'Dao', also called the 'Great Dao', is the core of Daoist faith.
The name 'Daoism' comes from the word 'Dao'. Dao and related
concepts permeate all Daoist doctrines as well as Daoism's
religious practise, organizational structure, rituals, and so
on.
Daoism is an ancient religion with rich and mature contents. It has
a very systematic system of Doctrines and Teachings, corresponding
to the theology of the West. These include faith in Dao and the
concomitant Cosmogony and theories on the origin of the creation of
all beings and transformations; faith in Immortals; ideals of human
society; advocacy of human values, and so on. Each of the latter
has several interrelated aspects, forming a complete system. Owing
to historical differences, to different trends in Daoism at
different times, and to different sects, different Daoist theorists
and leaders have had divergences of opinion stemming from their
different understanding of their faith. However, with regards to
the aforementioned basic aspects of Daoist faith, all Daoists are
in basic agreement. In the following presentation of Daoist creeds,
we will limit ourselves to commonly shared teachings while, when
necessary, presenting some unique perspectives.