Taoism/Daoism is a Chinese philosophy that originated in (c.500 BCE). The philosophy itself has been accredited to a man named Lao Tzu who was known to be a natural philosopher (someone who participated in the philosophical study of nature and the physical world as a whole). Taoism promotes the idea of doing what is natural and “going with the flow” in conformity with the Tao ( also known as Dao) which is a “cosmic force known to flow through all things and binds and releases them.”

This Chinese philosophy directly affected folk religion in rural areas of the country eventually becoming the official religion during the Tang Dynasty which then made Taoism both a philosophy and a religion. The Tang Dynasty an era founded by Li Yuan, a former military commander who pronounced himself emperor in 618. The Tang Dynasty, reigning from 618 to 906 A.D has been widely recognized as a golden age of Chinese arts and culture. Resulting in “Tang China” to obtain an international reputation leaking from multiple cities, along side the practice of buddhism, manage to spread its culture throughout the Asian continent. Taoism grew from examining the natural world and further developed through the belief in “cosmic balance” that is controlled and regulated by the Tao.

During the earlier developments of Taoism it is not exactly certain whether or not the religion included practices such as ancestral and spirit worship. However those two ideologies have been examined and explored for centuries and even in today’s modern society.

Different from many other religions there isn’t any sort of specific form of initiation into Taoism. In fact becoming a taoist can be as easy as reading a variety of Taoist texts to become acquainted with Taoists beliefs.

One of the most common and important practices amongst taoists is Meditation. However there are more advanced or complex forms of meditation you explored by attending temple.

Another practice common practice of taoism is “Feng shui”. Taoism is the way of nature while “fend shui” and all of its principles reflect nature. This practice is deeply rooted in mindfulness. By slowing down and evaluating all of the details in your life so that you are able to truly live in present moment. The words “Feng shui” directly translates to “wind and water”.

These represent important elements necessary for life. Wind symbolizing our breath while water is the what makes up the majority of the human body.

The theory is that by stepping back and connecting with our surroundings we can start to further understand and appreciate our internal and external worlds.