Key Concepts
Tao can be glaringly obvious, but we tend to overlook it. Wu wei, yin yang, nonbeing and chi(qi) are key concepts in Tao. They may sound odd, as some of the words are translated from Chinese phonically, but are not difficult to understand. Knowing the basic concepts will help you appreciate the profundity of the thinking. Read about:
Wuwei.or Non-doing (无为) Being and Nonbeing (有无) Yin Yang （阴阳）. Chi, the Energy of Vitality （炁/气） Taoism & Religion
Although Tao Te Ching of Lao zi was not written as a religious text, its impact on religion in China is tremendous.There are two ways to view tao and taoism -- seeing it as a philosophy or a religion. Of course, we may also see it as both a philosophy and a religion.In China, those who study Tao as a philosophy belong to Daojia(道家), or "Tao School". Those who practice Taoism as a religion belong to Daojiao (道教), or "Tao Religion". People taking the philosophical approach focus more on understanding and practicing Tao; while those practicing it as a religion revolve more around worshiping and rituals. Although I hold a more philosophical view of Tao, I do worship Lao Tzu in temples as well. The practice however is more cultural than religious. The difference may not be obvious to people outside China. Taoism pre-existed Buddhism in China, and was used to help to spread the religion. Because of this, even today, Tao Te Ching is still widely used as a book to interpret Buddhism.
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