What is Tao?

Tao is the basic concept of Taoism. The name "Taoism" itself comes from the word "tao". Generally speaking, tao can be translated by "way", "principle", "method".

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 element placed to the right suggests the image of a hairy, human head
	the element placed to the left latter suggests moving by presenting a foot walking.

that is head and foot, which could be interpreted as "the way of the ancients", referring to the wisdom of antiques characters (kings) of Chinese culture.

• Tao at Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu is the first author who introduced the speculation about a Tao as origin and birth of the Universe. Actually "tao" is the name Lao Tzu gave to the Originator or Great Pervader whom he couldn't name.

There was something undefined and complete, coming into
existence before Heaven and Earth. How still it was and formless,
standing alone, and undergoing no change, reaching everywhere and in
no danger (of being exhausted)! It may be regarded as the Mother of
all things.

I do not know its name, and I give it the designation of the Tao
(the Way or Course). Making an effort (further) to give it a name I
call it The Great. ("Tao-te ching", 25, Legge).

• Tao in the Book of Changes

In the ancient Book of Changes , "Tao" is said to represent "a yin and a yang", that is a complete cycle of movement referring to the Taoist Heaven.

• Tao in our Present Day

The word "tao" is very popular nowadays. Unfortunately it is assigned a multitude of significations, most of them without any concern for the ancient meaning of this term. Thus Tao is the God, the Cosmic Power, the universal panacea, the main occult Principle, and so forth...