Transcendence From Trauma and Terrorism: A Taoistic Reflection.

The article suggests that classical Chinese Taoism may have an insightful reflection in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Classic Taoism stresses that nature is in a dynamic revertism. Koeing and Spano described this as holistic dualism, which means the recognition of the complementary and interrelatedness of opposites. Positive and negative, wealth and poverty, suffering and blessings, moral and immoral are only but two sides of the same coin. In terms of Taoism, attainment, wealth and reputation as symbolized by the World Trade Center, are not imperishable. Unfortunately, the center became the target for the terrorists. One should rely on perishable things, such as materialism, a strong economy and prosperity. After September 11, none of us can escape from a realization of the issue of life and death. The means to an end, moral and immoral, are relative and complementary. Without immorality, morality can be distinguished. In the September 11 attacks, the immorality of the attacks sparked the patriotism of U.S. citizens. Within a day, the spirit of New York City sublimated from materialism and crime to holy and purified mutual help, humanistic concern and consolidated resilience.