Practice

Taoists generally have an interest in promoting health and vitality.

 Five main organs and orifices of the body correspond to the five parts of the sky: water, fire, wood, metal and earth.

 Each person must nurture the Ch'i (air, breath) that has been given to them.

 Development of virtue is one's chief task. The Three Jewels to be sought are compassion, moderation and humility.

 Taoists follow the art of "wu wei," which is to let nature take its course. For example, one should allow a river to flow towards the sea unimpeded; do not erect a dam which would interfere with its natural flow.

 One should plan in advance and consider carefully each action before making it.

 A Taoists is kind to other individuals, largely because such an action tends to be reciprocated.

 Taoists believe that "people are compassionate by nature...left to their own devices [they] will show this compassion without expecting a reward."