What are the central tenets of Daoism?

The central tenets of Daoism are that the universe is governed by or founded upon the Dao and that non-action (or wu-wei) is the ideal state of being. Traditional Daoism also has a pantheon of deities able to render aid.

The Dao is perhaps best described as an underlying and universal force that both initiated the universe and continues to exert an influence throughout it.

The notion of mortal non-action, or wu-wei, is based on the inevitability of the Dao, which operates in perfect harmony and order. Daoists hold that the highest ideal should be to harmonize with and entrust oneself to this natural order, adapting to circumstances rather than attempting to intervene.