Taoism was developed in the 6th century B.C. by the philosopher Lao-tzu. Taoism is a belief system based on the harmony of man with nature. The word "TAO" in Chinese means "way", and the philosophy of Taoism is based on the understanding of the proper way of life.
Many people are familiar with the most famous symbol of Taoism, the Yin and Yang. This simple form symbolizes the basic teaching of Taoism that everything in the world exists because of the interaction of opposite forces-male and female, positive and negative, hot and cold, light and dark, heaven and Earth, and good and evil. Taoism teaches that understanding these opposites promotes a life of inner peace and harmony. Like Confucianism, Taoism greatly influenced the development of the Chinese society for many thousands of years.[Edit by="sshorter on Jan 12, 2:35:51 AM"][/Edit]
.
