1.) b) Describe the basic philosophy of the Tao Tê Ching and discuss how this text has developed over the centuries. The basic philosophy of the Tao Te Ching was that of living in harmony with the fundamental force behind nature (World Religions page 181). Tao Te Ching divided into different groups; one group was those who followed the teachings of Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu. The other group focused on the extension of life, not through reincarnation, but through the extension of present life. Through the process of searching for life extension, Taoists found their first god, and more and more gods began to develop. Soon, the Tao Te Ching was officially validated and recognized as holy scripture. The influence of the Tao Te Ching spread and became the religion of the masses among the Chinese people. Through the influence of Buddhism, Taoism evolved and began to merge with other religions. A battle between Buddhists and Taoists broke out, and it was a battle for influence, which ultimately led to persecution. The teachings of each group change until both are mixed with the teachings of Confucius, and each becomes more accepting of each....