Tao or Dao

Tao, sometimes called Dao, is a Chinese term meaning ‘path’, ‘way’ or ‘principle’. This concept is the origin of the religion now known as Taoism, and has also been adopted in other movements such as Confucianism as well as in other world religions. Taoism espouses the virtue of living in harmony with the driving force behind everything that exists. Taoists believe that Tao is the origin and flow of the universe and describes it as “the One, which is natural, spontaneous, eternal, nameless, and indescribable. It is at once the beginning of all things and the way in which all things pursue their course.” Taoists use exercises, rituals and substances to align themselves with the unifying cosmic force, Tao.