Taoism (Yin-Yang)

Taoism is derived from the Chinese word Tao ("The Way"), which is pronounced "dao.”  is based on the teachings of the Tao Te Ching. Taoism was founded by philosopher Lao Tzu (or 'Old Sage' -- born Li Erh). It isn't really a religion in the Western sense of the word. It is more of a mystical philosophy built on a set of ethical principals for everyday living. Taoism along with Buddhism and Confucianism, became the three great religions of China. Taoism currently has about 20 million followers, and is primarily centered in Taiwan. There are many symbols in Taoism but perhaps Yin-Yang dyagram is the most important Taoist symbol related to the Tao. Yin is the black side with the white dot on it and yang is the white side with the black dot on it. Yin is characterized as slow, soft, yielding, diffuse, cold, wet, and passive; and is associated with water, earth, the moon, femininity and nighttime. Yang, by contrast, is fast, hard, solid, focused, hot, dry, and aggressive; and is associated with fire, sky, the sun, masculinity and daytime. The black and white halves of the Yin-Yang symbol are similar to the two sides of a coin.