Harmony and conflict resolution in mediation — a classical Daoist contribution

This paper examines the relevance of classical Daoism2—an indigenous Chinese religious tradition —for establishing harmony between disputing parties by means of conflict resolution through mediation. It focuses on the Daoist concept of harmony, on the loss of harmony, on the return to harmony, on the mediator's self-cultivation as well as on Daoist practices for mediator self-cultivation and conflict resolution. It outlines how classical Daoism offers a broad basis for establishing harmony in conflict resolution, both theoretically in its religious foundations, as well as pragmatically in its methods for self-cultivation and for applied interpersonal practice. It examines the ways in which classical Daoism can be relevant for the mediator, both as a person, as well as for enhancement of conflict resolution strategies.