Fundamentals of Taoism

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The Dao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two, Two gives birth to Three, and Three gives birth to all things

— Daoist creation theory.

 

Respect the Dao and value virtue, unity of heaven and humanity

— the highest belief in Daoism.

 

Humans follow the Earth, the Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Dao, and the Dao follows nature

— the principles of Daoist activity.

 

Revere Heaven and honor ancestors, seek immortals and pursue the Dao

— Daoist worship of immortals.

 

Heaven and humanity resonate, the heavenly way bears responsibility

— Daoist concept of good and evil retribution.

 

Cultivating both nature and life, returning to simplicity and embracing truth

— Daoist secrets of cultivation.

 

The highest good is like water, soft and weak does not contend

— Daoist qualities of being.

 

Clear and tranquil with few desires, naturally effortless

— Daoist way of dealing with the world.

 

My fate is in my hands, not in heaven and earth

— the carefree spirit of Daoism.

 

Loyalty, filial piety, integrity, righteousness, benevolence, love, and honesty

— Daoist ethics and morals.

 

Blessings, prosperity, longevity, and joy, auspicious and as one wishes

— Daoist folk customs.

 

The way of the immortals values life, aiding the world and saving people

— the core purpose of Daoism.

 

Heaven and humanity are structurally the same, yin and yang are in harmony, form and spirit nourish each other, and everything is coordinated

— the principles of Daoist health cultivation.

 

Cultivating the elixir and refining qi, accumulating virtue and doing good, achieving accomplishments and establishing a career

— the path to becoming an immortal in Daoism.