Taoism comes from the word Tao, which means?

In Taoism, the ultimate creative principle of the universe is what?

Followers of Taoism believe that the Tao is like a force of nature, constantly changing, that can be observed in how it interacts with things on Earth, but cannot be depicted in a form.

Through meditation, ritual action, and other pattern-forming behaviors Taoists attempt to achieve a deeper understanding of themselves in a process called?

Birth date is unknown and many scholars believe he didn't exist, but was a compilation of wise sages from the time.

Served as a curator for the dynasty before retiring to the mountains on a water buffalo.

His name means "The Old Master" or "old philosopher."

A guard recognized him and made sure he recorded his wisdom before retiring to the mountains in his manuscript Tao Te Ching or Daodejing.

Compiled one of the earliest Taoist writings named after himself.

His writings were written so regular people could follow and understand them.

He argued that people forgot Tao when they lived within a society and became too concerned about tasks and success.

Transcription method for the Mandarin Chinese language created in the mid-19th century by British diplomats that spells the belief system as Taoism.

Transcription method for the Mandarin Chinese language that is referred to as "spelling sounds" using a phonetic method that was developed in the 1970s by Chinese linguists and adopted by the Chinese government. It spells the belief system as Daoism.

Principle text of Taoism with over 80 short chapters, some of which are poems.

Traditionally believe to be written by Lao Tzu, but may have been a collection of materials from him, his followers, and others.

Offers wisdom on ruling and government, but also on how to live and find the Tao.

Believed to be written by Chuang Tzu or a collection of his teachings that were written down after being passed on verbally.

Entries are longer and meant to be easily understood by people that read the work.

Argues people lost the Tao when they live in a society.

The dualistic concepts of non-being and being, or emptiness and fullness.

The concept "to do without doing" or "to act without action" that means letting go of worldly struggles so that the natural Tao force can enter.

One side of the dualistic concept of Yin and Yang that relates to cool, lunar, feminine, slow, and quiet aspects in the universe.

One side of the dualistic concept of Yin and Yang that relates to warm, solar, male, fast, and aggressive aspects in the universe.

After a person becomes one within themselves, the next step is for them to achieve this by becoming one with the Tao, which is similar to the state of Nirvana in Buddhism and Moksha in Hinduism.

One of the Three Basic Virtues of Taoism that requires followers to love other people as much as their own existence.

One of the Three Basic Virtues of Taoism that requires followers to give up many of the desires that people want.

One of the Three Basic Virtues of Taoism that requires followers to hold back from exposing themselves or doing something first, or to boldly proclaim how they are the best.

Yin and Yang refers to opposite forces that are interconnected and can be thought of as "good and evil."

Early Taoism that was more of a philosophy and a guide to living than an organized religion.

The type of Taoism that Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu practiced and taught.

The type of Taoism that did not focus on the spiritual world, but on practices for human life, society, and the government.

Developed into more organized ritual and worship after many Chinese people became dissatisfied with Confucianism but did not want to follow the foreign Buddhist faith.

Developed by Zhang Daoling in the 2nd century CE after believers says Lao Tzu visited him and told him to create beliefs and rituals based on Taoism.

Originally formed 24 parishes centered around a place of worship with a libationer in charge of overseeing rituals and worship.

Three deities at the top of the hierarchy in Taoism that are thought to be personified by individuals like Lao Tzu.

Deities that are second in the hierarchy of Taoism and that are ruled by the Jade Emperor.

One of the Three Pure Ones that is for all existence.

One of the Three Pure Ones that represents the mysterious Tao.

Controls everything on Earth, but is still subject to not getting his way because of the forces of yin and yang.

A god underneath the Jade Emperor that has no beginning and end, is omnipresent, and the source of all truth.

Gods underneath the Jade Emperor that are the rulers of heaven, earth, and water and keep a record of all good and bad deeds, rewarding or punishing humans accordingly.

Gods underneath the Jade Emperor that divide up the year into winter/spring, summer, and fall that are believed to live in the North Star.

A god underneath the Jade Emperor that is thought to be Chang Tao-ling, a founder of a Taoist sect that is said to have found an elixir of immortality who left his son to protect Earth.

A group of Taoist gods that were believed to be able to fly, disappear, and use magic that helped individuals with things like illnesses, money issues, and the desire for a long life.

Some Taoist followers believe in their own gods that are thought to once have been individuals who did great deeds while they lived.

An important Taoist that was thought to be able to tame and slay evil spirits or demons and was eventually included in the Eight Immortals.

These creatures challenge the Taoist gods, causing sickness and hardship as they plague the Earth with negative things. They are seen as the balance to the gods in Taoist belief, the yang to the yin.

These events incorporate elements for the senses including brightly colored clothing, incense, dancing, music, singing, and firecrackers in order to bring greater harmony and well-being as the Tao is celebrated.

A Taoist ritual referred to as the "offering" where a small offering may be offered at home or a more elaborate program of rituals may be conducted by the Taoist priests in a purification ritual.

Kept in an alter in many Taoist homes and rituals are done in front of this to honor and remember ancestors.

These may be private or public rituals and ceremonies that range from offering win or lighting incense to refurbishing the tombs of ancestors.

Taoist do not worship demons.

Taoist demons may be "orphaned souls" who have been forgotten by their descendants and act out in order to be remembered.