1.  A spiritual philosophy that began in China based on the writings attributed to Lao-tzu (who flourished in the 6th century b.c.e.). Its primary book is the Tao Te Ching. As a philosophy, Taoism stresses contemplation, a mystical with nature, wisdom and learning, a simple life, and the concept of wu-wei or non-action and allowing things to take the course that they will. Religious aspects of Taoism developed around the 3rd century c.e., and incorporated some Buddhist concepts as well as a system of monasteries. One of the monasteries, the Sil Lum monastery (also known as the Shaolin monastery) is considered the home of the martial art of kung fu and the many other arts derived from it.