T'ai Chi is just one of the practical applications of Taoism. Along with the other Taoist arts (such as Kung Fu, natural dietary therapy and Chinese massage) T'ai Chi provides a way to understand Taoism by demonstrating the principles behind it in a practical way.

Taoism is not a religion, more a philosophy based on the concept of "Tao". This is often translated as "the Way". It can be seen as the way of the universe, the eternal primeval laws which created the universe and shape the way it is. But it is not an impersonal set of rules, it is also the pattern of our lives which we were destined to follow from before we were born. If we fight against the ways of nature then our lives become an uphill struggle, but if we live in accordance with the ways of nature then we can find the inner peace that comes with realising our own inner nature.

Even though it is not possible to fully understand these laws of nature by using our minds alone, we can grasp some of these truths directly by observing these laws of nature in action. An obvious example is that people are designed to be active in the day and to rest at night. Although we may not be able to understand with our intellects exactly why this is so, we will soon feel the consequences if we try and live our lives the other way around. If our sleep patterns are disturbed or we stay up all night then our bodies will let us know the effects of our actions. Likewise, although the philosophy of Taoism may sound complicated, its meaning can be seen in practical ways through the exercises in T'ai Chi and the other Taoist Arts.

Unlike the scientific approach to the world that became well-developed in the West, the Taoists kept close to nature. The processes of scientific study separate the observer from the world which they are trying to understand, and can result in an abstract, "theoretical" view of the world. This may go some way to explaining why the results of science can produce a world full of cold, dehumanised technology that can make people feel like they are a small cog in a big machine. If we try and separate ourselves from the world as we try to understand it, we can lose sight of the human factor - the ways in which we create our world by the way we observe it. Taoists developed practical methods for understanding and working with the world and keep a sense of awe and wonder at the spirit that shows itself through the workings of nature.

For more details on some of the main ideas of Taoism follow the links in the bar to the left.