The Tao of South Africa

By Chris Kanyane

A land of soaring mountains, endless plains, and coastlines kissed by two mighty oceans. A nation like no other in terms of contradictions. South Africa is an octopus. It's a place that pulses with vibrant life, where contradictions writhe like tangled roots beneath the surface.

But what if I told you this crucible of contradictions also embodies the essence of the Tao Te Ching, the ancient Chinese text that whispers secrets of harmony and balance?

Forget the safari brochures and sanitized newsreels. This book isn't here to paint a postcard picture of South Africa. We delve deeper, into the raw, unvarnished truth that defines this nation, a land etched with both hardship and exquisite beauty.

We embark on a "Long Walk," as they say here, a journey that reveals a truth as unexpected as it is profound: South Africa, in all its complexity, embodies the very essence of the Tao.

This unlikely dance between South Africa and the Tao Te Ching will surprise you. It will challenge your perceptions. It will illuminate and reveal a unique perspective on the human story.

You might raise an eyebrow. What, pray tell, does a dusty Chinese text have to do with the pulsating reality of South Africa?

Prepare to be surprised.

• Language: English
• Publisher: South Africa National Library Online
• Release date: Mar 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224531745

Chris Kanyane

The author first met Barack Obama close and personal in the majestic Kenya; both chatted and enjoyed lunched together. He is a global researcher and member of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa. He is also the president and cofounder of the global Moving Forward!

Book preview

The Tao of South Africa: A South African Long Walk Through History Illuminated by the Tao Te Ching.

The Tao of South Africa: A South African Long Walk Through History Illuminated by the Tao Te Ching.

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By

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Chris Kanyane

South Africa National Library Online

PRETORIA. DURBAN. CAPE TOWN.

SOUTH AFRICA

SouthAfricaNationalLibrary.Online

Copyright © 2024 by Chris Kanyane

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface: A Tapestry Woven with Struggle and Serenity (Finding the Tao in Duality)

Chapter One: Stepping Onto the Long Walk (Embracing the Journey of the Tao

Chapter Two: Unearthing the Tao in History's Crucible (From Struggle to Harmony: South Africa's Dance with Yin and Yang)

Chapter Three: The Universal South African (Ubuntu Meets the Tao: Discovering the Interconnectedness of All)

Chapter Four: Echoes of the Past, Seeds of the Future (Learning from History's Flow - The River of Te - Virtue)

Chapter Five: Walking the Path of Balance (Towards a Prosperous Future: Cultivating the Tao in a Modern World)

Conclusion: Seeds of Harmony Sown on South African Soil

A Satisfied Life Full of MePg

PREFACE

A Tapestry Woven with Struggle and Serenity

South Africa.

A land of soaring mountains, endless plains, and coastlines kissed by two mighty oceans. A nation like no other in terms of contradictions. South Africa is an octopus. It's a place that pulses with vibrant life, where contradictions writhe like tangled roots beneath the surface.

But what if I told you this crucible of contradictions also embodies the essence of the Tao Te Ching, the ancient Chinese text that whispers secrets of harmony and balance?

Forget the safari brochures and sanitized newsreels. This book isn't here to paint a postcard picture of South Africa. We delve deeper, into the raw, unvarnished truth that defines this nation, a land etched with both hardship and exquisite beauty.

We embark on a Long Walk, as they say here, a journey that reveals a truth as unexpected as it is profound: South Africa, in all its complexity, embodies the very essence of the Tao.

This unlikely dance between South Africa and the Tao Te Ching will surprise you. It will challenge your perceptions. It will illuminate and reveal a unique perspective on the human story.

You might raise an eyebrow. What, pray tell, does a dusty Chinese text have to do with the pulsating reality of South Africa?

Prepare to be surprised.

Within the tapestry of South Africa's narrative, woven with threads of struggle, resilience, and a fierce love for the land, lies a surprising resonance with the Tao. The ancient wisdom of harmony and natural order finds echoes in the rhythms of South African life – in the cyclical hardships and triumphs, the breathtaking beauty juxtaposed with brutal realities, and the tenacious spirit of its people.

We won't shy away from the raw truths. We'll delve into the historical crucible that birthed South Africa, a crucible that continues to shape its present. We'll confront the shadows of apartheid and the ongoing quest for true equality. But alongside the struggle, we'll uncover moments of profound resilience, a deep-seated connection to the land, and a yearning for balance that mirrors the core principles of the Tao.

This book is a conversation starter, a challenge to your preconceived notions. It's an invitation to see South Africa – and perhaps the world around you – through a new lens, revealing unexpected harmonies amidst the seemingly discordant melodies.

The path ahead may be rough, but the journey promises to be enlightening. Are you ready to walk with us, illuminated by the ancient wisdom of the Tao Te Ching?

INTRODUCTION

The Tao of South Africa is a fascinating intriguing subliminal essence about South Africa, as a country, as a nation and as a society. What is the Tao of South Africa? The Tao is the essence and the kernel, the ultimate. The Tao (Dao) is a fundamental concept in Eastern philosophy, particularly Taoism, a tradition that originated in ancient China. It's the natural way things function and transform.

This book is about South Africa and its people, that is to say its natural citizens. There are many people living in South Africa who are not citizens or are naturalised citizens coming from other countries. These people while adding on the tempo and flavor of South Africa are not covered within the pages of this book.

The character Tao (道) is composed of two radicals:

The upper radical shou (首) means head or beginning.

The lower radical che (止) means foot or stop.

Together, they can be interpreted as the path that leads or the way that begins and ends.

It emphasizes acting in accordance with the natural flow of a thing.

The Tao emphasizes the interconnectedness of everything and the importance of living in harmony with this flow.

Interconnectedness is the key word when we discusses the tao of South Africa. Interplay is another word. Interwoven is also another word. Above these three concept we have intersectionality. All these four concepts form the tao of South Africa and I will return to them later on in this discourse.

The Tao (pronounced Dow), a cornerstone of Chinese philosophy, is a multifaceted concept with roots stretching back millennia.

Taoism emphasizes qualities like wu wei (effortless action), forgiveness, reconciliation and compassion.

The Tao is not a rigid doctrine but a concept to be grasped intuitively.

South Africa is elevated above all African countries. South Africa is not an African country but a melting pot of all people of the world. South Africa is the leading country within the African continent. South African identity is not African but eclectic. South Africa has the spirit of openness .

The spirit that cannot be cocooned within African cultures and African traditions.  Economically South Africa is powerful. Politically South Africa is solid stable democracy. Culturally South Africa is not African but universal. South Africa is Asian.

South Africa is African. South Africa is European. South Africa is American. The is the Tao of South Africa. It is not an African country in tge exact sense of that word. Many whites and Indians have deep roots in South Africa, with families who have lived there for generations. They are South African citizens.

To leaders and individuals in South Africa who espouse divisive or discriminatory rhetoric, it's crucial to reflect on the principles that define the essence of the nation and its people. The Tao of South Africa, like the Tao in philosophy, represents a path of harmony, balance, and interconnectedness.

Instead of sowing division, leaders should focus on building bridges of understanding and cooperation. Dialogue, empathy, and inclusivity are essential for forging a brighter future for all.

South Africa is a vibrant nation enriched by its diverse population. Whites and Indians have a long history in the country and contribute significantly to its social and economic fabric.

South African leaders and individuals who espouse divisive or discriminatory rhetoric undermine the tao of South Africa.

Lying at the heart of the Tao of South Africa is universality not African. Learn this basic education and stop wasting time yapping about South Africa being African country. South Africa has universal characteristics not African. Its position is not within Africa but the global community. Is there any race of humanity that is not represented within the South African fabric? There isn't.

The Tao of South Africa is global. This is a global country. South Africa is an oasis within the torn and sometimes backward Africa. It is the responsibility of South Africa to renew and reboot the whole continent of Africa that is limping. The is the Tao of South Africa. South Africa is not in league with other African nations but it is the boss of other Africa nations. I am being blunt and frank.

I am not being polite. Truth is frank and robust and its power lies in telling it what it is. The task of South Africa is make Africa universal and stop and quit old traditions that enslave African people. With the status of Africa above and about other African countries the rest of Africa will rise and grow wings of an eagle. That is the Tao of South Africa. Ultimately the Tao of South Africa is the Tao of Africa and the Tao of the world.

The Tao (Dao) is a fundamental concept in Eastern philosophy, particularly Taoism, a tradition that originated in ancient China. It's a multifaceted concept with roots in religion, philosophy, and even aesthetics.

The word Tao can be translated in various ways, but some common interpretations include:

The Way

The Path

The Flow

The Principle

CHAPTER TWO

UNVEILING SOUTH AFRICA'S TAO: A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY

South Africa's diverse cultures aren't simply existing side-by-side. They've influenced each other over time, creating a unique blend.  Imagine spices from different cultures being used in the same dish, creating a new and exciting flavor profile.

One cannot discuss South African citizenship without delving into the historical narratives that have shaped its collective identity. From the early Khoisan, the Bushmen, to early Europeans, to the struggles against apartheid to the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and unity, each thread in this tapestry represents a unique story and a distinctive contribution to the nation's identity.

South Africans have a long history of interaction and exchange. This has led to a rich cultural gumbo where traditions and identities are interwoven.

South Africa's history is marked by significant immigration from Europe, Asia, and other parts of Africa. This complex past has resulted in a unique blend of cultures, languages, and ethnicities not commonly found elsewhere on the continent.

South African cuisine is a delightful mix of African, European, and Asian influences. From Cape Malay curries to Biltong (dried meat), you'll find a unique blend of