MAIN Society Religion Taoism

Nature uses few words. Lao-Tse in Tao Te Ching

Taoism, or Daoism, (pronounced "Dowism") originated with the teachings of Lao-Tse, born in 604 BC as a contemporary of Confucius. Both men lived in a time of fierce feudal warring in China, and both sought ways to adopt more peaceful alternatives to constant strife.

Tao, or 'The Way", taught inwardness and harmony with the self as a means to achieving balance & harmony with others and the natural world. The basic principles of Taoism were first written down in a short text, Tao Te Ching, by Lao-Tse in the 6th century. A century later, its author was being worshiped as a diety and Taoism officially recognized as a state religion within China.

Today, Taoism is regarded as one of the three great religions emanating from China along with Buddhism and Confucianism, and is most recognized in the West by its well known Yin Yan symbol, representing the univeral balance of complementary opposites, i.e., night and day, hot and cold, male and female.

Taoism currently claims about 20 million followers, mostly in Taiwan, in mainland China, and Southeast Asia.

Western countries, particularly in the US and Canada, have also come to increasingly adopt the health & exercise techniques that have sprung from the study of Taoism. These include the study of Tai Chi, a rhythmic exercise that gently tones muscles and increases circulation, as well as recognition of the beneficial effects found in acupuncture, herbalism, and holistic medical practices followed by many adherents of traditional Chinese medicine.

On the Web, discover more about the ancient practices of The Way, its history & origins, active discussions in related online forums, and recent Western adaptations of Taoism in health, medicine & everyday life ...

Taoism Information Page - Major portal to all things Tao, including links to Taoism basics, Tao Te Ching translations, related links to information on acupuncture, alchemy, feng shui, Chinese culture & philosophy.

Taoism.net - Extensive collection of teaching stories, feature articles & poetry, Tao principles & ethics, annotated Tao Te Ching, background history & information on I-Kuan Tao, plus an active online community forum.

Taoism and the Philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan - Online introductory course covering the life of Lao Tzu & Chuang Tzu, the development of Taoism, practices & beliefs, overviews of Taoist dieties, with additional information on Neo-Taoism and Tai Chi.

Taoism - Basic primer on Taoism, its history & development, with a discussion on Neo-Taoism and comparisons to Buddhism, extensive bibliography & related links, from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Taoism - Daoism Depot - Introduction to basic beliefs & teachings, discussions & translations of sacred texts, Daoist humor, recommended reading, resources, related art gallery, live chat, forum.