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A Word On Taoism
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» PoiSoNeD_CaNdY replied on Thu Feb 12, 2004 @ 1:25am |
 Coolness: 92380 | Recently I've become interested in Taoist philosophy, and I'd like to share some of the ideas I've come across. By no means am I even remotely knowledgeable about Taoism, so don't take anything I say too literally, but instead do your own research if you find this interesting.
The word "Tao" is most often translated as "the way". It describes a way of life that is in harmony with one's true essence, with nature, and with other beings. The difference between Tao and other religious paths, is that the Tao is never identified, nor given a form. There is no set of rules or conditions that describe a way of life that is Tao. There are no teachers that can tell you how to live your life according to the Tao, for the Tao is undescribable. Rather, the Tao involves living your life according to the way that is most natural for you. Thus, it cannot be taught, for it is different for everybody. One person's Tao might be involve a way which is entirely different from another person's. Discovering one's Tao involves tuning out external forces and rediscovering one's true essence. Every day, we are bombarded by external messages telling us how we should live our lives. We are exposed to advertisements that tell us what to buy so we will be more attractive or succesful. We are exposed to religous leaders, parents, employers, friends, teachers, etc all trying to influence us in a certain fashion. All these forces distract one from the inner self, because they impose external ideas of what one's way should be - whereas the only source of true direction arises from within. Following the Tao involves tuning out exterior sources of influence, and living according to that which is the most natural way for oneself. By tuning out all exterior noise, one can become acqainted with their inner sense of direction, that will show one their true way. The judgemental, analytical mind is often in opposition to the Tao, because following the Tao involves embarking on a path whose purpose may not be immediately comprehended by the conscious mind. Thus, there is an element of faith in one's inner self that is necessary. I'll try to relate a personal example that might serve to better illustrate this: In a few months, I will be ending my life as I know it, and going to study in Thailand for a year. The year after, I will spend travelling across Asia. So in all, that means I will be gone for at least two years. My conscious mind can't comprehend the purpose of why I am doing this, or what role my wanderings will serve. Yet I feel a force within me that is guiding me along this quest, and I do not doubt the wisdom of this force. Well, I can't think of much more to add, so I'll provide a link that might be of interest: [ www.clas.ufl.edu ] |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» nothingnopenope replied on Thu Feb 12, 2004 @ 1:46am |
 Coolness: 201915 | I like the principle of the wu-wei |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» A_Princess replied on Thu Feb 12, 2004 @ 7:18pm |
 Coolness: 62535 | My name on purerave is tao. And it will also be my first born daughters name.
Taoism's really interesting. U could also tie in feng shui cuz thats how to "design" your life in harmony with the tao. All really neat concepts. |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» Purple_Lee replied on Thu Feb 12, 2004 @ 7:38pm |
 Coolness: 239310 | been one of sorts for years now.......
Lee |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» Mico replied on Fri Feb 13, 2004 @ 2:08pm |
 Coolness: 151150 | I read the whole page that you (dan) posted up Seems preety intersting, kinda reminds me of buhdism.
I find it more intersing considering from what I read that there is no deity that is to be followed, unless its the sage... But i assumed that that was the user. Considering that you mentioned that Taoism is a very "your own perspective of things" form of living. The "guidelines" that were on that website seemed to have striked me as any other religion would. The reason I say that is because it uses alot "Shoulds", which I learned is a negative word, to put stress on the person it's being said to, to make followers follow more attentively and diligently. Yet, many of those guidelines seemed very fair and just, so it would much appreciated if anyone could post any websites that have a historical backroud opn Taoism, and anything that i could use to accquire more info on the subject. |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» PoiSoNeD_CaNdY replied on Fri Feb 13, 2004 @ 5:47pm |
| Coolness: 92380 | My understanding is that there is both religious and philosophical Taoism. Try Googleing it, and I'm sure you'll find loads of info, though alot of it will be very vague. I'll post more links if I come across any good ones. |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» PitaGore replied on Fri Feb 13, 2004 @ 11:29pm |
 Coolness: 472495 | Word !! |
A Word On Taoism
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