Incoporating Toaism?

[xkatz]

I am very interested in Toaism. I agree with Loa Tzu's philosohpy and ideas. I have been reading the Toa Te Ching. I am wondering though how do I go about incorporating it into my life? Is just believing enough?

 

[Sunstone]

This chap, the Daoist Hermit, often writes insightfully of applying Taoist teachings.

 

[TurkeyOnRye]

I am very interested in Toaism. I agree with Loa Tzu's philosohpy and ideas. I have been reading the Toa Te Ching. I am wondering though how do I go about incorporating it into my life? Is just believing enough?

This chap, the Daoist Hermit, often writes insightfully of applying Taoist teachings.

There is no Taoist philosophy; that's the irony of Taoism. Taoism by its very contradictory nature is totally un-Tao. Tao really has nothing to do with belief. Lao Tzu likely would never have considered himself a "Taoist", and quite frankly, I believe he would have totally unconcerned himself with any modern group that called itself "Taoist", if he were alive today. Being a Taoist means you don't think about being a Taoist, and in that regard, one could easily say that many non-Taoists are far better Taoists than self-described Taoists. Even Lao Tzu only wrote the Tao Te Ching because someone asked him to. The Way and its Power is not about following anything or calling yourself anything or even doing anything in particular. At most, one might say that it concerns a deep, deep self knowing, and even I say that's a flaming mistranslation.

"The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao."

 

[Master Vigil]

TurkeyOnRye said it pretty well. There is no "belief" in taoism. I would suggest reading the Tao of Pooh, it might make things a little clearer for you. But more than any book, I will always suggest watching a stream.

 

[WayFarer]

If I may, Xkatz...
See the Tao Te Ching as a collection of observations. These observations show what happens in accordance to The Way.
Now see your life. See The Way at work in your life. See its natural order and seamless placement in the areas of your life that go smoothly. See the areas you struggle in. Change those areas in accordance to observation and embrace The Way.

 

[zenzero]

Friends,

Agree with friends TOR, MV and WF.
when one UNDERSTANDS *TAO* then the rest follows as one has just be be a *flow* and rest existence takes care off.
One is not to do anything but just become a FLOW! a BEING! by becoming EMPTY! [being empty is like erasing all memory]

Take this stanza:

The Tao is called the Great Mother:
empty yet inexhaustible,
it gives birth to infinite worlds.

It is always present within you.
You can use it any way you want.

There is no fixed path to follow yet whatever way is taken becomes a PATH.

Love & rgds

 

[Master Vigil]

One is not to do anything but just become a FLOW! a BEING! by becoming EMPTY!

Zenzero uses a great word here. (As always ) Empty. In a taoist perspective, this emptiness would be a stillness. Like the eye of a hurricane.

 

[zenzero]

Friend MV,

Empty. In a taoist perspective, this emptiness would be a stillness. Like the eye of a hurricane.

Yes, only situaton being the emptiness is just a vision as any space created is filled up by some other dreams or desires or habits from the past.
Yes friend a BEING means a continuous effort and in the effort is the enjoyment / fun a madness.

Love & rgds

 

[xkatz]

So just being is the key to Toaism?

 

[Herr Heinrich]

I am very interested in Toaism. I agree with Loa Tzu's philosohpy and ideas. I have been reading the Toa Te Ching. I am wondering though how do I go about incorporating it into my life? Is just believing enough?

Taoism is an interesting religion. It is difficult to see sometimes how it works in our lives. One way is just following its basic philosophies in life. Striving for things like Wu-wei or effortless action. Being compassionate and just going with the flow. Perhaps practicing a Taoist martial art like Tai Chi. There are an infinite number of possibilities. I suggest reading the books The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff. Also Scholar Warrior by Deng Ming Dao is really good.

 

[Master Vigil]

So just being is the key to Toaism?

In a sense yes. As long as the "being" is "going with the flow" like Xiao_Shu said. I agree that the taking up of a taoist martial art like Taijiquan, or Quigong, or even a zen influenced style such as Aikido, or Iaido, or a Koryu form of Kenjutsu.

 

[TurkeyOnRye]

In a sense yes. As long as the "being" is "going with the flow" like Xiao_Shu said. I agree that the taking up of a taoist martial art like Taijiquan, or Quigong, or even a zen influenced style such as Aikido, or Iaido, or a Koryu form of Kenjutsu.

I think that's a great suggestion, as getting back in touch with the body is essential to the cultivation of wisdom and clear thought, and martial arts is certainly a great way, along with moment-to-moment body meditation, present moment awareness. The trick is to not get caught in the methodology.

xkatz, I have a question for you:


What would it feel like if you didn't have a name and found out that everything you could ever experience or think of was a lie?

 

[xkatz]

xkatz, I have a question for you:

What would it feel like if you didn't have a name and found out that everything you could ever experience or think of was a lie?

I would feel devastated

In a sense yes. As long as the "being" is "going with the flow" like Xiao_Shu said. I agree that the taking up of a taoist martial art like Taijiquan, or Quigong, or even a zen influenced style such as Aikido, or Iaido, or a Koryu form of Kenjutsu.

The only problem is I don't have the time to take up martial arts. Is there any alternative?

 

[TurkeyOnRye]

I would feel devastated



The only problem is I don't have the time to take up martial arts. Is there any alternative?

You don't need anything formal. Just a few minutes a day of any particular body movement practices; stretching, massaging, dancing etc. Just feel and explore the body from the inside. This is a meditation. There is nothing anyone can tell you, except a few helpful broad-stroke suggestions, that will work for you. I personally do these practices throughout the day, and take a bit more time in the evening.

 

[Master Vigil]

I would feel devastated

You must learn to let go of everything you fear to lose.

The only problem is I don't have the time to take up martial arts. Is there any alternative?

When you're sitting, sit. When you're standing, stand. When your walking, walk.

What this means is that whatever it is that you are doing. Focus solely on that, and nothing else. Don't stress about the past, or worry about the future. When you're brushing your teeth, focus on each brush. Does that make sense?

 

[xkatz]

You must learn to let go of everything you fear to lose.

When you're sitting, sit. When you're standing, stand. When your walking, walk.

What this means is that whatever it is that you are doing. Focus solely on that, and nothing else. Don't stress about the past, or worry about the future. When you're brushing your teeth, focus on each brush. Does that make sense?

I understand. Thanks for the clarity

 

[xkatz]

I know this might sound silly: How do I know when I am ready to embrace Taoism?

 

[Herr Heinrich]

I know this might sound silly: How do I know when I am ready to embrace Taoism?

It is more about letting go and feeling the flow of the Tao, even if only for a moment. That is when you have embraced Taoism. Taoism as a philosophy is embraced when it starts to shape your way of thinking. Just take it easy and you'll know when you have embraced it.

 

[Master Vigil]

I know this might sound silly: How do I know when I am ready to embrace Taoism?

When you stop worrying about "embracing" anything. Just be.

 

[zenzero]

Friendxjatz,

I know this might sound silly: How do I know when I am ready to embrace Taoism?

Yes, its simple; the day you stop *desiring* even to know the moment of knowing itself!

Love & rgds