Tao can be roughly translated into English as path. It is generally used in a more metaphysical sense within popular Taoism, however. Tao (Dao) is often seen as an insentient and unseen force, principle or system rather than a concrete or even metaphorical path.
Taoists believe that the Tao is the source of all things, and thus Taoism is older than recorded history. The person usually attributed with having "reawakened" knowledge of the Tao is Lao Tzu (604?-531? BCE) a mysterious figure said to have been a librarian in the south of ancient China.
Taoism is a philosophy but evolved into a religion about 140 CE and was later adopted as a state religion. At that time Lao Tzu became popularly venerated as a deity.
See also FAQ list at the temple.
Nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and preserving China's Taoist heritage. Resources on practical Taoist living in the modern world. Discussion boards. www.taorestore.org
I-Kuan Tao in English, Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu and other great philosophers, monthly columns, articles on Tao teachings, stories and translations. www.truetao.org
This site contains segments of an extended interpretive theory of Classical Chinese philosophy that takes Taoism as the philosophical center. The interpretive theory turns on a new, more philosophical reading of the Taoist philosopher Zhuangzi (ChuangTzu) www.hku.hk/philodep/ch
Healing Tao USA is a private Educational Trust. It operates Healing Tao University and the HealingTaoUSA.com website and fulfillment center that sells a wide variety of Tao products. www.healingtaousa.com
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