I was first introduced to Taoism via a friend's bookshelf. After reading the "Tao of Pooh" I later picked up a copy of the Tao Te Ching in Airlie Beach, Australia.

The principal work in the thought of Taoism is the Tao Te Ching. Traditionally ascribed to one Lao Tzu, and older contemporary of Confucius, it is an anthology of wise sayings dating back to fourth century BC. As a treatise both on personal conduct and on government, it is moral rather than mystical in tone, and advances a philosophy of meekness as the surest path to survival.

What attracted me to Taoism at the time was the passive nature of "actionless action," especially since I was brought up in a culture that stresses taking action and competitiveness. Unfortunately, this taking action mindset is all too often accompanied by lack of thought. To me, Taoism is more "going with the flow" than directing the course of events. It's about thinking. It's about listening. It's about peace.