The Taoism best known in the West is often called “philosophical” Taoism after the great mystic writers Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu of the 5th to 3rd centuries BCE. However, most Taoism as actually practiced comes from what is called “religious” Taoism founded by Chang Tao Ling in the 2nd century CE. Many different schools emerged over the next thousand years though only a few survive in any significant form today. The true founder of Taoism was Lao-tzu in China about 2,500 years ago, by writing the I Ching (Yi Jing), the Book of Changes. The numerous translations of the Taoist classic, Tao Te Ching¸ have enabled it to be used as a basis for a whole range of religious thought and belief, often different from its traditional use in China.
The founder said before was Lao-tzu. Today Taoism is mainly practiced in China and Taiwan. It has also spread to other parts of Asia and even around the world.
T'ai Chi Ch'uan, also called T'ai Chi, is a popular Taoist martial art that combines the principles of yin and yang into a sequence of slow, flowing movements designed to stimulate and harmonize chi -- or life energy -- for health, vitality and self-defense.
Qigong, sometimes written as chi kung, is an integrative practice of breathing excercises, body postures and/or visualizations designed to cultivate life energy and circulate it through the body.
Taoists employ several different methods of meditation. The simplest form, and the most similar to the Buddhist and Hindu traditions, is the inner alchemical meditation.
According to Maoshing Ni of the Taoist Wellness center, Taoists strive to live by the principles of harmony with nature and balance in everyday life.
The founder said before was Lao-tzu. Today Taoism is mainly practiced in China and Taiwan. It has also spread to other parts of Asia and even around the world.
T'ai Chi Ch'uan, also called T'ai Chi, is a popular Taoist martial art that combines the principles of yin and yang into a sequence of slow, flowing movements designed to stimulate and harmonize chi -- or life energy -- for health, vitality and self-defense.
Qigong, sometimes written as chi kung, is an integrative practice of breathing excercises, body postures and/or visualizations designed to cultivate life energy and circulate it through the body.
Taoists employ several different methods of meditation. The simplest form, and the most similar to the Buddhist and Hindu traditions, is the inner alchemical meditation.
According to Maoshing Ni of the Taoist Wellness center, Taoists strive to live by the principles of harmony with nature and balance in everyday life.