Taoism: core beliefs

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The Way — described in Taoist teaching as the source everything flows out of and returns to, as how things move when nothing forces them, and as our own original nature.

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That the Tao is our original nature and nothing is evil, but that things are out of balance because human beings departed from the Way — civilization having tried to improve on nature, producing conflict and chaos.

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We are already there, but have to realise it by becoming fully in accord with the Tao. Everything flows out of Tao and returns to Tao.

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The invariable law of nature by which everything returns to a balanced state.

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Non-action — usually explained as acting without forcing, in accord with how things already move. The guide phrases it as not interfering.

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Yin is described as female, dark and receptive; yang as male, bright and assertive. They are complementary rather than good and evil, and balance between them is the aim.

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The life force, which Taoist practice seeks to release.

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A contemplative life in nature; taking no action; balancing yin with yang; reconciling opposites at a higher or intuitive level; releasing ch'i.

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The central Taoist text, attributed to Laozi. It opens by saying that the Tao which can be spoken is not the eternal Tao.

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Philosophical Taoism is concerned with living in accord with the Way; religious Taoism has temples, priests, deities and ritual. Both are part of the tradition.