Taoism
Taoism, also spelled Daoism, is a Chinese religious and philosophical tradition centered on living in harmony with the Tao, often translated as 'the Way,' the underlying natural order of the universe.
Taoism is traditionally traced to the sage Laozi, said to be the author of the foundational text the Tao Te Ching, though the tradition developed over centuries through the contributions of many philosophers and religious practitioners.
Central Taoist concepts include wu wei, or effortless action in harmony with the natural flow of life, and the balance of yin and yang, complementary forces believed to underlie all natural phenomena.
Taoism developed both as a philosophical tradition, emphasizing simplicity and harmony with nature, and as an organized religion with temples, rituals, and a pantheon of deities, and it remains practiced across China and among Chinese communities worldwide today.
