The founder of Daoism was Lao-Tzu.
Daoism was one of the three great religions in China, but its popularity
weakened when the state support of Daoism ended in 1911.
Tao is an important belief of Daoism. The Tao is the ultimate reality. Tao
is believed to be the course of the universe; it flows throughout all aspects
of life. If the Tao is not in balance, then it is impossible to find happiness.
Chi is used to describe the power of the Tao as it flows through a person. Chi actually means vital energy. People tried to increase the Chi in their lives by eating better foods, dancing, meditating, participating in martial arts, and practicing yoga. "Taoist yogis sought to harness the Tao directly, drawing if first into their own heart-minds and then beaming it onto others" (Smith 202).
The Yin Yang symbol idealizes the balance needed in Tao in order to find
enlightenment. There is a light and dark side to the Yin Yang, which represents
opposites such as good and evil, as well as male and female.
The three jewels sought after in Daoism are compassion, moderation, and humility.
Daoists do not believe in competition. They instead believe in humility.
Daoists believe that nature should be respected. There are almost 1,500 written
texts in the Daoist cannon.
The Daoist Bible is known as the Tao Te Ching.
on Religious Tolerance. 30 Oct. 2001 <http://www.religioustolerance.org/Taoism.htm>.
Smith, Huston. The World's Religions. New York: Harper Collins, 1991.
