A confusing aspect of Taoism is its very definition. Taoism begins by teaching a truth; “The Tao” is indefinable. Conveying the meaning of the Tao is as impractical as trying to tell a story verbally to a deaf person. Although indefinable, the Tao is often called “The Way”. Taoism is more than just a "philosophy" or a "religion", Taoists believe that the Tao is non-verbal in its essence and goes beyond the boundaries of language. The Tao Te Ching was “a philosophical document as much about good government as about morality. behavior", as Stephen Mitchell writes in the introduction to his translation of the Tao Te Ching (Nwman). It was a mystifying Chinese religious text traditionally attributed to Lao Tzu, the Chinese philosopher also known as "Old Master Tao Te Ching" describes the Tao "as the whole of the universe, an absolute and omnipresent principle of all things in the universe, as a paradox of opposites, as the true reality of existence beyond shadows of false appearances, and as primordial originality and unity" (Newman). According to Taoists, the main ethical foundation of their life is constituted by the three jewels: compassion, frugality and humility, often described as the three fundamental virtues that direct Taoists toward a path of courage, generosity, and leadership. These three jewels are discussed in several circumstances in Lao Tzu's classic Chinese text, Tao Te Ching. The Three Jewels help Taoists to. maintain balance in nature and encourage them to conform to what cannot be changed rather than fighting against adversity at every moment. Although these Three Jewels are all that is necessary to follow the Tao, they are difficult to practice. To minimize this difficulty, Taoists believe in accepting the middle of paper. Loa Tzu is right that we should not try too hard to seek Him or hold back. to find it. Here, in this case, as paradoxical as it may seem, to do nothing is to do something. Works Cited “Taoism 101: Introduction to the Tao | Personal Tao.” Insert the site name in italics. Np, and Web. December 13, 2013. “The Tao and Taoism – Carson-Newman”. Insert the site name in italics. Np, and Web. December 13, 2013. "By Dr. Tan Kheng Khoo - Taoism I - General." Insert the site name in italics. Np, and Web. December 13, 2013. “Taoism and its Model of Successful Leader Traits | Regenesys. » Insert the site name in italics. Np, and Web. December 13. 2013 .