Taoism originated in China in around 550 BCE and was founded by Lao Tzu, who is considered the author of the Tao Te Ching. The philosophy focuses on living in harmony with the Tao or natural order of the universe. Taoists believe that by merging with the Tao through harmonious living, one can free their soul and become immortal. While not supportive of China's government, Taoism still influenced Chinese culture by encouraging individuals to better themselves and become one with nature.

1. Taoism or The Tao (The Way)
Julie Mendez, Hunter York, & Shaun Yatsik

2. When & Where it Founded/Started
 550BCE is generally the time period when a variety of
spiritual thinkers were putting their ideas into writing.
 These writings were not collected as a composite teaching of
the "Tao" until the 4th or 3rd century BCE.
 Originated in China

3. Pictures

4. Who is the Founding Figure is
 Lao Tzu,meaning old man or old sage, was the ancient author of Tao Te Ching.
(Most widely translated Chinese work of all time & the classic book of the
religion or philosophy known as Taoism.)
 Born in 600 B.C., Died in 200 B.C., born in China
 Scholars disagree whether Lao Tzu was a real person or a pen name for the
writers of Tao Te Ching. (Which is often called The Lao tzu).
 Lao Tzu is decribed as an older contemporary and teacher of Confucius (551-479
B.C.). It says he wrote the two-volume Tao Te Ching at the request of the keeper
of a "pass" while on a westward journey.
 Compared to Confucius, who focuses on right relations in human society, Lao
Tzu takes a more mystical approach to tuning into the natural order of things as
a way of achieving personal and social harmony.

5. Lao Tzu

6. What the Philosophy Means
 The Way, according to Taoists, is the spiritual force that
underlies the universe and is found in all things. Even though
it is a part of all things, it is greater than all things. It is the
ultimate reality. The Taoists believe that that they should live
in harmony with the Tao or Way. If they do this they will
merge with the Tao, free their soul, and become one of the
Immortals. The Yin/Yang Tao Symbol represents the
harmonious interaction of the two opposing forces in the
Universe, male or yin and female or yang.

7. How the Philosophy Was Applied in
Ancient China
 Taoism is mostly a philosophy & China’s government allows
very little because it isn’t supportive to the government.
While not improving the government system, it had a large
effect on the people of China simply because they were
Taoists & they were focused on bettering themselves &
becoming one with nature, taking away from the
government & social system.

8. Pictures

9. Credits
 http://chinesephilosophers.wikispaces.com/Lao+Tzu+images
 Google Images