Most of our members would subscribe to most of the basic tenets of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), as well as those of the World Pantheist Movement (WPM). For more information, see the websites of those two groups (links are on the left hand side of this website). In addition, we endorse the following, more specific principles: 

(2) Our approach to spirituality is basically agnostic. 

(3) We focus on the here and now, on what we perceive to be our immediate reality: Ourselves, our relationships with other people, our environments.   

(4) We do not believe in an afterlife. Although we do not know for sure, we think it is unlikely that our individual souls will somehow survive the moment our body dies. This is what makes life so precious: It is limited. And we only have one.

(5) We have no affiliation with Chinese folk religion (some of which can also be traced back to Taoist roots). For example, we do not believe in geomancy (Feng Shui), astrology, oracles, or that human beings may attain immortality. 

Core Concepts of Philosophical Taoism

Tao ("The Way") is a very broad and abstract concept, from which Taoism derives its name. It basically refers to the natural flow of time and events, and the overwhelming greatness and power of the universe. We know very little about it (TTC 1: "The Tao that can be named is not the true Tao"), and we have little or no power to influence it. The concept of Tao is very similar to what some people refer to as "fate" or "god", and it has been given all sorts of anthropomorphic appearances in the various world religions. We prefer to keep our image of the Tao indistinct and vague, because doing so reflects our actual state of knowledge better. As compared to the Tao, our human existences may appear to be relatively small and unimportant.  

WuWei (lit. "not doing") implies that the best way to act is often to just "go with the flow", to adapt to the circumstances, to let things happen, and not to interfere. Especially for Westerners this is a quite a provocative position, because it means that you do NOT always have to "give your best", "aim high", "compete", and "get things right". Rather, it may be better (especially for yourself) to give in, to give up, to withdraw, to surrender, or not to care at all. Some people prefer to interpret WuWei in a less drastic manner as "acting in accord with nature",  but there is controversy among scholars whether this represents a too Westernized version of the concept. In the Zhuangzi, for example, the typical Taoist sage is a poor, "useless" but humorous tramp or hermit, who lives in relative seclusion from the world. We leave it up to our members' discretion which interpretation they prefer (complete "non-action" can be difficult or even impossible in modern society). 

Ziran ("things happening by themselves") is a closely related concept. It reminds us that the ways of the world do not dependent on us and our actions. Even if we do not do anything at all, the world will move on, unfold, develop, find its own way. Many problems we think we have today will solve themselves, or just disappear, tomorrow. For people of modern times who often think they have to control everything, experiencing this can be quite a healing experience. It requires a measure of trust. To us, Taoism is essentially about having that trust.

Ethics

The New Taoist Community does not tell people how to behave. We believe that everybody is responsible for his or her own decisions, and also for dealing with the consequences of those decisions, whether they were intended or not. However, the classical texts of Taoism mention some very basic ethical principles that people may consider in making their decisions.

• Chapter 67 of the Tao Te Ching mentions three general values ("Precious Attributes") that should guide a Taoist lifestyle: Love (compassion, kindness, mercy), Moderation (simplicity, restraint, frugality, economy) and Humility (unimportance, "not daring to put oneself ahead of others", not competing).
• The issue of "nourishing life" appears repeatedly throughout the classical texts. Broadly interpreted, it means that Taoists should take good care of themselves, by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This implies not wasting one's energy on struggles for power, fame or material goods, and treating one's body well (e.g. not drinking too much, not smoking too much, healthy eating habits, exercise). Accordingly, longevity is highly valued in Taoism.
• Many passages in the ancient texts highlight the uselessness of being too intellectual. Rather, they quite clearly recommend that one should not think too hard, not plan ahead too much, and not try to understand everything.