asses all reality and
             guides it naturally, without force, to its proper end.8
             The Yin and Yang theory became part of Taoist philosophy around 300
             B.C.E. when they were mentioned in the Hsi tz'u, an appendix to the I
             Ching.9 Yin and Yang are defined as the two forces in nature. They are
             often called the two "breaths" or ch'i.10 Yin is the feminine
             principle, representing darkness, coolness, and dampness; Yang is the
             masculine principle, representing brightness, warmth, and dryness.11
             Neither principle is good or bad; they are not opposites, but each is
             needed to maintain stability in the universe.12 This belief holds that
             everything is defined through opposition; consequently, the virtues of
             balance and understanding are highly valued.13
             Taoism became an official religion between 100 and 200 C.E.14 Due to
             competition from Buddhism, Taoists adopted many Buddhist beliefs.
             During this pivotal point in the religion's history, searching for
             self-knowledge and wisdom were replaced by searching for solutions to
             sorrows and other physical problems.15 Alchemy and superstition became
             highly popular during this period of time, as Taoists tried to escape
             reality rather than to control the artificial and unnatural. Many
             Taoists used magic and the concept of Tao to try to extend the physical
             life rather than to focus on the afterlife.16 Gradually the religion
             becomes more complicated, with a wide pantheon of gods and a ruling
             The leader Chang Ling took the title "Heavenly Teacher" in 200 C.E. He
             created a dynasty of high priests who manipulated Taoism to support a
             superstitious doctrine of magic and mysticism.18 Seizing higher power
             as a religious leader, he pioneered a merging of Taoism and
             Zoroastrianism into a system called Five Bushels of Rice Taoism.
             Eventually this developed into a society based on Mazdaism, a
             Zoroastrian sect, where every b...