The word Dao (Tao) 道

The word Dao (Tao) 道 literally means "path" or "way", and has a much deeper meaning in Daoism (Taoism). In Daoism (Taoism), the Dao (Tao) is the original, everlasting, spontaneous way, that things began and still are. Dao (Tao) is the governing force that balances the universe and gives it life. The only way to gain a deep understanding of the Dao (Tao), is through following it, participating in it, cultivating it and acquiring De (Teh).

De (Teh) 德 which translates as "virtue" is a means to cultivate Dao (Tao). The basic practice of acquiring De (Teh) involves doing good deeds, helping others and never preventing others from doing good. Laozi (Lao Tsu) emphasized the relationship between Dao (Tao) and De (Teh) in his book "Dao De Jing (Tao Teh Ching)", literally translated "The Book of Dao and De".