Explore Taoism

The concept of Tao (Dao) has not yet been defined. Scholars and followers believe Taoism needs to be experienced to be understood. Tao philosophy is about how opposite elements in the universe co-exist and function in harmony. The Ying and Yang concept embodies this very concept. It is the male and the female part, the opposites, existing in mutual harmony.

Taoism started off as a mixture of philosophy and psychology, but over the centuries has evolved into a religious belief. It was for some time the state religion of China. It was started by the philosopher Lao Tzu, who lived around 600 B.C, a little before the other great Chinese philosopher and historian Confucius. The present Taoism is a mixture of the original beliefs of its founder and that of the people of China. Over the years spells and charms began to be included in Taoist beliefs and the indigenous people of China also began to worship their ancestors. Thus came into existence, Taoism as we know it.

Lao Tzu believed that there was energy in everything including plants and animals and these elements blend in harmony and that one cannot exist without the other. Lao Tzu also believed that people should be allowed to make their own decisions and the government should not intervene with laws and rules and thus forcing people to follow them blindly. He was against governance.

It is rumoured that Lao soon be angered and disappointed with the state China and decided to leave the country. On his journey across the borders, a guard stopped him and refused to let him leave until he recorded all his philosophy and teachings on paper. These documents were to become the religious book of Taoism, the Tao te Ching.

Taoism has around 30 million followers, most of them in Taiwan. It has given rise to many other forms and offshoots including the very popular form of martial arts- Tai Chi.