G06: China: Daoism

In Chinese the word dao means “way,” indicating a way of thought or life. There have been several such ways in China’s long history, including Confucianism and Buddhism. Daoism (also spelled Taoism) is a philosophical and religious tradition that developed in China in ancient times under the influence of ideas credited to a man named Laozi. Like Confucianism, it has deeply influenced Chinese culture. Daoism began as a complex system of philosophical thought. In later centuries it also emerged as a communal religion and was integrated into popular folk religion as well.

Taoism is an indigenous Chinese religion. Tao is often translated as “way” or “path.” The teachings of Taoism advocate following the "way" and integrating with the natural world. Its legendary founder was Laozi, who lived in the sixth century B.C.E. However, most scholars believed that the real history of Taoism is rooted in indigenous religion of the second century and that it developed rapidly along with the advancement of Buddhism.

Belief systems tend to come with rules and prescribed (approved) practices. These include rituals, dietary restrictions, and laws. Daoism, sometimes called Taoism, is somewhat different because it seems to avoid strict systems of rules and laws. One of China's indigenous belief systems, Daoism is centered on the practice of wu wei, which means inaction. That might sound like Daoists believe in doing nothing, but that's not quite right. Instead, it means that a person should do nothing that conflicts with the Dao.