'Dao', also called the 'Great Dao', is the core of Daoist faith. The name 'Daoism' comes from the word 'Dao'. Dao and related concepts permeate all Daoist doctrines as well as Daoism's religious practise, organizational structure, rituals, and so on.
Daoism is an ancient religion with rich and mature contents. It has a very systematic system of Doctrines and Teachings, corresponding to the theology of the West. These include faith in Dao and the concomitant Cosmogony and theories on the origin of the creation of all beings and transformations; faith in Immortals; ideals of human society; advocacy of human values, and so on. Each of the latter has several interrelated aspects, forming a complete system. Owing to historical differences, to different trends in Daoism at different times, and to different sects, different Daoist theorists and leaders have had divergences of opinion stemming from their different understanding of their faith. However, with regards to the aforementioned basic aspects of Daoist faith, all Daoists are in basic agreement. In the following presentation of Daoist creeds, we will limit ourselves to commonly shared teachings while, when necessary, presenting some unique perspectives.