Taoism is one of my favorite eastern religions. Generally it is very vague, often personal and based on belief more than deed, this, for some reason, suites me. Taoism believes in the Tao, which translates to the “Way.” The Tao is a very complicated concept, and grasping its essence and learning to live by it is the ultimate goal of Taoism.

 

Describing the Tao is very difficult. The Tao Te Ching, one of the most sacred books in Taoism, says exactly this in its opening stanza.

“The Tao that can be told
is not the eternal Tao.
The Tao that can be named
is not the eternal name.”

Ignoring the point that by Taoist doctrine the Tao cannot truly be described in words, the Tao can be seen as a kind of force which creates and sustains the universe. The Tao is a force outside of time, outside of being. It has always been and always will be, but at the same time is not. The Tao is also a natural balance of the universe. Any increase in one direction will create an equal increase in the opposite direction. If there is more war in the world, there will also be greater peace. If there is more evil, there will be more good, and so forth.

The idea of a balance is the key point in most Taoist beliefs. Taoism believes strongly that things should not be forced, that action in inaction is the best choice. This does not mean that one should not try to achieve goals and create progress; simply that one should not push them too far or in the wrong way. If something is to happen, the Tao needs little prodding to make it happen, but if it does not happen easily, one should stop prodding. One could also say that man should not interfere with fate, but instead let it wash over oneself. These stanzas, from book 19 of the Tao Te Ching, illustrate this belief.  

“Throw away holiness and wisdom,
and people will be a hundred times happier.
Throw away morality and justice,
and people will do the right thing.
Throw away industry and profit,
and there won't be any thieves.

If these three aren’t enough,
just stay at the center of the circle
and let all things take their course.”

Taoism also includes harmony with nature. This stems directly from the natural balance. By itself nature is always in balance, and one should respect this and let it stay in balance. The way to do this is  to live by the Tao. The goal in Taoism is  to be able to achieve this perfect harmony with the Tao, and hence themselves, others, and nature.

Many other Taoist beliefs tend to be based on older indigenous religions in China. This means that they are likely to vary regionally within China.