

Taoism, on the other hand, sees beingness as fundamentally integrated with the natural world through the Tao. Unlike Heidegger’s existential analysis or the Christian mystical emphasis on divine union, Taoism proposes a more holistic and immanent approach, where the divine (Tao) is inherent in the natural world.

Authenticity and Surrender

Heidegger’s idea of authenticity involves embracing one’s individuality and making conscious choices in the face of mortality. Christian mysticism also values authenticity but frames it as surrender to God's will. The mystic's journey involves letting go of the ego and personal desires to align with divine purpose.

Taoism’s wu wei echoes this idea of surrender, but in a different context. It involves letting go of effort and striving, allowing actions to arise naturally in accordance with the Tao. This form of authenticity is about being true to the natural order rather than asserting individual will.

Temporal vs. Eternal Perspectives

Heidegger emphasizes the temporal nature of being, where Dasein is always aware of its past, present, and future. This contrasts with the Christian mystical focus on the eternal, transcending temporal concerns through union with God.

Taoism bridges these views by acknowledging the cyclical and ever-changing nature of time (through yin and yang) while also suggesting an eternal principle (the Tao) that underlies these changes. Beingness in Taoism is thus seen as both temporal and eternal, reflecting the ongoing flow of life within the timeless Tao.

Practical Applications

Mindfulness and Meditation

Both Christian mysticism and Taoism advocate for meditative practices. Christian contemplative prayer and Taoist meditation (such as sitting in stillness) can be integrated into daily life to cultivate a deeper awareness of being.

Contemplative Prayer: Set aside time each day for silent prayer, focusing on experiencing God's presence.
Taoist Meditation: Practice stillness and mindfulness, aligning your breath and thoughts with the natural flow of the Tao.

Embracing Mortality

Heidegger’s concept of being-toward-death and Christian mysticism’s acceptance of suffering both offer ways to confront mortality. This can be practiced by reflecting on the impermanence of life and finding meaning beyond material existence.

Daily Reflection: Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on the impermanence of life and the significance of your choices.
Spiritual Journaling: Keep a journal to explore your thoughts on mortality and spiritual growth.

Living in Harmony

Taoist principles of wu wei and yin-yang balance can be applied to achieve harmony in daily life. This involves recognizing the natural rhythms of life and responding to them with flexibility and grace.

Flow with Life: Identify areas where you are resisting change and practice letting go, allowing events to unfold naturally.
Balance Activities: Ensure that your daily activities include a balance of work and rest, action and reflection, to maintain harmony.

Conclusion

Christian mysticism, Taoism, and Heidegger’s existential philosophy each offer unique insights into the nature of beingness. While Heidegger emphasizes the temporal and situational aspects of Dasein, Christian mysticism focuses on transcending the worldly plane to achieve divine union. Taoism, with its holistic approach, highlights living in harmony with the Tao and the balance of yin and yang. Despite their differences, all three perspectives encourage authenticity, mindfulness, and an acceptance of life’s inherent challenges and transformations.