According to traditional accounts, Daoism, or Taoism as it is also known, was founded during the 6th century BC in China under the influence of the legendary philosopher Lao Tzu and the Tao Teh Ching ( Coogan 222), but, as with any religion, this origin has been questioned (Jurji 24). The validity of Lao Tzu has been called into question, and many believe that the Tao Teh Ching is actually the work of several authors in a collection of ideas thought well before the 6th century or even the 4th century BCE (Coogan 222). Notoriously difficult to define, Daoism has taken many forms over the years and is as much a way of life as it is a religion. While there is a tremendous amount of literature involved in Daoism, the Daoist canon itself contains 1,120 volumes (Coogan 241), there are two texts that are the heart and soul of Daoism; the Tao Teh Ching and the Zhuangzi. The Tao Teh Ching was legendarily written by Lao Tzu himself and forms the basis of much of what Taoists believe. With just over five thousand Chinese characters, the Tao Teh Ching addresses confusing questions with confusing answers, providing advice that is both practical and impractical. Although debate rages as to whether it is a collection of works by separate authors or a true collection of the potentially real Lao Tzu, the Tao Teh Ching's philosophies on life and the Dao are remarkable. They are, but they aren't. It is, but it isn't. Filled with sagacity and wisdom, the Tao Teh Ching first addresses the question of the Dao and its place as a fundamental belief among Daoists. The Dao, roughly translated as “the Way,” is perhaps best explained by Lao Tzu in the Tao Teh Ching. than in any other text. The very first section of the Tao Teh Ching puts the Dao rather simply in the center of the paper... a much longer paper could easily be written focusing only on the alterations and changes of Daoism as it is alive and growing, overall the kind of logic circulating behind many of the thoughts of the Tao Teh Ching is interesting to follow and attractive. Beyond the little squabbles and this final struggle for good or evil, Daoism is more about living and letting live. It's okay to enjoy life, and being healthy is important, but don't ruin the world by living life because it will always come back, that's what I really took from Daoism. It's best to find a balance, go with the flow, don't fight the flow and the absence of action can be as powerful as any action, these are thoughts that lead to an overall longer and healthier life than being continually stressed and tense . in this way Daoism is perhaps the most beneficial religion I have encountered this semester.