Taoism

            The dictionary definition of Taoism is a philosophical system developed by of Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events. Roughly translated as the "Way" for many Taoism is much more than a religious or philosophical way of thought it is a way of life. Taoism has found its way into modern living. The most common graphic representation of Taoist theology is the circular Yin Yang figure. It represents the balance of opposites in the universe. When they are equally present, all is calm. When one is outweighed by the other, there is confusion and disarray. The Yin and Yang are a model that the faithful follow, an aid that allows each person to contemplate the state of his or her lives. But Taoism is deeper than Yin and Yang. .
             While Taoism is translated to English as the "Way" it is hard to restrain it to that definition. Taoism is virtually indefinable. The best way to understand Taoism is to live the life. Taoism "refers to a power which envelops surrounds and flows through all things, living and non-living. The Tao regulates natural processes and nourishes balance in the Universe. It embodies the harmony of opposites (i.e. there would be no love without hate, no light without dark, no male without female.)" 1 .
             Every religion has its beginnings. By the Christian calendar most religions began Before Christ (B.C.). Same is thought to be true of Taoism. Taoism is believed to begin with Lao Tzu (one of many believed spellings) a contemporary of Confucius. He was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted society during his lifetime. The result was his book: Tao Te Ching.
             The Tao Te Ching is the main source of Taoist wisdom available to the Westerner. To many this is the first place a student of the Tao should begin. Unlike many other Taoist books it is lacking in humor or stories, and is often seen as difficult by Western Scholars.