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Tao, meaning “way” or “path,” describes an invisible flow that governs all aspects of life: growth, change, joy, and sorrow all moving in natural rhythms that transcend our rational understanding. Taoist master Lao Tzu famously stated, "The Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao," emphasizing that language often fails to capture the dynamic essence of life.
Zen, which arose when Buddhism intertwined with Taoism in ancient China, further supports this notion by deconstructing barriers to direct experience. It rejects rigid doctrines in favor of presence and awareness in every action, regardless of its nature.