ABSTRACT
Daoism (also known as ‘Taoism’) is one of the great indigenous philosophical traditions in Chinese communities, which encompasses philosophical and/or religious teachings and practices. The primary tenets were described in Dao De fing, the most influential classic text. This chapter will briefly discuss the essential principles of Daoist teachings, based on the basic tenets of Daoist philosophy including ‘Dao’ (the way), ‘De’ (virtue) and ‘Yin-Yang perspectives’. On the basis of a comprehension of these three concepts, ‘Wuwei’ (non-coercive action), ‘Ziran’ (naturalness), ‘Su’ and ‘Pu’ (simplicity) will be introduced, which can also serve as the theoretical underpinnings in developing contemporary social work practice.
