TAOISM

Symbol:  Yin & Yang Taoism  takes its name from the Chinese word Tao which means the “way” or “path” and refers to the way of the Universe. The Tao is a natural force that guides all life throughout the universe. “It is the deep source of everything” (Tao Te Ching 4). Taoists believe that distress and suffering arise when people struggle against the War of Nature, but that if they travel with the Tao their lives will be in harmony with the order of the universe.

This order is kept in balance by the opposing forces of yin and yang – forces that are continually changing and interacting with each other, giving order to all life. Many Taoists believe that if they withdraw from the world to remote mountains or other secluded places they are much closer to nature and can discover the true meaning of Tao.

The symbol represents the interaction and balance of yin and yang. Yin is a cool dark force that is seen in rain, clouds, winter and snow; yang is a hot bright force that is seen in thunder, the Earth, summer, and the Sun.

Worldwide Numbers:  There are 15,000 Taoist priests, both male and female in China, with numbers growing rapidly. Taoist traditions are followed by Chinese communities all over the world and Taoist thought, literature, and philosophy is becoming increasingly popular with non-Chinese followers.

Holy Places:  There are many temples and shrines in China that are the centres of local pilgrimage sites, however, are the five Taoist mountains.