The Concept of Balance in Taoist Trade: Yin Yang in Economic and Social Interactions

Abstract

This paper describes one of the religions in ethnic Chinese known as Taoism, which is a teaching derived from the book of God. This teaching teaches Godhead, namely worshiping and recognizing the existence of Thian, known as the almighty God and worshiping many gods and goddesses. The purpose of this research is to reveal the conception of sustenance in business for Taoists contained in Siu Tao. This research was conducted at Taokwan Sinar Damai, a Taoist association in Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province. This research used a qualitative-descriptive method. Data collection was carried out using in-depth interview techniques to Taokwan administrators and congregations, observations, and also supported by literature studies. The results of this study show that the form of seeking sustenance through business is trading materials, jewelry, and worship. In Taoist belief, seeking sustenance requires a balance known as the Yin Yang symbol, or what is conceptualized as a binary opposition.

Keywords: Belief; Tao; sustenance; business; Yin Yang; binary opposition