Chinese philosophy or religion is based upon Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, which centers on belief in the Tao, the way, as the flow of the universe and the nature of things. Taoism encourages a principle of non-force, or wu-wei, as the means to live harmoniously with the Tao. Taoists believe the esoteric world is made up of a perfect harmonious balance and nature, while in the manifest world – particularly in the body – balance is distorted. The Three Jewels of the Tao – compassion, simplicity, and humility – serve as the basis for Taoist ethics.