Daoism in Boston

The ancient Chinese sage Lao-Tzu from the sixth century BCE taught a way of living in harmony with the Dao (“the Way”). Taoist traditions and practices, such as T’ai Chi, have influenced generations in China and continue to extend their influence in America. The characteristics and clientele of contemporary associations differ significantly from the earlier folk Taoist establishments, in that they frequently have a large non-Chinese following. In many, such as the Center for Traditional Taoist Studies in Weston, Massachusetts, the students and teachers are Euro-American. Although there are only two Daoist centers in Greater Boston, there are many T’ai Chi centers, which draw on Daoist philosophy without focusing on the traditional religious aspects of the Dao. Daoism is difficult to survey in Boston as there are very few religious centers; it is often practiced in forms that are not limited to institutional or communal settings.

Note: Our directory of Daoist centers lists the two Daoist centers directly located in the Boston area; it also lists a third Daoist center located in southern New Hampshire.