taoism

Religious/philosophical tradition of Chinese origin

Taoism, or Daoism, is a philosophical tradition of Chinese origin which emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao. In Taoism the Tao is the source, pattern and substance of everything that exists. Taoism teaches about the various disciplines for achieving "perfection" by becoming one with the unplanned rhythms of the universe, called "the way" or "Tao". Taoist ethics vary depending on the particular school, but in general tend to emphasize wu wei, "naturalness", simplicity, spontaneity and the Three Treasures: 慈, "compassion", 儉, "frugality" and 不敢為天下先, "humility".

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