Pre-existence

The essential force of Tao exists prior to the beginning of time and history; time is eventually set into motion with the emergence of the primordial force of ch’i, the flowing life energy that all things in existence are composed of.

2697 BCE

The mythical Yellow Emperor of Chine, Huang Di, begins his rule of the country, ushering in a golden age in which he creates the first government and laws in the world, and invents music and the arts. He was a great promoter of Taoism in its most basic forms and principles and is seen as a forefather of the religion.

2205-1765 BCE

The early shamanic tribes of ancient China have many practices that closely resemble the essential principles of Taoism, particularly in terms of the mysticism and superstition inherent in the majority of Taoist ideas. These practices include exorcisms, basic forms of feng-shui, practices reflecting the ideas of yin and yang, and alchemy.

500 BCE

Lao Tzu, the first of the Chinese to practice formal Taoism, writes his book Tao Te Ching, a collection of 80 poems that reflect the principles and benefits of following the flow of events as nature intends them to happen, or Tao (“the Way”). This document is addressed to political leaders and presents the ideal way for a leader to govern his people, based on the Taoist principles. In spite of its political intent, the Tao Te Ching is used as a text of guidance by everyone who follows Taoism and it still viewed as the foremost text in Taoism today.

500 BCE

Confucianism, an Eastern religion based on the teachings and ideas of the Chinese philosopher Confucius, emerges in China. *

460 BCE

Buddhism, another Eastern religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama and focused on his teachings, is founded. *

350 BCE

Taoism emerges in its original “philosophical” form in the late Warring States Period in China. This form of Taoism is not seen as a religion, but as simply a way of living and thinking about one’s life. It does not have the ceremonies or some of the more spiritual beliefs that later Taoism will have, but it has the same driving focus on following the principle of Tao.