Taoism (or Daoism) represents a group of philosophical and religious teachings that are based on the metaphysical interpretation of the Tao. The word Tao can be translated as Path. There is a difference when we talk about Taoism as religion and Taoism as philosophy.
Taoism has strongly influenced various parts of Chinese culture and later, it has spread throughout the other areas of Eastern Asia. One of the founders of Taoism is Lao Tzu who lived in the 6th century BC. Lao Tzu's teaching is directed toward achieving simple life of balance, harmony, and unity with Nature.
The central concept of Taoism is the existence of Tao, or Dao. Tao is invariable, it exists before all things. From it both Heaven and Earth, as two polarities, are originating. The two principles are Yin and Yang, which together maintain the harmony of the world in the process of constant changing. Yin is dark, passive, downward, cold, contracting, and weak. Yang would be bright, active, upward, hot, expanding, and strong. The shape of the symbol of Yin-Yang reflects this principle of continuity in the changeable Universe.
Taoism as religion is conceived relatively late, in the 2nd century AD. Taoism is one of the greatest world religions. It founds its roots in China. Unlike most of the great Western Religions, Taoism knows no single Deity nor single founder. One of the main beliefs is that each individual should follow her/his own Tao. Universal, and yet very much personal, Taoism has had important influence over many cultures in Asia and around the world. This religion if far from being well differentiated, very much like the Confucianism and Chinese Buddhism, which all together make one whole. Many declared Taoists or followers of Confucius often visit Buddhist temples and vice verse.
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