The concept of Tao (道, Dào), also known as the "Way" or "Path," is central to the journey of every cultivator. The Tao is not just a set of teachings or principles; it is a profound, personal understanding of the universe and the laws that govern it. Each person's Tao is unique, shaped by their experiences, insights, and the cultivation methods they practice.
1. Understanding Tao (道, Dào) and Its Manifestations
Tao can be understood as the guiding principle or ultimate truth that a cultivator seeks to comprehend and embody. It is the natural order of the universe, the source of all existence, and the path that one follows to achieve enlightenment and transcendence. However, because each person's perception and realization of the Tao are different, the Tao is often described as "nameless and formless" (无名无形, Wú míng wú xíng). The Tao cannot be fully defined or captured in words; it must be experienced, understood, and realized through personal cultivation and enlightenment.
Tao as Path/Road/Avenue: The Tao represents an individual's unique path or road in life. It is not just a direction but a deeply personal journey that aligns with the cultivator's beliefs, values, and purpose. In cultivation, discovering one's Tao involves understanding one's strengths, desires, and the nature of their existence.
A. The Primordial Domains (大道, Dàdào)
Manifesting from the ultimate Tao are the Primordial Domains (大道). These are not personal paths, but the fundamental, cosmic sources and complete systems for all universal principles related to a specific concept, such as Primordial Fire or Primordial Metal. A Primordial Domain is the origin from which all related power and understanding flows. To fully comprehend one is to grasp a fundamental pillar of reality itself and become an unrivalled power within that domain.
B. The Laws (法则, Fǎzé)
Laws (法则) refer to the fundamental, definable principles that govern specific aspects of the universe, such as the laws of elements, space, or causality. These laws are direct manifestations of the Primordial Domains. Cultivators strive to understand and master these Laws to harness the power of the world around them. This understanding can manifest in techniques, spells, and mystical arts that reflect the cultivator's grasp of these universal principles.
Since in some novel 道 often appears in the sense of controlling and manifesting aspects of the Tao through a structured "system," I've chosen to translate it as Law in those cases.
C. The Concepts (意境, Yìjìng)
The journey to mastering a Law begins with comprehending its Concepts (意境). These are the conceptual fragments—the discrete aspects of a Primordial Domain that a cultivator can intuitively grasp. Examples include the Blazing Flame Concept or the Fire Dragon Concept. Each Concept is a vital piece of a larger Law. By meditating on and internalizing these Concepts, a cultivator builds the profound understanding necessary to eventually unify them and grasp the complete Law they constitute.
D. Domain (领域, Lǐngyù)
A Domain is a powerful manifestation and extension of a cultivator's understanding of the Tao. As they progress to high-level stages, (some mentioning begin when they at Returning to Void Period (渡劫, Dùjié) ). they begin to externalize their comprehension of Laws and Concepts to create a Domain—a personal, small world where their will is absolute and their understanding of the Tao prevails. Within this space, the cultivator can manipulate the environment, bend the rules of nature, and exert overwhelming control, making them akin to a deity within its boundaries.
Hóngchén (红尘, Hóngchén), often translated as "Red Dust," refers to the mortal world, with all its desires, emotions, and attachments. It represents the worldly distractions that cultivators must often transcend to achieve higher levels of enlightenment. However, for some, the Hóngchén becomes an integral part of their Tao, as they learn to navigate and transcend these desires and emotions to deepen their understanding of the Tao. Or can be said: Cultivators who follow a Tao related to Red Dust often indulge in earthly pleasures, emotions, and desires. Their path is one of deep engagement with life's chaos, and through this immersion, they seek enlightenment.
Core Cosmic Hierarchy (The Structure of Reality)
This is the "theory" of the universe that cultivators study.
道 (Dào): The formless, ultimate source of all existence.
大道 (Dàdào): A primordial, foundational domain and the complete source of all laws for a specific concept (e.g., Metal, Fire). It is both the system and the origin.
法则 (Fǎzé): A single, definable, and masterable universal law or principle that manifests from a 大道.
意境 (Yìjìng): The conceptual fragments that make up a Law.
Domain (领域, Lǐngyù) - The Personal Manifestation
A Domain is the practical application of a cultivator's comprehension of the cosmic hierarchy. It is a tangible, personal reality they project, built from their accumulated understanding of Concepts and Laws.
Relationship to the Hierarchy: A Domain is powered by and composed of the cultivator's grasp of the cosmic hierarchy. For example, a cultivator who has mastered the Blazing Flame Concept and the Law of Flame can integrate them into their Domain, making it a world of eternal fire where their will over flame is absolute.
Analogy: If the Primordial Fire is the sun, a cultivator's Fire Domain is a powerful flashlight they built themselves. The flashlight (Domain) is a manifestation of their understanding of light (Cosmic Hierarchy), but it is not the sun itself.
In summary:
The Core Cosmic Hierarchy is the objective truth of the universe.
A Domain is a cultivator's subjective, personal expression of that truth, made manifest through their own power and will.
2. The Nature of Tao
Each person's Tao is distinct, and the path they take to realize it varies. reflecting their unique insights, experiences, and choices. Realizing one's Tao is not just about enlightenment; it also involves practicing, perfecting, and embodying the Taoist arts until they reach great perfection. A cultivator's Tao can take many forms, and it is often nameless and without form. For some, the Tao may be deeply connected to the mind and its insights, becomes a manifestation of the Dharma (法, Fǎ), leading them closer to enlightenment. Such individuals seek insights into all things, with every thought representing a fragment of their Tao.
However, choosing one's Tao is a profound responsibility. It requires deep reflection, genuine enlightenment, and voluntary dedication. It is essential for cultivators to choose their Tao carefully, reflecting deeply on their choices to ensure they are genuinely aligned with their path. A cultivator must ensure that their Tao aligns with their true self, as doubts or misalignment with one's path can hinder progress and prevent true enlightenment. As the saying goes, "The Tao for everyone is not the same, and it is their own independent choice. The Tao only needs to be realized, proven, and cultivated by oneself, and it has nothing to do with others.
3. Examples of Different Paths (道, Dào)
Ruthless Dao (无情道, Wúqíng Dào): The Ruthless Dao is one of the most domineering and extreme paths a cultivator can follow. Those who walk this path believe that emotions and desires are obstacles to their enlightenment. Cultivators often avoid romantic relationships, and sever all emotional ties, including attachment and obsession. In some extreme cases, this involves killing their loved ones and their obsession (it can be bad or good, as obsession have general meaning) to prove their resolve and eliminate any distractions. For them, cutting off attachments and desires clears the heart, allowing them to concentrate entirely on their Tao.
Killing Dao (杀戮道, Shālù Dào): The Killing Dao is a path dominated by the act of killing. It is also powerful but perilous, as it immerses the cultivator in a bloodthirsty existence. Cultivators on this path often engage in so much killing that their minds become consumed by a killer instinct, turning them into beings driven by bloodlust. The advantage of this path is the cultivation of a powerful killing aura (杀气, Shaqi) that instills fear in enemies, paralyzing them with terror, and amplifying their attacks to devastating levels. However, this path also has severe drawbacks. To sustain their "blood thirst," they must regularly engage in mass slaughter, or risk losing themselves to uncontrollable bloodlust, and indiscriminately killing both friends and foes.
Path of Bliss (极乐道, Jílè Dào): The Path of Bliss involves experiencing and indulging in all the pleasures and joys of the world. Cultivators on this path believe that by tasting and understanding every aspect of worldly enjoyment, they can gradually replenish and strengthen their Dao heart. As a result, they often engage in playful and mischievous behavior, or manipulate others to amuse themselves and explore the world's delights, seeing life as a game where every experience, enjoyment, and indulgence are critical to their growth and understanding of the Tao, contributes to their ultimate enlightenment.
Hóngchén Dao (红尘道, Hóngchén Dào): The Hongchén Dao is deeply connected to the experiences of the mortal world. Cultivators who follow this path embrace the emotions, desires, and attachments of the Red Dust (I, Hóngchén). Over time, their Dao becomes so ingrained in their being that every word and action reflects their understanding of the Hóngchén. For example, the Hóngchén Pavilion Lord (红尘阁主, Hóngchén Gézhǔ), with a gentle voice and a soft tone, can affect the hearts and minds of others without using any techniques. Her mastery of the Hongchén Dao is such that her presence alone can stir emotions and desires in those around her. Cultivators who are not aligned with the Hóngchén Dao often avoid such influences to maintain their focus on their chosen path, to not to be indulged or fall to the Red Dust (forget about their own path or self).
4. Comprehending the Laws of Heaven and Earth
As cultivators advance to the Returning to Void Period or Tribulation Stage (渡劫, Dùjié), they must begin to comprehend the laws of heaven and earth (天地法则, Tiāndì fǎzé) and mobilize the vitality of the universe. This understanding is not straightforward, as the laws are vast and varied, manifesting in countless forms. Whether it is wind, water, earth, living beings, or even thoughts and actions, everything is part of the Tao.
To progress further, cultivators must choose a specific law or aspect of the Tao to comprehend and make their own. This understanding forms the foundation of their Domain, where they can impose their will on the world around them. For example, a cultivator whose Dao is rooted in killing may create a Domain of Blood (血域, Xuèyù), where everything is shrouded in a sea of blood, amplifying their power. Another cultivator with a Dao of formations might create a Domain filled with intricate, interconnected formations that trap or empower those within it.
In essence, a cultivator's chosen path (Dao) profoundly influences their Domain and their ability to wield the laws of heaven and earth. The deeper their understanding and mastery of their Dao, the more powerful and expansive their Domain becomes, eventually allowing them to transcend the mortal realm and ascend to higher planes of existence