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A philosophy and religion based in part upon the Tao Te Ching of philosopher/poet Lao Tzu (6th Century BCE) and the Book of Chuang-tzu, the stories of hermit/sage Chuang Tzu (4th century BCE). These classic works of Chinese literature and philosophy introduced the idea of the Way or "Tao"- an unseen, formless, yet creative force that makes up the universe. In the religion of Taoism, the Tao also refers to a spiritual path that includes shamanic visions, rituals, alchemy, techniques of body and mind and the study of books. The ultimate goal of Taoism is the attainment of "immortality"- the ultimate health of body and soul attuned to the Tao.
Human beings are the image of the universe, enlivened by a primordial breath, "Qi", divided into yin and yang, female and male, earth and heaven. The phenomenon of life is based on the energy provided by qi - the active expression of the Tao. Qi enters the body at birth and slowly dissipates until death. The quest for health and immortality is, in some schools, the attempt to hold on to the body's qi. Central to Taoist practice is meditation. In addition there were a great number of procedures intended to nourish the vital, life affirming principles: gymnastics, diet, respiratory and sexual techniques, "interior alchemy" etc.
Throughout most of China’s history the three great religions -- Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism – existed together and in competition for the loyalties of the Chinese.
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