What is Tao and Taoism
Taoism, an ancient Chinese tradition and religion, stretches back through the sands of time to a bygone era some 1,800 years ago. It was during this time that Master Zhang Taoling (张道陵) of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220AD) organized a religious Taoist group, forever altering the cultural, ideological, political, and economic fabric of ancient Chinese society. Yet, despite its historical importance, Taoist thought holds no concern for “God” or any religious tenets.

Dao
The literal English translation of the Chinese word Tao (道) is “way” or “path,” embodying the essence of Taoist thought as a journey or exploration of one’s inner self. For many Taoists, the definition of Tao can be extended to mean “method” or “principle,” giving rise to the proliferation of various philosophical and cultural tracts that utilize the term Tao in their titles or descriptions. However, within the Chinese language, the same written character can represent multiple meanings, allowing for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of Taoism. Read more