The Tao

Tao is one

One is two

Two is three

Three is the multitude

Tao is one

One is Yin and Yang

Two is Yin and Yang with Qi

Three is the multitude

in harmony of Tao

'Tao' is a term use in Taoism by Lao Tzu to explain his thinking. In his teachings Tao has the following meanings:

• The way of utlimate reality or the force that formed the universe
  Taoist school believes that the Tao is something that exists before the universe is formed. It cannot be described or defined by the senses. Tao is the origin of Yin Yang, and Yin Yang is the origin of the universe.

• The way the universe operates
  Since the Tao is the origin of the world, so the Taoist school named the universal rules as Tao.

• The way to order human life
  Taoist school thinks that a man should always try to achieve harmony with the nature. The nature does operate by anyone but by the Tao. So they named the life style that doesn't conflict with the nature as Tao.
  
  

Tao represents the basic concept of Taoism. In general, this term belongs to the spiritual atmosphere of the ancient China and can be translated "way", "mean", "art" or "skill".

The word for word meaning of Tao is represented also by the ancient symbol of this term. It is made out of two distinct graphic elements: the first - placed to the right of the sign - suggests the image of a hairy, human head; the latter - placed to the left - suggests moving by presenting a foot walking.

However, the term "Tao" is differently translated depending on the context of the doctrine in which it is understood. Thus, for Confucius and for his philosophical school, "Tao" refers to the art of ruling the state of the ancient emperors like King Wen and the Duke of Chou, famous characters in the history of China. For the Taoists, the same term alludes, in the late speculations, to an originary order of the universe, to the Beginning , the Origin of all the things or other similar concepts.

In the I -Ching, or "Book of Changes" as it is known in the West, Tao is said to represent "a yin and a yang". Or more precisely, a moving phenomena including alternation of contraries, like day and night.