Tao (pronounced "Dao") refers to a philosophical or religious tradition called Taoism or Daoism.  Dao is generally translated as "the way", "the path", or "principle".  The general goal of Taoist's practices is to establish harmony with all living creatures.  The Dao is a universal principle that encompasses everything from human being's interactions to the creations of galaxies.  The complete comprehension of all aspects of Taoism can't be achieved by reason alone, the concept of intuition must be combined with reason in order to grasp the religion's complete concept.  Although Taoism originated in China, its influence expanded outward to reach neighboring countries and has a strong grasp on modern day China.  

There are arguably several categories of Taoism:

• Philosophical Taoism – Made up of a philosophical school that teaches the texts of Dao De Jing.
• Religious Taoism – A group of organized Chinese religious movements that originated during the Han Dynasty.
• Folk Taoism – Simply, a Chinese folk religion.

The Three Jewels of the Tao are ethical standards of the Taoism religion.  The Three Jewels are moderation, humility, and compassion.  Generally, Taoists focus on nature, health, humanity's relationship with the universe, and the issue of non-action (action through inaction) or wu wei. 

Lao Tzu, known by many other names such as Laozi, Lao Tse, Lao Tu, Lao-Tsu, Laotze, Laosi, and Laocius was a mystic philosopher of China considered to be the founder of Taoism and the author of Tao-te-ching, the Taoism Bible.  He is also thought of as a deity in Taoism and being "One of the Three Pure Ones" or "Taishang Laojun".  Lao Tzu existed in 6th Century BCE and is believed to be a collective of historical figures.  There have been multiple arguments on whether or not Lao Tzu was a mythical figure or an actual human being.  Theories include that he was a collective of historical figures, or he was a human being who lived between the 5th and 4th Century BCE.  Many place Lao Tzu within their family lineage.   He's a major noble figure within the Chinese culture and is an ancestor of the Tang imperial lineage.  Lao Tzu's momentous teaching elements are as follows:

• Non-action:  We have all been flustered with too much to do and too little time to accomplish the various many tasks.  Lao Tzu's teaching of non-action deals with the foolish and the wise.  He points out that the foolish attempt to accomplish everything and inevitably accomplish nothing, when the wise take it slow and free their mind of chaos and accomplish everything.  When one is in tune with the Tao they too will achieve what they want. 
• Simplicity:  People in general make life much more complicated than it actually is.  If one can break down and simplify their life, the gratification one may receive will be much greater than any materialistic satisfaction.
• Duality:  This concept deals with opposites and logic.  There is no up without a down, no left without right.  Opposites are what give meaning to everything.  We wouldn't know what cold is without knowing what hot is.  One can't exist without the other.
• Non-intention:  Virtue is moral excellence or a positive trait or quality.  Many of us perform an act in order to receive a pat on our backs.  True virtue comes without effort.  True virtue flows naturally and doesn't require a pat on the back, a that-a-boy, or other gratifying efforts.
• Wisdom:  Defining wisdom is difficult.  Numerous philosophers have various ideas on what constitutes wisdom.  Wisdom is not only the collection of knowledge.  You must have an incredibly deep comprehension of knowledge in numerous areas and the ability to see the right and wrong of a situation, while properly judging the situation as well.  Insight and intuition are necessities as well.  The arsenal of knowledge, knowing right from wrong, acting properly on that situation, and the acquisition of insight, is the difference between reading the teachings of the Tao and living the Tao. 
• Non-contention:  Violence begets violence.  Peaceful solutions are the way of the Tao.
• Humility:  The ingredients of ignorance are egotism and arrogance.  The more you know the more you realize what little you know and the more humble you become.

Taoism's various divisions teach from various articles of faith including the Tao-te-ching.  Although there are various different elements among the different divisions, there are common beliefs and theological themes.  These beliefs and themes are as follows:

• Wu-wei (non-action)
• The Yin Yang symbol.
• Embodiment (the body and mind are fused into one) and pragmatism (a practical approach to affairs and challenges).
• The practices that inevitably achieves nature's order within oneself.
• The absolute common theme of all Taoist's divisions is to achieve a joyful and peaceful life.
• Vitality (Both mental and physical strength).
• Peace
• Flexibility
• Spontaneity
• Refinement
• An overall positive demeanor.
• Detachment
• The overall knowledge and comprehension of the ways of life.

Taoism belief in spiritualism deals with the concept of "microcosm" and the five elements.  Taoists believe that every individual is a microcosm (a counterpart or miniature part) of the universe.   When Individuals gain knowledge of the universe, they gain knowledge of themselves.  One's body is directly related to the five elements, organs, directions, phased, agents, movements, steps, or stages.  The five elements or also known as the "Wu Xing" are as follows:

1. Wood or tree (pinyin: mu)
2. Earth (pinyin: tu)
3. Fire (pinyin: huo)
4. Metal (pinyin: jin)
5. Water (pinyin: shui)

Sexuality in Taoism is looked upon as a positive and vital component of one's life.  There is however an emphasis on moderation and self-control.  Absolutely no forced, brutal, or rough sexual activity is condoned within the religion.  Abstinence is looked upon in the same manner as well, it's considered to be equally hazardous.  Achieving orgasms by both men and women is said to bring vitality to one's life.  Taoists believe that if a man brings a woman to orgasm, he himself may boost his own vitality.  Orgasms build energy to nourish the mind and may increase the life of individuals.

Meditation in Taoism is common in the west and has become similar to one's wisdom by viewing their surroundings and current events throughout the world.  Although meditation's current fame is based on yoga, Taoism is very different.  While a Taoist may sit alongside a yoga student, there will come a time when the Taoist may stop meditating and get up and do whatever it is they choose to do.  This scenario serves the non-action concept of Taoism.

According to a 2002 demographic study the vast majority of the China population is Taoists and Buddhists with a small Christian population of between 3% and 4% and an even smaller amount of Muslim population between 1% and 2%.  The global population of Taoism is 0.1%