Taoism (also known as Daoism) is a set of religious, spiritual and philosophical traditions that began in ancient China, with core tenets of the faith beginning to come together in the fourth century BCE with the writing of the Tao Te Ching. One translation of Taoism is ‘religion of the way’, and Taoist practices focus on self improvement and inner harmony. There are diverse schools of thought within Taoism, where some schools will worship deities where others do not. Taoism also has a long history of syncretism with other local religions, including Buddhism. Today, Taoism is practiced in China and across East Asia, and more broadly worldwide, with approximately nine million adherents.
If you are a member of this community and/or would like to receive more information about Taoism, please email the University Chaplain Maytal Saltiel.
