The term TAO, literally, is composed of three words: WAY (3 letters), PATH (4 letters), and THEWAY (6 letters). WAY is a noun that refers to a course of conduct or action, while PATH is a noun that refers to a WAY or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading. THEWAY is a noun that refers to a particular course of action or mode of conduct. Together, these three words form the term TAO, which is a Chinese philosophical concept that is often translated as 'the WAY' or 'the PATH'. It is used to refer to the fundamental order of the universe and the proper WAY of living in harmony with it.