What is Taoism?
[[File:Yin Yang Sky Earth - Illustration (5727867400).jpg|thumb|[[Yin Yang]] Sky Earth - Illustration]] '''Taoism''' or '''Daoism''' ({{lang|zh|道教}}) is both a [[philosophy]] and [[religion]] originated in China, which has 2,500 years of history. ==Overview== [[Tao]] (or Dao, {{lang|zh|道}}) is the name of the [[Force (physics)|force]] or the ''Way'' that Taoists believe makes everything in the world. Taoists think that [[word]]s cannot be used to correctly describe Tao. The very first line of the ''[[Tao Te Ching|Dào Dé Jīng]]'' ({{lang|zh|道德經}}), the most important text in Taoism, says that {{Blockquote|text=the Way that can be explained in words is not the true Way.}} There are many other sacred writings by the teachers of Taoism. Instead of spending a lot of time trying to explain what the Tao is, Taoists focus on living a simple and balanced life in [[harmony]] with [[nature]]. This is one of the most important principles in Taoism. Taoists also believe that [[conflict]] is not good and that if you have an issue, it is better to get around with it. ==History== Taoism first showed up in writing in China in 142 C.E. People do not always write about their religions at first, so this religion may be much older. Some important people of the history of Taoism are: * [[Laozi]], or Lao Tzu ({{lang|zh|老子}}). He is assumed to have written ''Tao Te Ching''. * [[Zhuangzi]], or Chuang Tzu ({{lang|zh|莊子}}). Like Lao Tzu, his sayings and stories are today put together as a book, and translated into English and other languages. * Huangdi, or the [[Yellow Emperor]] ({{lang|zh|黃帝}}). He is assumed to have been the first Taoist, but nobody knows for sure if he was a real person or not. ==Beliefs and practices== Taoists believe that the main principle behind the universe is an [[esoteric]] force known as the [[Tao]]. The Tao can best be described as the chaotic power of reality that causes change to happen and things to come in and out of the world without direction or intention. The essence of the Tao is seen in nature, in wh