1. Taoism

2. The human being follows [the laws of] the earth, the earth follows the heavens, the heavens follow God, and God must follow nature [Tao] ― Tao Te Ching http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh9Q_TPyOQE

3. Origins of the Universe  600 BC: Birth of Taoism  Taoists believe that when the world began, there was only the Tao, a featureless, empty void pregnant with the potential of all things.  Tao generated swirling patterns of cloudlike energy, called qi ("chee"). This energy eventually developed two complementary aspects: yin, which is dark, heavy, and feminine, and yang, which is light, airy, and masculine.  Yin energy sank to form the earth, yang energy rose to form the heavens, and both energies harmonized to form human beings.

4. Principal Beliefs  Nothing in the Universe is fixed, static or non moving; per se everything is transforming all the time.  They believe Tai Chi keeps the universal order of Tao balanced.  Taoists believe that man is a microcosm for the universe, that the body ties directly into the Chinese Five Elements  Rituals, exercises and substances affect a persons physical and mental health.  Internal alchemy and various spiritual practices are used by some Taoists to improve health and extend life, theoretically even to the point of physical immortality

5. Supernatural Powers and Deities  Taoist deities include nature spirits, ancient legendary heroes, humanized planets and stars, ancestor spirits and animals such as dragons, tigers, phoenix's and snakes.  All human activities—even such things as drunkenness and robbery— are represented by deities as well.  The highest Taoist deity, Yù Huáng,who is associated with the ancient Chinese god Shang Di, ruler over all Heaven, Earth and the Underworld/ Hell.

7. Rituals  Taoist rituals involve purification, meditation and offerings to deities.  The details of Taoist rituals are often highly complex and technical.  The rituals involve the priest (and assistants) in chanting and playing instruments and dancing.  One major Taoist ritual is the chiao (jiao), a rite of cosmic renewal, which is itself made up of several rituals.  Temple rituals can be used to regulate ch’i and balance the flow of yin and yang both for individuals and the wider community  Other rituals involve prayers to various Taoist deities, meditations on talismans and reciting and chanting prayers and texts.

8. Influence on the Society  Has a peaceful impact i.e. a very harmonious society  Taoists have a balanced life  Taoists are humble and wise  Not harsh, so adherents don’t feel pressured