Zen or Taoism.......?

Which philosophy is more free and less strict?

And for you which do you prefer and has brought more happiness or understanding?

I am leaning more towards Taoism.

Zen koans are even more confusing than the Tao Te Ching. I say go with Taoism.

Myself i see Zen as the ultimate exercise in the act of being present.Taoism to me is the ultimate act of being present. They come at it from different directions but arrive at the same destination for those who can be it & live it.<>

I wouldn't use the terms "free" and "strict" to describe either Zen or Taoism. Both are practice traditions that emphasize the importance of making a dedicated effort to cut through the delusions that create suffering.

The two traditions differ, however, in their objectives.

Taoism focuses on the attainment of longevity, health, and magical powers - personal attributes that help a single person's life.

Zen focuses on the attainment the Great Bodhisattva Way - helping all beings awaken from delusion, anger and desire.

So while the two traditions share much in common, they take a practitioner to very different places.

Given the great suffering in the world, I've taken the path of Zen.