Taoism
Big idea
Taoism teaches that everything in the universe follows a natural flow called the Tao, which guides life and keeps it in balance. Life is full of opposite but connected forces, like light and dark or rest and activity, and harmony comes from balancing them.
Taoists believe people should follow this natural order, acting calmly and wisely without forcing things.
Key words
Ethics - a theory of how to live a good life.
Moral behaviour - the good ways we ought to act.
Pantheon of gods - a collection of gods.
Qi - the life-giving energy that is directed by the Tao.
Qigong - a system of movement and breathing that helps to create balance.
Tao - the force that directs all life in the universe.
Three Pure Ones - the highest gods in the Taoist pantheon.
Wu wei - acting in accordance with the Tao.
Yin and yang - opposite but interconnected forces.
Key facts
Founder
Taoism was founded by Laozi, whose name means âOld Master,â and is thought to have lived in China around the 6th century BCE, although some historians believe he may have lived later, around the 4th century BCE. Very little is known about his life, and many stories about him are a mix of history and legend. He is said to have been a librarian or keeper of records in the royal court, where he studied ancient texts and learned about the natural order of the world.
Laozi became famous for teaching people how to live simply, peacefully, and in harmony with nature, and his ideas were collected in the Tao Te Ching, which remains one of the most important works in Chinese philosophy.
Legends say he eventually left China to live a quiet life in the mountains, and some stories even claim he rode off on an ox, never to return.
Place of Origin
Taoism originated in ancient China, particularly in the central and eastern regions along the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys, around the 6th century BCE. These areas were early centers of Chinese civilization, with fertile land, mountains, and rivers that inspired people to observe nature closely. The landscape of mountains, forests, rivers, and caves influenced Taoist ideas about living in harmony with the natural world.
Over time, Taoism spread across China, reaching rural villages, towns, and cities, and its teachings were adapted by different regions, blending with local customs and traditions.
Sacred Texts
The Tao Te Ching, written by Laozi, is the main text. It teaches the importance of simplicity, humility, and living in harmony with the natural flow of life.
Number of Followers
Around 12 million people formally identify as Taoists today. Taoism also continues to inspire and guide many more people through its ideas about living in harmony with nature.
Key story
The knot in the string
Once, Laozi wanted to teach people how to live with patience and calmness. He held up a tangled piece of string and said, âIf you try to pull this knot apart roughly, it will only get tighter.â
He showed them what to do instead. Working slowly and gently, carefully loosening the string, the knot eventually came undone.
The lesson of the storyÂ
Laozi explained that life is like this knot: if you try to force things or rush, problems only get worse. But if you approach situations patiently and calmly, solutions will come naturally.
The key messages are:
Life works best when you go with the flow instead of forcing it.
Patience and calmness help solve problems more easily.
Trying to control everything can make situations more difficult, but gentle effort leads to balance and harmony.
The divine
At the heart of Taoism is the Tao (The Way), an unseen force that unites everything and guides the natural order, much like a river directing its flow.
Taoism also features a pantheon of gods and spirits, with the Three Pure Ones as the highest deities:
Jade Pure One â creator of the universe, representing the pure essence of the Tao.
Supreme Pure One â teacher and protector who spreads Taoist teachings.
Grand Pure One â linked to Laozi, representing moral and ethical aspects of the Tao.
These Three Pure Ones are thought of as the ultimate teachers and protectors in Taoism, helping to create, guide, and maintain the balance of the universe according to the Tao. Taoists honour and worship them in temples, asking for their guidance and blessings to live a harmonious and balanced life.
Many other gods and spirits exist, often adapted from older Chinese folk religions, helping followers live in harmony with the universe.