The Tào, or dào, is a term of Chinese philosophy meaning: “Supreme being, path, way.”
It represents “The Mother of the World” or a principle that engenders all life. It is the original force that flows into all beings and things in the Universe.
Without knowing exactly the origin of this concept, Lao Tseu is credited with the Dao De Jing, the founding text of Taoist thought.
The tao is the basis of Taoism, philosophy and Chinese spiritual path. Related concepts have played a central role in the development of Chinese science, including traditional Chinese Medicine and martial arts.