Do you see any contradiction between the Taoist ideal of accepting death?

Question

Do you see any contradiction between the Taoist ideal of gracefully accepting death, suggested by the Tao Te Ching, and the Taoist search for long life and immortality? Can the two goals be reconciled?

Answer 1

Sure there's a contradiction. According to Taoism, all things in the dualistic world contain their opposite.

But, that's not the question. When the Tao Te Ching is talking about accepting death, realize that dying and being born happen in every moment. To a person who is enlightened, the moment of death is just another moment.

Also, the self that we ordinarily identify with doesn't really exist, it's an illusion. When you realize this, you identify with the world itself, or reality, or the Tao, or god, or whatever you want to call it. That thing, the true Tao, is eternal.

Answer 2

I don't see a contradiction really. Long life is just about wanting to live healthily. But life will end - and accepting that when it comes is simply wise.