The English translation of the ancient Chinese PHILOSOPHY of mind, body, and soul (this probably is the best description/category) called "THE TAO" is "THE WAY" (this is also the name of the first century church).
Acts 9:2 says that the chief Pharisee (SAUL before he became PAUL) persecuted those who BELONGED TO (being spiritual parts of the body that hung on the cross) "THE WAY".
It has been discovered that apostle THOMAS built the first church in ancient China.
Who knows the full story?....it's mysteriously missing from scripture where Jesus was for 18 years.