Taoism

[ dou-iz-uhm, tou- ]

noun

1. the philosophical system evolved by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu, advocating a life of complete simplicity and naturalness and of noninterference with the course of natural events, in order to attain a happy existence in harmony with the Tao.
2. Also called Hsüan Chiao. a popular Chinese religion, originating in the doctrines of Lao-tzu but later highly eclectic in nature and characterized by a pantheon of many gods and by the practice of alchemy, divination, and magic.

Taoism

/ ˈtaʊɪzəm /

noun

1. the philosophy of Lao Zi that advocates a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events
2. a popular Chinese system of religion and philosophy claiming to be teachings of Lao Zi but also incorporating pantheism and sorcery

Taoism

1. A religion native to China . Its adherents attempt to live according to the Tao — the “Way,” which they believe governs the universe.

Derived Forms

• ˈTaoist, nounadjective
• Taoˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• Taoist noun adjective
• Tao·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Taoism¹

Tao + -ism

Example Sentences

About one-fifth of Taiwan’s 23 million people count themselves as Buddhist, another 5 percent are Christian, and over half take part in Taoism and a range of related folk religions, including worshiping Mazu, also spelt Matsu.

From New York Times

Similar acts also exist in Taoism and Buddhism practiced in India, both of which also influenced the historical development of Shugendo.

From National Geographic

Temples are key civic spaces in Taiwan, with two-thirds of the population following folk religions, Buddhism and Taoism.

From BBC

And Taoism teaches that happiness comes from placing your will in harmony with life’s larger pattern.

From Los Angeles Times

And it happened: There was this week where Philip did come into the rehearsal room, and I told stories — about him, about Taoism, about Arnie Mindell — and he would riff, and then he went away and arranged those bits of music he’d played.

From New York Times