When considering the origin of the world's beliefs and philosophies, it is wise to take into consideration the culture and religious practices of the 'era. For example, Taoism developed from the political climate of the time and the religious beliefs and practices that existed in China in previous centuries. In order to gain a better understanding of Creation Taoism, its theory, philosophy and practices, it is necessary to travel to China in the distant past. The first part of the journey begins; five thousand years ago with the tribal people who established their residence along the banks of the Yellow River in China. (Wong 404). Tribal people believed that their leaders possessed extraordinary powers, such as those of controlling the elements, moving rivers, communicating with plants and animals, traveling through the sky and under the earth. (Ibid, 409) Initially, it was partly through tribal people's belief in the capacity of certain individuals to possess inconceivable abilities that shamanism came into practice in ancient China. In fact, according to Eva Wong, “in ancient Chinese society, there existed a class of people called the wu.” (Wong 436). As a result, over the centuries the importance of the wu or shaman continued to grow and by the 12th century the country's rulers employed shamans as an integral part of their advisors. Thus, shamans held political positions and were able to influence the governance of the nation. An equally important aspect of ancient religion in China was respect for their ancestors. The second part of the trip visits ancient China in 1500 BCE, a thousand years before the formation of the Taoist school of thought. (Brodd, Little and Ny...... middle of paper ......iversity Press, 2003.Hoff, Benjamin. The Tao of Pooh. New York, New York: EP Dutton, Inc, 1982. Paper. Piglet's Te New York: Dutton, 1992. Paper. Gregory Taoism 101: Answers and Explanations, 2012. Electronic book. . The American Heritage Dictionary. Ney York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc, 1994. Toropov, Brandon and Chad Hansen The Complete Idiot's Guide to Taoism, IN: Beach Brook Productions, 2002. E-book. Tsu, Lao. A new translation. Jane English and Gia-Fu New York: Vintage Books, 1972. Fu Feng. New York: Vintage Books, 1972. Paper. Eva Taoism: An Essential Guide. 2011. E-book..