Taoists have their own views on the universe, purpose of human life, and the ideal virtues to strive for. They believe that achieving the Tao is their ultimate aim in life, as Tao is the origin of everything.

Tao means ‘the Way’. It is the way of Heaven, Earth,  and Humanity. The tenet of the faith is no-action, no-selfishness, or wu-wei. This translates to living a modest and simple life, without the need for materialism or competition with others for personal benefit.

“The Tao in Nature reduces the excessive and supplements the insufficient, the Tao in Man is not so; he reduces the insufficient, because he serves the excessive”

– Lao Tzu from ‘Directing the Power’

Taoism encourages meditation and exercise to promote good health. Good health can only be achieved with a peaceful external harmonious environment.

There are also four main principles of the Tao which describe the human-nature relationship:

1. Humans should follow the earth’s rule of movement by allowing things to grow in their own time, cultivating crops using no-action.
2. Yin and yang, two opposite forces, are constantly struggling. However, the energy of life is created when they reach harmony.
3. Humans should keep nature’s balance and understand the limits of nature’s sustaining power.
4. There is value in all species. People should take good care of nature because when all living things grow well, society will be one of well being.

“The closer one lives to Nature, the closer one comes to fulfilling the purpose of life.”

– Ron Teeguarden