What is Taoism?

There are currently 2 kinds of Taoism. The religious one - also called tao-chiao - and the philosophical - called tao-chia (the school of Tao or of uniting with Tao).

The religious Taoism includes the proper religious branch, similar with other religious systems such as Christianity - and other sects or movements interested in life cultivation, immortality and alchemy.

The philosophical Taoism is dedicated to a modus vivendi inspired by the cosmic rhythms. In the words of Alan Watts: "Taoism [is] the way of man's cooperation with the course or trend of the natural world..." (From Tao: The Watercourse Way, Pantheon Books, 1975, xiv)

The philosophical Taoism was first describes and explained by Lao Tzu - translated the Old Sage - in his famous book Tao Te Ching (The Classic of Tao and Te).

Taoism is practiced today in his many shapes including the esoteric and alchemical schools as well.

• Taoist Sources

Aside the Tao Te Ching there are a few other books which offer us teachings on Taoism, as way o living. The second in importance after the Lao Tzu's is his main disciple and follower Chuang Tzu's book. Also there is a Classic of Perfect Emptiness by another great Taoist Master - Lieh Tzu.

• Online resources

- You may study Taoism in-depth by following the email courses offered by the Way of Perfect Emptiness Taoist society. Please click here to visit its courses page.

- Also you may visit its site at http://www.taopage.org with lot of pages dedicated to the explanation of the main Taoist concepts. Other Taoist sites:

- Lao-tzu and Taoism - http://www.taoisminfo.com

- Taoism Directory - http://www.taoism-directory.org

Should you need to talk to others interested in Taoism issues, register with the Taoism Forum at http://forum.taoism-directory.org.

-> Read also: The Main Taoist Concepts

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