Vocabulary of
Taoism

Chuang Tzu: A later disciple of Lao-Tzu who wrote some 33 books which helped popularize Taoism.

Lao-Tzu: Chinese sage and philosopher who founded Taoism.

Tao Te King: Literally translated, “The Way and Its Power.” This small book, supposedly written by Lao-Tzu, is the sacred scripture of Taoism. The work advocates enduring the hardships of the world through noninvolvement, thereby giving the individual a better chance for survival. Sometimes called Lao-Tzu, after its supposed author.

Tao: Pronounced “dow,” literally, the “Way” or “Path.” The Tao is the inexpressible way of ultimate reality by which one should order his life.

Wu Wei: The concept of inaction, taught in the Tao Te King. By practicing Wu Wei, one can get his life in harmony with the Tao and live as he is meant to live.

Yin and Yang: Yin and Yang represent elements in the universe that are contrary to each other, such as life and death, light and darkness, good and evil. Yang (pronounced "yawn") represents the positive, warm, light, or dry elements, as on the sunny side of a mountain. Yin represents the negative, cold, dark, or moist elements, as on the shady side of a mountain.

This page last modified on Thursday, March 19, 2009