There is no one way to "become" a Taoist or start learning about Taoism. But here are are few ideas . . . . 

• Begin reading the Tao Te Ching. First explore a few versions of the Tao Te Ching and find one that appeals to you. I've included one version on this website, but here is a link to many different English versions available on the web. Be forewarned that the Tao Te Ching is difficult to understand. Remember the Tao is a very esoteric thing; it is not easily expressed in words, and any attempt to convey it in words is going to be difficult to grasp. It was also originally written in one version of ancient Chinese, and often there is no direct English translation for the concepts Lao Tzu writes about. This is why each version of the Tao Te Ching is a little bit different from every other. Still, reading the Tao Te Ching is the purest way to learn about Taoism, and it is an important step for anyone wanting to live a Taoist life. Although you can read about the Tao Te Ching from many sources, the Tao Te Ching itself seems to convey its ideas with a uniquely powerful spirit. To me, that spirit is the Tao, so at least attempting to read the Tao Te Ching on a regular basis is essential to following Taoism.

• Keep a journal. As you read, feel and learn, consider keeping a journal where you write about what you are learning and how you are incorporating what you are learning into your life. I recommend including source information whenever you write about a certain verse of the Tao Te Ching so you can refer to it later if needed.  This is definitely my idea; since words are not highly regarded in Taoism, writing down anything might seem useless to some. But for me, being able to read about any past insights has helped me incorporate Taoism into my life on a deeper level.

• Set aside at least 10 minutes per day for meditation. Meditations brings us into the present moment and helps us notice the life that is happening right here, right now. You can learn more about the more formal Qigong meditation from the Qigong Meditation YouTube site, which involves both body and spirit. But you can also just do your own kind of meditation where you try not to let your mind wander or gently focus on a specific Tao topic or a particular challenge you are having in life. As you meditate, pay attention to the thoughts that come up. You might want to write those thoughts down so you can consider them later. This is the gentle way we can begin to understand how to follow the Tao in our own specific lives. If you are wondering exactly how to meditate, check out this guide.

• Begin listening to or meditating on Taoist affirmations during meditation or at other times in the day. The concepts Lao Tzu shares are quite different from the concepts which formed most of our lives (e.g., our social conditioning), and it takes time and attention to begin viewing life from this new vantage point. Repeating the truths of the Tao over and over can help us get out of our socially conditioned habits of thinking and into thinking like the Tao.

• Become a member of r/taoism on Reddit. You will learn much from the posts of the experienced, knowledgeable and kind members of the board as well as the questions posted by others learning to follow the Tao. You can also search the 15+-year-old subreddit for info on many different Taoist topics.

• Start using the I Ching. Many people past and present have looked to the I Ching to guide their daily lives. At the very least, the I Ching helps you look at your life through the lens of Taoist concepts, and you learn much as you "throw" the coins each day. Many people take it a step further and believe the I Ching is able to provide specific guidance to a person's life. Either way, the I Ching can help you adopt Taoism as a way of life. There are a number of printed and app versions of the I Ching, but we recommend Bryan Browne Walker's printed version and Paul O'Brien's Visionary I Ching available on the App Store.

• Connect with a Tao On Guide. Through emails, our guides can help you start aligning your life with the Tao and give you ideas about how to view current situations in your life from a Taoist perspective. Though we each must work out our own spiritual practice, having someone by your side to listen to you, hear you, and support and guide you can be extremely helpful, especially in this unnaturally disconnected world.

 

This is a good way to start. As you start following the Tao in your life, you will naturally be guided towards learning what will be most helpful to you and your life. As you study, keep in mind that most of the values of modern society aren't in line with the Tao. Following the Tao may require some major changes in your life, but those changes are taking you to a more peaceful, content existence. Your life will become like nature: always at peace despite the ebbs and flows of life, majestic, beautiful and completely at one with the Tao.

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