“The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao” – Chapter 1, Tao Te Ching

Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophical tradition whose origins extend back to 3000 B.C. and were attributed to the legendary Taoist sage, Lao Tzu, author of The Tao Te Ching (The Way and Its Power). The word Tao itself translates as the Way, or Path.

Taoism’s central principle is that all life, all manifestation, is part of an inseparable whole, an interconnected organic unity which arises from a deep, mysterious, and essentially unexplainable source which is the Tao itself. Taoism views the universe and all of its manifestations as operating according to a set of unchanging natural laws. Human beings can gain knowledge of these laws and become attuned to them through Taoist practices such as meditation and qigong. By aligning ourselves with these principles, we can attain a universal perspective and live in harmony with the Tao.

Taoist philosophy is primarily based on three books, The Tao Te Ching, The Chuang Tzu also known as The Inner Chapters by Chuang Tzu, and The IChing.  

For further enlightenment, check out this brief introduction to Taoism written by Dr. Carl Totton and fellow Taoist scholars. What is Tao >>