1. Taoism By: Brandy STUDENT

2. Number Of Adherents “Currently has about 20 million followers, and is primarily centered in Taiwan. About 30,000 Taoist live in North America 1,720 lived in Canada in the 1991 census. www.religioustolerance.org

3. When and Where Taoism was established in China The different references say different times but is was established around 604 B.C The founder was believed to Loa-Tse, which could be spelled different ways. www.religioustolerance.org

4. Influential Practioners Alan Watts Ling Chang Tao-Ling Zhang Dao Ling Lao Tse Chuang-tse Altreligion.about.com

5. Symbols Of Taoism “Symbols of Taoism: The Yin/Yang symbol, a circle divided into equal areas of light and darkness, symbolizing equalibrium and the harmony of opposites, is the most well know.” Alt.regilgion.about.com

6. Code of Conducts “Taoist generally follow a sort of Golden Rule, but the principal Taoist ethic is called Wu-wel, or no-action, meaning to seek equilibrium and follow the natural order.” Altreligion.about.com

7. Holy days “Important days include birthdays of the gods, the remembrance of Kwan Yin, and regular fast days throughout the month.” Altreligion.about.com

8. Beliefs “Tao is the first-cause of the universe.” “Each believer’s goal is harmonize themselves with the Tao.” “Taoism has provided an alternative to the Confucian tradition in China. The two traditions have coexisted in the country, region, and generally within the same individuals.”

9. Beliefs continued “They do not pray as Christians do; there is no God to hear the prayers or to act upon them. They seek answers to life’s problems through inner meditation and outer observation.” “Taoist strongly promote health and vitality.”

10. Beliefs continued “Five main organs and orifices of the body correspond to the five parts of the sky: water, fire, wood, metal, and earth.” “Development of virtue is one’s chief task. The Three Jewels to be sought are compassion, moderation, and humility.” www.religioustolerance.org

11. Other Facts Taoist don’t really go to church or anything, they mainly practice the religion on their own. China is the main country that Taoism is practiced in. Also, there is no age limit.