What is Taoism?

Taoism is also known as Daoism, it is a religious philosophical tradition of Chinese origin

which emphasizes living in harmony with the “Tao” or “Dao”.
“Tao” or “Dao” means “The Way”.
Laozi is traditionally regarded as the founder of religious Taoism and is closely associated in
this context with "original" or "primordial" Taoism.
At certain dates, food may be set out as a sacrifice to the spirits of the deceased or the gods,
such as during the Qingming Festival. This may include slaughtered animals, such as pigs and
ducks, or fruit. Another form of sacrifice involves the burning of Joss paper, or Hell Bank
Notes in china.
In Chinese philosophical tradition, Tao is fundamental idea to emphasize “Wu Wei”
(Effortless Action), “naturalness”, “simplicity”, “spontaneity” and “Three Treasures” (i.e.
compassion, frugality and humility).
The roots of Taoism go back at least to the 4th century BCE.

Taoism is nothing but the teachings of truth; “The Tao” is indefinable.

It then follows up by teaching that each person can discover the Tao on their terms.
A teaching like this can be very hard to grasp when most people desire very concrete
definitions in their own life.
Taoism teaches a person to flow with life.
Over the years Taoism has become many things to many people.
Hundreds of variations in Taoist practice exist.
Some of these practices are philosophical, and others are religious.
Taoism makes no distinction in applying labels to its nature.
This is important since as a person, we are each a blend of many truths.
The truth taught in Taoism is to embrace life in actions that support you as a person.
Taoism is acceptance of your life.
Taoism is following your breath to find peace.
Taoism is opening up a smile to enable possibility.
If you embrace these three ideas, everything else follows in Taoism.
The primary religious figures in Taoism are Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu, two scholars who
dedicated their lives two balancing their inner spirits.
But the original source of Taoism is said to be the ancient “I Ching” or “Yijing”, The Book Of
Changes.
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.
Taoism was shortly followed by a series of commentaries, and commentaries on the
commentaries, and then hybridized with Confucianism, Buddhism, and a clutch of other
Eastern religions.
More a mode of living than an actual theology, Taoism asks that each person focuses on the
world around him or her in order to understand the inner harmonies of the universe. It is a
kind of religious system heavily focused on meditation and contemplation. The Tao
surrounds everyone and one must listen to find enlightenment.
Taoism is a religio-philosophical tradition that has, along with Confucianism, has shaped
Chinese life for more than 2,000 years. The Taoist heritage, with its emphasis on individual
freedom and spontaneity, laissez-faire government and social primitivism, mystical
experience, and techniques of self-transformation, represents in many ways the antithesis to
Confucian concern with individual moral duties, community standards, and governmental
responsibilities.