Tao

The Tao (Chinese: 道, pronounced as Dao) is a Chinese word that roughly translates to “the way” or “the path,” and signifies the holistic idea that the order of nature and the process by which all things change is a guiding principle in order to leading a harmonious life and becoming one with the world. It stresses living simply and honestly, with the goal of trying to return to an original and pure state of being.

This idea is incomprehensible to the human mind, and as such it is not important for Taoists to fully understand what it is. Rather, at the base of Taoism is that a person should live while sensitive to its existence, and thereby acting in according with the natural order of the world.

Origin
The idea of the Tao, and thereby Taoism, is considered to not have a founder or beginning. However, in some cases a legendary figure known as Lao-tzu was said to have received inspiration in regards to the Tao. A record of this ancient Chinese sage's wisdom is found in a book called the Tao Te Ching.

In Culture
The Tao is still a powerful idea in Chinese regard and thought to this day.
 * The Tao is a dominant idea in Confucianism, and related to ideas in Buddhism