Taoism is a Chinese philosophy rather than a religion that focuses on finding happiness and harmony through living in accordance with natural order ("the Tao") and avoiding unnecessary effort. It was founded in the 6th century BC by the philosopher Laozi, who believed in balancing opposing cosmic forces ("yin and yang"), non-interference in conflicts, and allowing individuals freedom without rules imposed by governments. Taoists seek to merge with the Tao by living spontaneously and avoiding conflict through good deeds like caring for family and helping others, while abstaining from harmful acts like violence, lying, and excess. Though decentralized, the White Cloud Temple in Beijing is an important center for Taoist teachings and administration.

1. By Charlie Henderson

2. What is Taoism?
 Taoism is not a religion like I thought at
first but then I found out it’s a
philosophy.
 Taoism means the way to happiness
and joy.
What does “Tao” mean?
 Tao means the “way” or the “path”.
 The "way" or "path" is the appropriate
way to behave and to lead others

3. The History of Taoism
Taoism was started by a Chinese philosopher
called Lao Tsu in the 6th century BC.
It was thought that he was the librarian at the
emperors library.
This was in the Eastern Chou Dynasty.

4. What did Lao Tsu believe?
1. The way to happiness was to learn not to do things the hard way. They
should try to work out the easy way to do things and then things would get
done more easily.
2. Lao Tsu also thought that everything alive shared a universal life force.
There were two sides of the life-force and they are called yin and yang.
3. Because everything had a life force Lao Tsu thought it is wrong for people to
fight in war ,which I think is true, killing the life force of humans.
4. Lao Tsu also thought that it was wrong for governments to make laws that
people have to obey. So Taoism is against rules like special food diets, so
he thought that people should make decisions themselves.

5. Yin and Yang
The yin (the dark side) is the
side of the Women, the moon
and death.
The yang is the side of Men, the
sun and the creation and birth.
The yin and yang symbol.
Everyone has some yin and
yang in them, and Taoism says
you have to keep them
balanced.

6. What does a Taoist believe?
Taoists believe that they should live in
harmony or, in other words, just go with the
flow. If they do this they will merge with the
Tao. They will be free of their soul and may
become one of the immortals.

7. How should a Taoist behave?
Taoists think if they do good actions in
their life time they will have a better life.
The actions that Taoists cant do is drink
alcohol, commit murder, tell lies, steal
and commit adultery.
They also have a list of good things to do
that will help improve the way they live.
These could be to love their parents,
help others act in a good way, stay
healthy & act selflessly.

8. Does Taoism have a central
headquarter?
Taoism has no centralized government and
different groups have different
headquarters. However, the White Cloud
Temple in Beijing is a key center for
training for priests and for administration.

9. Thank you for listening to my presentation.
I hope you all enjoyed listening.