The Tao is the ultimate, unnameable source of the universe. It is not a "god" in the Western sense, but rather the underlying natural order and the flow of existence. It is the reality that exists before words and concepts. To follow the Tao is to align oneself with the natural rhythm of the universe.

This is perhaps the most famous Taoist concept. It does not mean "doing nothing" or being lazy. Instead, it means acting without forcing things, struggling, or exerting excessive effort. It is the art of "going with the flow" (like water flowing downhill) and responding to situations spontaneously and naturally, rather than trying to control them rigidly.

Pu represents the state of pure potential and simplicity. It is a metaphor for the original state of humanity—honest, simple, and free from the artificial desires and complications created by society. The goal is to return to this state of "uncarved" wholeness, where one is content and unburdened by knowledge or ambition.

Reality is composed of two opposing but complementary forces. Yin is associated with darkness, passivity, femininity, and softness; Yang is associated with light, activity, masculinity, and hardness. The Tao Te Ching teaches that these forces are not in conflict but are interconnected; one cannot exist without the other (e.g., there is no high without low). Wisdom lies in balancing these forces.

While Tao is the universal structure, Te is the active expression or manifestation of the Tao within an individual thing. It is not just "moral virtue" (like being nice), but rather the inherent power or "integrity" of being true to one's own nature. A person with high Te lives authentically and naturally, without pretense.

Ziran describes the ideal state of existence. It refers to things happening spontaneously and naturally, without external manipulation. Nature grows without being told to grow; the seasons change without command. For humans, Ziran means dropping artificial behaviors and social masks to live in a way that is natural and spontaneous.