Taoism and Buddhism, two of the great philosophical religions that are still practiced widely in Asia today were born in the same century; Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism reached enlightenment in approximately 535 B.C, the teachings of Lao Tzu were first recorded around 500 B.C. Taoism and Buddhism have many similarities, the most central being the belief in life after death. The similar beliefs in reincarnation are found in both faiths, but are by no means standardized across the religions; there are also a few key differences in the beliefs that separate them.
             Tao refers to a power which envelops, surrounds and flows through all things, living and non-living. Tao cannot be represented as an image or a particular thing. The Tao that can be expressed in words is not the eternal Tao; the name that can be named is not the real, the absolute name. (A History of the Worlds Religions, David S. Moss, pg 259) Tao represents the harmony of opposites; there would be no light without dark, no male without female.
             Tao literally means 'a way' or 'a road'. The Chinese believe that the way the universe runs must have existed before the universe itself began. Tao is a way of co-operation and integration; its natural tendency is towards peace and harmony. Followers of Tao believe that if it weren't for the individuals and demonic beings who refuse to adjust to Tao, peace and prosperity would flow over the earth. In fact, if Tao was followed everywhere the earth, heaven, and humankind would form a single harmonious unit. (A History of the Worlds Religions, David S. Moss, pg 258). While Taoism is an individual, private religion, Buddhism is more public and group based with worship being conducted in large companies.
             Followers of Buddhism must abide by the Ten Precepts set down by Buddha to achieve the state of Nirvana.
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