Basic Concepts & History

By Elizabeth Reninger, About.com Guide to Taoism

A guided tour through (1) Taoism's basic concepts - yin & yang, qi (chi), inner alchemy, the three treasures and much more; (2) its long history, originating in the shamanic cultures of ancient China, winding through the various dynasties, and ending in contemporary forms world-wide; and (3) how Taoism is related to poetry, gender, science, Christianity & Buddhism. Enjoy!

1. Basic Concepts
2. Taoist History
3. Explorations

Basic Concepts

What is the tao? What is qi (chi)? What is baibai? What is inner alchemy? What are the three treasures and the five elements? What are daojia and daojiao?

• Introduction to Taoism
• Basic Concepts of Taoism
• Tao: The Pathless Way
• The Yin-Yang Symbol
• Wuwei: The Action Of Non-Action

• Taoist Cosmology
• The Taoist Altar
• Taoist Precepts & Vows
• Glossary Of Taoist Terms

Taoist History

Explore the history of Taoism, from its roots in the shamanic cultures of ancient China, through the dynasties and into our contemporary world.

• Shamanic Origins of Taoist Practice
• Taoism Through the Dynasties
• The Shangqing Lineage Of Taoism
• The Taoist Eight Immortals

• Laozi - The Founder Of Taoism
• Zhuangzi's Teachings & Parables
• The Three Purities

Explorations

More in-depth forays into a variety of Taoist topics, including gender and the Tao, Taoist poetry, nonviolence in Taoist practice, and several conversations between Taoism and Christianity, and between Taoism and Buddhism. Enjoy!

• Gender & The Tao
• Inner Alchemy & The Science Of Compassion
• Exploring Nonviolence In Taoism
• Taoist Poetry
• Chuang-tzu For Spiritual Transformation

• Tying Up Loose Ends: Topology Swallows Quantum Computing
• Emptiness In Taoism & Buddhism
• Inner Alchemy & Transubstantiation
• Esoteric Initiation & Immortality In Taoism