Taoism is a minor religion with about 15 million followers

date founded: c. 550 BCE

place founded: China

founder: Lao-Tze

adherents: 20 million specifically Taoist and 170 million adherents of Chinese religion

main location: China

sacred texts:Tao Te Ching, Chuang-Tzu

original language: Chinese

spiritual leader: Sage

house of worship: Temple

theism: Pantheism

ultimate reality: The Tao

human nature: Born in a state of purity, imperfect but capable of seeking the Tao and doing good

purpose of life: Inner harmony and peace; longevity.

how to live: In accordance with the Tao

afterlife: Revert back to state of non-being

symbols: Yin-Yang

Taoism (also spelled Daoism) is based on the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, a short tract written in the 6th century BC in China. Its emphasis on spiritual harmony within the individual complements Confucianism's focus on social duty. These two great Chinese belief systems were founded at about the same time and continue to exist side-by-side in today's China.

There are two main strands and schools within Taoism, usually labeled "philosophical Taoism" (Tao-chia) and "religious Taoism" (Tao-chaio). Scholars now say the two are not as strongly distinguished as once thought, but the former generally focuses on the philosophical writings of Lao-Tzu, Chuang-Tzu and other early mystics while the latter emphasizes religious rituals aimed at attaining immortality.

Today, there are 20 million Taoists worldwide, most of whom live in China, Taiwan or Southeast Asia. Taoism is also increasingly influential in the West, especially in the fields of alternative medicine and martial arts like Tai Chi.

Taoist gods form a vast, hierarchical pantheon of deities, spirits, and immortals rather than a single creator God. The supreme trinity, the Three Purities (San-ch'ing), governs the highest heavens, while the Jade Emperor (Yudi) manages the physical universe. Deities range from cosmic beings to deified humans, including the Eight Immortals and Xiwangmu (Queen Mother of the West). The Eight Immortals: Legendary figures representing different types of people, revered for achieving immortality. Baosheng Dadi: A key deity of medicine and healing. Yanwang: The king of the underworld and dead.

The Taoist creation story, often centered on the myth of Pangu, describes the universe evolving from a chaotic, undifferentiated egg (hun dun) containing balanced yin and yang. After 18,000 years, the giant Pangu awoke, broke the egg, and separated heaven and earth, with his body later transforming into the mountains, rivers, and features of the natural world.