View Full Version : The Tao?
gu3rr1lla
24-11-2008, 10:23 PM
Just listening to an audiobook of the Tao te Ching, seems very interesting! Do you follow the Tao/Taoism? What do you think of it?
mephibosheth
24-11-2008, 10:58 PM
I think the initial description of how the myriad things develops from the uncarved block is a good analogue of how consciousness descends from its original unity with the Absolute (ie, being) to reveal a manifold of phenomena through the mechanism of opposition/polarity.
I sometimes wonder if Taoism is more closely related to a spiritual tradition rooted in real human experience in this world, rather than something handed down from a divine ruler, aliens, or whomever. Perhaps it represents a more natural spirituality. Although I've also read that the idea of polarization is itself a tool to keep our spirits confined, so who knows.
The actual practice of modern taoists is interesting and varied, and incorporates a focus on cultivating ch'i energy. The Tao te Ching seems more like the philosophical foundations of later traditions that followed.
8)
dedicate
24-11-2008, 11:52 PM
Tao is freedom. But freedom as not what you think.
haukipesukone
27-11-2008, 02:46 PM
Just listening to an audiobook of the Tao te Ching, seems very interesting! Do you follow the Tao/Taoism? What do you think of it?
I think I'm a Taoist. I can say I'm a Taoist since I don't understand properly what it means, since "The Tao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao". If I ever gain a deeper understanding of the Tao I can not be a Taoist, because then I would try to name the Tao.
Actually I developed a theory of what the Tao is a little while ago, but I don't want to mention it since it would mean I don't understand the Tao at all.
In recent months I've actually started to try to apply the teachings of the Tao Te Ching in practice. Can't say if I've succeeded in it or whether it has had any results.
Tao Te Ching is great. I've also read the Book of Chuang Tzu. It was interesting too, but confusing.
It is one of the many 'religions' we can find on this planet that is based on actual ancient and universal truth instead of manipulation.
We could all learn VERY much from Tao/Daoism.
Gotta love Chinese wisdom! :D