Taoism

Taoism (pronounced DOW-ism) is any of several ancient Chinese philosophies dating from the sixth to fourth centuries B.C. In Chinese, the word tao means "path" or "way." Various Chinese philosophers have tried to teach by example how to live in harmony with the universe and with other human beings. Among the most prominent taoist philosophers were Lao Tzu (fourth century B.C..) and Chuang Tzu (550 B.C.?).

Lao Tzu (whose name means "The Old One" or "The Master") is listed as the author of Tao Te Ching (The Book of the Way and Its Power), the principal Taoist text. Many scholars believe, however, that Lao Tzu is actually the name under which a group of Chinese thinkers published their thought. A collection of eighty-one short poems, the Tao Te Ching combines both mysticism and practical political advice.