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| Founded in China by Lao-tzu (6th Century BCE?) and later expanded by Chuang-tzu (c. 4TH to 3rd Century BCE), partly as a reaction against Confucian ideas, the Tao Te Ching is the principal canonical work. Original doctrinal elements include wu-wei ("acting through not acting"); naturalness, spontaneity, and quietism. Early Taoism placed a strong emphasis on mysticism. By the turn of the Common Era, Taoism had assumed a bewildering variety of forms which continued to grow and develop. Confucian and Buddhist ideas had a significant impact on later Taoist thought and practice. Modern Taoism has a huge canon, intricate cosmology, and is characterized by a theistic and devotional aspect not present in its earliest forms. Significant populations of Taoists today can be found in Korea, Vietnam, and Japan, as well as its country of origin, China. | |
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| Taoism Information Page
A useful compilation of information about Taosit philosophy, principles, and texts. Annotated links and simple design make for easy navigation. Chad Hansen's Chinese Philosophy Pages Essays on Taoism by the Professor at Hong Kong University A beautiful site with introductions, explanations, links and more. |