By living in the now, Taoists come to know the essential life force. Taoism can be divided into two trains of thought. One is augmented power and the other is vicarious power. Augmented power is focused on harnessing the natural power of each individual and keeping the mind and the body in constant balance. Allow the yin and yang to work freely and balance each other out.
Vicarious power involves seeking power through something else.
Vicarious power is popular in Taoism and follows the belief that the power of life and nature is so extraordinary and that these forces have so much to teach an individual. Taoism is a set of ideals and ways in which to live life. It is more of a personal challenge and experience than a congregation of worship. There is no god to whom Taoists pray, and the word god only appears once in the Tao Te Ching. There is rarely a mention of heaven or an afterlife in the Taoist religion.