Taoism is certainly one of the most interesting and profound religions to have ever existed. Before Buddhism's introduction, it was the most commonly followed religion in China. Even to this day it is a tradition that is quite often mistaken with Confucianism. As similar as the fundamental teachings of the two are, Taoism certainly has its own history, beliefs and world view.
             Little is known about Taoism. No date of its creation has ever been made a complete fact. It is believed to have arrived in China around the sixth century BCE. It was founded by Lao-tzu who is said to have written Taoism's most important sacred writing, Tao Te Ching or The Way and Its power. This book is "second only to the Bible in number of Western translations." (Mary Pat Fisher, pg. 106) The story goes that as Lao-tzu was leaving for the mountains when he passed a guard, who "recognized Lao-tzu as a sage and begged him to leave behind record of his wisdom." (Mary Pat Fisher, pg. 106) And so he did before leaving for the mountains and was never saw again. Essentially the book contains his view and philosophy of life and politics. Tradition states that the Yellow Emperor who "supposedly ruled from 2697 to 2597 BCE... was said to have studied with an ancient sage and to have developed meditation, health, and military practises based on what he learned. After ruling for one hundred years, he ascended to heaven on a dragon's back and became one of the immortals." (Mary Pat Fisher, Pg. 106) There is also the book of the Taoist canon. It is a collection of scriptures, sacred encounters and many other stories involving "Taoist movements".
             Perhaps the most important symbols in all of China and the Taoism culture is the Yin Yang. It symbolizes the idea that there is a great emphasis on balance between the positive and negative aspects of life . Everything is said to have a relationship wit
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