Taoism is one of the oldest practicing religions today, and it is one of three main religions practiced in China-the others being Confucianism and Buddhism. Like Confucianism, Taoism also began in China around 1,500 years ago. It is said that around 600 B.C.E., a man by the name of Lao Tzu was born an 80-year-old man. He spent much of his life surrounded by books, and eventually decided to leave China. Upon doing so, a guard required him to leave his possessions behind; as he had nothing but his knowledge, Lao Tzu spent time writing down his thoughts. These thoughts were a compilation of sayings and other writings, pertaining to the natural mechanisms of life. This sacred book became known as the Tao Te Ching and is revered by a great many Taoist practitioners. The Tao Te Ching is a beautifully simple, yet elaborate, book that describes what is known as the Tao-or, the way. The Tao Te Ching describes the way of nature and the natural order of things; and, it provides insight as to how to attain harmony with Tao, considered the ultimate goal for Taoists.
The Tao Te Ching proclaims that the true Tao is not something that can be adequately described in words, that it is not something tangible; rather, it is experienced and it is observed. It is the origins of everything that began and everything that exists today and tomorrow. The Tao Te Ching describes the Tao as being manifestations of all that surrounds us.A key element in regard to experiencing the Tao is the importance of letting go of the ties to the material world. The material world takes away from understanding the Tao; thus, by living in simplicity, one can realize the true Tao.
Along with the many phrases and other Taoist sayings that are found within the Tao Te Ching, there are certain images of importance. These images are revered as being where the Tao can be most easily observed; by realizing these observations, a Taoist practitioner can attain harmony with the Tao. The first image pertains to water. Water is believed to be a necessary element; and, while its calmness does not seem spectacular, at first, it functions as the basis of all natural life. Images of women are also used to represent the observable manifestation of the Tao. Women, while reserved and collected, have the power to support and continue human life. The child is yet another image that is used to represent the Tao; the naive child, not yet affected by the bonds of the material world, are connected to the awe-inspiring natural surroundings that are manifested with the Tao.
Another aspect of the Tao is its mystery, and the valley is an image widely used to represent this importance. The image of darkness also represents the Tao. In this darkness, peace and security can be found. All of these images are used without words in order to express the Tao even more strongly. By visiting these images, one can use visual senses and imagination to further connect to the eternal Tao.
Although Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism are the three fundamental religions that are found in China, only the last two actually began there. Even so, there are certain differences between Confucian and Taoist beliefs. Confucianism believes very heavily in choosing actions that promote social order, perceived to be ideal of the perfect human being; in this way, one can attain harmony with the Tao. Taoism, however, does not utilize this belief of being the correct way to attain Tao; nor does it necessarily emphasize social order as the way. Rather, Taoism emphasizes other teachings that are believed to be the way to attain true realization of the Tao.
Along with emphasis of Tao itself, there are at least four other philosophical ideals that are taught throughout Taoism. The first is the concept of Wu Wei. Wu Wei is simply the recommended way to live. Just as nature works in ways that effortlessly satisfy its most fundamental needs and processes, human beings should do the same by following nature's model and avoiding any further action deemed unnecessary. Wu Wei describes living in a passive way that prefers needs over elaborate wants. This leads into simplicity, another Taoist ideal. It is taught to eliminate that which has to do with unnecessary wants, to just appreciate the simplicity of nature and to apply it to one's life. Here is where Taoism and Confucianism greatly differ.
In Confucianism, education is a primary focus, believing it to be a structure that enhances individuals and social order. In Taoism, however, simplicity does not favor climbing ranks, being competitive, or becoming further tied to the material world. For these reasons, Taoists do not typically perceive formal education as having any significance in life and usually dismisses it as something that hinders true understanding of the Tao. Along with the unnecessary bonds to artificiality, Taoists dismiss unnecessary violence. Gentleness is another ideal that is taught, and it is associated with peace and calm wisdom. It is unwise to value weapons, knowing the destruction they cause.
Another ideal that is emphasized in Taoism is relativity. While Taoists do recognize the nature of opposites, represented by the well-known image of the yin-yang, they believe that there is a unity that goes beyond this. In this regard, Taoists believe that engaged actions should consider those who may be affected by them, by first trying to see things from their point of view. All of these ideals are significant in the philosophical teachings of Taoism and utilizing them will help the person realize the true and eternal Tao.