HISTORY

 It originated in China around the 5th century B.C. and developed from the folk religion of the Chinese people, primarily in rural areas.

In the 2nd century A.D., popular Taoist religious organizations concerned with faith healing began to emerge. Later, under the influence of Buddhism, Taoist groups adopted institutional monasticism.

Early Taoism adopted the cosmological notions of the Yin-Yang School (Naturalists) and was profoundly influenced by one of the oldest texts of Chinese culture, the I Ching, which presents a philosophical system on how human behavior should be maintained in harmony with the alternating cycles of nature. The member of the 'Fajia' or 'Legalist' school, Shen Buhai (c. 400 B.C. - c. 337 B.C.), may have also been a significant influence by applying the concept of wu wei in the realm of politics.

Philosophical Taoism developed from the writings of Laozi and Zhuangzi. According to Chinese legend, Laozi lived during the 6th century B.C., and traditionally the writing of the Dao De Jing is dated to that century, although some current research suggests it is much later.