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October 16, 2004

Comments

when one reaches quickly for a cork in water it evades; when one reaches gently only then can one obtain it.

to be looking for heaven is to be living in hell.

the tao speaks only without words, words can only speak of the tao.

all is the tao, there is nothing to convert to.

everything that is done is tao. watch and listen. nothing done is not tao.

the tao is not opposites, opposites are how the tao looks from the narrowness of mind trying to catalog change.

after tao is before tao, there is no tao as there is nothing to distinguish it from as all is tao.

creation has no past, a never ending crecendo, one hand clapping.

quit trying so hard

i am very interested in taoism i would like to myself become a taoist...but is it as easy as reading the books and living the life or do i have to do some kind of ritual?

Sydney, there's a religious side to Taoism along with a philosophical side. I'm much more attracted to the philosophical side -- which is the root of the Tao Te Ching, Chuang Tzu's writings, and such.

The religious aspect of Taoism does have rituals, ceremonies, a priesthood of sorts. It's largely rooted in Chinese culture, whereas I see the philosophical side as being universal.

So I don't think there's anything you need to do to become a Taoist. Just be who you are and do what you do. Taoism is a Religion of One, which means it isn't really a religion.

Every person who consider him- or herself a Taoist looks upon Taoism differently. There's no dogma to accept or commandments to follow. Just a Way of looking upon the cosmos.

Does there need to be a philosophical side to Taoism? Is One in trouble, if One throws out the religious and philosophical?

Hope not,
Roger

Roger, you (or One) can always throw out the religious with no trouble. But without philosophy, we're stuck in our own psyches with no way to communicate our understandings of reality.

I find it difficult to read Taoist religious writings, though I've tried. The good stuff -- Tao Te Ching, Chuang Tzu, Lieh Tzu -- is philosophical in nature.

Brian,

Just simple contemplation of what could be beyond:

Philosophical - Of, relating to, or based on a system of philosophy.

Philosophy - Love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral self-discipline. Investigation of the nature, causes, or principles of reality, knowledge, or values, based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods.
The critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs. The disciplines presented in university curriculums of science and the liberal arts, except medicine, law, and theology. The discipline comprising logic, ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, and epistemology. A set of ideas or beliefs relating to a particular field.

As usual, no big deal. It's friday, needed something to post.

Roger, I was thinking of philosophy in the classic Greek sense: as a way of life. To the Greeks, a philosopher didn't have to write anything, or even to read anything. This was someone in tune with the truth of the cosmos, a lover of wisdom.

In that sense, entirely Taoist. No intellectualization needed. The modern conception of philosophy is quite different. It isn't a way of life, usually, but a collection of ideas and concepts.

Brian,

I like,

In tune with the truth of the cosmos, a lover of wisdom, with no intellectualization, and no need for words, such a taoism.

From the Alan Watts post,

"I like how Watts rarely cites religious or mystical literature in support of his arguments. He just lays out how he sees things, using common sense, science, and everyday experience to make his case."

---This is what I meant by, "no need for words, such as taoism."

---This is a separate issue, when One discusses a Topic in a blog, or other discussion group.

i want to be a taoist- do i have to mediatete or interact with nature, like people say? im no good at the stuff! i believe that everyone is born a taoist. life is tao. whenever you make a desicion, or learn a lesson, that's tao. You reckon i'm right?

i believe that tao is everything. everyone has diffrent perspectives on taoism. thats why i love it. In taoism, theres no right from wrong. No falsehood from truth. Taoism is to live life as you want it, and learn from it, and benifiet.

Andy, I reckon you're right. You must be a Taoist!

i am an aspiring taoist i have in fact since i was sixteen and now im 24 and am very eager, to learn so can you offer advice.

Is there anywhere to go practice this in Salem Or? A temple, church, etc?

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