The term Tao means “way”, “path” or “principle”, and is found in Chinese philosophies and religions other than Taoism. In Taoism, however, Tao denotes something that is both the source and the driving force behind everything that exists. The Tao represents the essence of all creation, and the spiritual tradition emphasizes living in harmony.

Taoism idealizes a natural world characterized by ever-changing cyclical correspondence between the “inner” (microcosm) and the outer (macrocosm). All life energy (“chi”) is composed of differing combinations of female yin energy and male yang energy, for balance.

Lao Tzu

The founder of Taoism is considered to be Lao Tzu (Laozi) who lived in the 500s BCE, and introduced the elements of Taoism through his book Tao Te Ching.

Many scholars believe Taoism arose as a counter-movement to Confucianism. The basic spiritual philosophies are much the same and Lao Tzu is traditionally held to have been a teacher of Confucius. Taoism favors natural approach vs. ritual, spontaneity, and individualism vs. a defined social order. Representatives of early Chinese Buddhism were deeply influenced by the Taoist keystone texts which embrace “this life” and “living every moment.”

The practices of Taoism evolved over time, developing through a number of different schools. Taoists recognize five basic elements (wu-hsing) of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Practitioners focus on benevolence, and inner peace. One goal is to seek spiritual enlightenment through action without effort (wu-wei).

Throughout Chinese history, Taoism was nominated as the state religion several times until the 17th century, when it fell from favor. Although suppressed in the first decades of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and enduring persecution during the Cultural Revolution, Taoism is one of five religions recognized in the PRC today.

Estimates for the number of Taoists worldwide range from 20 million to possibly as many as 400 million in China alone, especially in regions populated by Chinese people like mainland China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore.

Symbols: The taijitu (yin and yang symbol) as well as the Ba Gua (Eight Trigrams of Feng Shui) are associated with Taoist symbolism. Originating around the 10th century, the Taijutu is used by almost all Taoist organizations on their flags, logos, temple floors, or stitched into clerical robes. Taoist temples may fly square or triangular flags that feature mystical writing or diagrams intended to provide guidance for the spirits of the dead, to bring good fortune, increase the life span, etc.

Exercises: A recurrent and important element of Taoism are rituals, exercises and substances aiming at aligning oneself spiritually with cosmic forces, at undertaking ecstatic spiritual journeys, or at improving physical health and thereby extending one’s life, ideally to the point of immortality. Enlightened and immortal beings are referred to as xian.

Martial Arts: A number of martial arts traditions, (like T’ai Chi Ch’uan) embody Taoist principles to a significant extent, and some practitioners consider their art to be a means of practicing Taoism.

Other Spiritual Practices: Fortune telling – including astrology, I Ching, and other forms of divination – have long been considered a traditional Taoist pursuits. Mediumship is widely encountered in some sects (tongji or marial form and spirit-writing).

Recurrent and important elements of Taoism are rituals, exercises and substances aiming at aligning oneself spiritually with cosmic forces, at undertaking spiritual journeys, or at improving physical health and thereby extending one’s life, ideally to the point of immortality. Enlightened and immortal beings are referred to as xian.

• A number of martial arts traditions, (like T’ai Chi Ch’uan) embody Taoist principles to a significant extent, and some practitioners consider their art to be a means of practicing Taoism-
• Divination, including astrology and the I Ching, has long been considered a traditional Taoist pursuit.
• – Mediumship is widely encountered in some sects (tongji or marial form and spirit-writing).

“Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river” -Laozi, Tao Te Ching

Non-physical beings
According to Taoist belief, the world is full of non-physical beings or spirits who need to obtain energy (feed) to survive. Some of these spirits must get their energy from humans. Taoist Diagrams are used to protect individuals’ health, well-being, homes and relationships from the influence of certain non-physical beings. Diagrams are brush strokes conforming to specific configurations that modify a person’s aura.

Taoist Practices
Individuals create a link to the source of Qi or the Great Ultimate by using images of the Gods and the Spirits in meditation and ceremonies. These connections bring persons closer to the Great Ultimate to help them clarify and straighten their path in life.
The effect of this connection makes an individual mentally stronger, less confused and able to rectify mistakes of the past with a clear understand if the Reality of life. The stronger the connection between the individual and the Great Ultimate, this Absolute Reality, the clearer is the picture of the world and the person’s place in it.

Tao Quotes***
What we mean by Tao is the way or course of Nature. This way has nothing good or bad, it is a mere flowing of things following the development and decline attributes of the moment. (From Jhian Yang: A Short Introductory Lesson to Tao and Taoism)
***
Reading the Tao Te Ching and other Taoist texts felt like “someone was looking over my shoulder,” explaining to me things that really had relevance to my life. The most appealing aspect of Taoism, though, was that it didn’t claim to be “divinely-inspired.” Laozi never claimed to have been visited by a deity and commanded to write the Tao Te Ching. He wrote it because he observed patterns in the world around him — patterns that didn’t require blind faith and acceptance of logical contradiction to recognize — and realized that everything must be connected somehow.   (From: www.westernreformtaoism.org/introduction.php )

Symbol of Taoism 

The symbol of Taoism is called the ‘Tai Ji’ which means the ‘great ultimate’. It is represented by a circle which is divided into two parts. The dark side is called Yin while the dark side is called Yang. The small circles suggest that each half has a ‘seed’ of the other half. To Taoists, Yin and Yang are not opposites. In fact, each must exist with the other and cannot exist without the presence of the other. The impact of human civilization is believed to upset the balance of Yin and Yang.

Non-Action

Wu Wei means “non-action” and is the practice of doing nothing to accomplish everything. Someone who understands and adheres to Wu Wei does not try to force things. The way can only be found in humility, in serene acceptance of life and things as they are, and in finding the flow of nature, rather than trying to produce and form people and situations to your own desires.

The Tao Te Ching illustrates: The more laws you make, the more thieves there will be. (Chapter 57)

The sage does not boast, therefore is given credit. (Chapter 22)

He who acts harms, he who grabs lets slip. (Chapter 64)

Technique

• Meditate on the dual symbol, the Ying/Yang.
• Tune into the Yang energy–the masculine dynamic energy of force and expansion and ask for further insights into this energy and how you use it in your life.
• Now tune into the white section of the symbol–the Ying energy. This receptive, nurturing energy, is where creativity starts. Ask for further insights into this energy and how you use it in your life.
• Now meditate on the flow of energy back and forth from Yang to Ying, etc. How is this flow manifesting in your life?
  Share your insights with others.