Taoism

 

Taoism is a Chinese philosophical and spiritual tradition that focuses on living in accordance with the Tao. The Tao is the source, pattern, and substance of all that exists in Taoism. Taoism teaches about the different disciplines that might be used to achieve "perfection" by becoming one with the unplanned rhythms of the universe, which are referred to as "the way" or "Tao." Taoist ethics differ by school, but in general, they emphasize wu wei (intentionless action), "naturalness," simplicity, spontaneity, and the Three Treasures: "compassion," "frugality," and "humility."

Taoism has roots dating back to the 4th century BCE. Early Taoism derived its cosmological ideas from the School of Yinyang (Naturalists) and was profoundly affected by the I Ching (Yi Jing), one of China's oldest scriptures, which expounds a philosophical system about how to keep human behavior in harmony with nature's alternating cycles. Shen Buhai, a "Legalist" who preached wu wei realpolitik, could have also been a big influence. Together with Zhuangzi's later publications, the Tao Te Ching, a short book containing teachings attributed to Lao Tzu, is often regarded as the foundational work of the Taoist tradition.

The Taoist tradition is now one of the five official religious doctrines of the People's Republic of China. It is also a major religion in Taiwan, with followers in a variety of different societies, including Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia.