Taoism is one of the oldest religions in the world. Although its origins are unknown, the two most famous books about Taoism are the "I Ching" (the Book of Change) and the "Tao Te Ching." The "Tao Te Ching" is the more well-known Taoist book, but the "I Ching" is the oldest. The "I Ching" is more complex than the "Tao Te Ching."

The "Tao Te Ching," by Lao-Tze

Rather than beleager the history of Taoism, I will merely speak of the "Tao Te Ching." It is a simple book, very short, consisting of eighty-one very brief lessons. Elegant, yet simple, its concepts are easy to read, but difficult to practice.

What is Taoism?

The Tao, directly translated, means "The Way." It is a way of life. It is a philosophy. Taoism is the practice of respecting and loving all living things, whether good or bad, ugly or pretty, intelligent or stupid. Taoism is an all-encompassing, humanistic, compassionate religion.

"The Tao doesn't take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil, The Master doesn't take sides; she welcomes both saints and sinners. The Tao is like a bellows: it is empty yet infinitely capable. The more you use it, the more it produces; the more you talk of it, the less you understand. Hold on to the center."*

There are two Taos. The Great Tao, and the lesser Tao. The lesser Tao can be taught, and its concepts easily explained. The Greater Tao cannot be taught, or explained--but it can be practiced. To practice the Great Tao is not hard, when one lets oneself become soft and flexible...

Wei-Wu-Wei

Wei-wu-wei means, literally, "doing not-doing." This does not mean that one should merely let the world pass by. It means that, when one waits before acting, the proper action will come to a person unbidden. For instance, an athelete lets go of himself as he prepares to run a race. He clears his mind of all thoughts, because thoughts hinder his physical performance. Wei-wu-wei stresses that one should not try to prepare oneself to act; but, rather, one should let the action come. When thoughts cloud a mind, proper action is not always possible. When a person clears his mind of thought, the proper action will just come.

"If you want to become whole, let yourself be partial. If you want to become straight, let yourself be crooked. If you want to become full, let yourself be empty. If you want to be reborn, let yourself die. If you want to be given everything, give everything up."*

Humour

The "Tao Te Ching" was written with a sense of gentle humour and love. Taoism is a religion which stresses humour over hatred. It stresses to offer little reisistence to oppression, because, when oppression has nothing to oppress, it will move on. Humour is perfect for Taoism, because when people laugh, they do not fight. The main point of Taoism is to stress peace and harmony, over chaos and hatred.

Stepping Back

To do one's work and step back is one of the main lessons of the Tao. A person can only truly be fullfilled when s/he does not wish for gratification or honours. To do good things which help others, and to expect nothing in return, is the Tao.

"He who stands on tiptoe doesn't stand firm. He who rushes ahead doesn't go far. He who tries to shine dims his own light. He who defines himself can't know who he really is. He who has power over others can't empower himself. He who clings to his work will create nothing that endures. If you want to accord with the Tao, just do your job, then let go."*