Taoism as a religion began in the year 142 C.E. with the revelation of the Tao to Zhang Daoling or Chang Tao-ling by the personified god of the Tao, Taishang laojun (Lao Tzu), the Highest Venerable Lord. Zhang Daoling became the first Celestial Master and founder of the first organized Taoist school of thought.

When and where did Taoism begin?

However, according to some, Taoism formed into a religious system within the lands of China sometime around the 4th or 3rd century BCE. Being the first to receive the inspiration of the Tao, some cite Lao-tzu as the first Taoist philosopher and the author of the Taoist texts known as the Tao-te Ching.

What are the 3 main beliefs of Taoism?

Taoist thought focuses on genuineness, longevity, health, immortality, vitality, wu wei (non-action, a natural action, a perfect equilibrium with tao), detachment, refinement (emptiness), spontaneity, transformation and omni-potentiality.