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[–] smokratez 1 point 0 points (+1|-1) ago 

Wake up call whities. You will all get raped and slaughtered if you don't find some balls.

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[–] middle_path [S] 1 point -1 points (+0|-1) ago 

Taoism does not mean you refuse to defend one's self.

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[–] smokratez 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

It does mean you hate white people if you are white.

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[–] ding0bait 1 point 4 points (+5|-1) ago 

I'm a zennie myself. I don't find Vajrayana Buddhism to my liking. But Buddhism is like water and the transmission the cup. This is why Taoism and Confucianism fit well within chan/zen.

Even Zen, in the Eastern cup, it a bit much for me. I much prefer my own cup-- a mix of apatheism, agnosticism, skepticism and mysticism. It's my belief if god(s) exist they are subject to the dharma or tao; that we can only save ourselves; no amount of petitioning can change us, only we can; we're self contained vessels capable of our own salvation (in as much as 'salvation' exists).

For me, Tao and Zen are largely interchangeable. I can read the Tao Te Ching or the writings of the Bodhisattva. Both contain truths. Both are marvelous works.

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[–] middle_path [S] 1 point 4 points (+5|-1) ago 

I could not agree more, well said.

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[–] Verum 1 point 4 points (+5|-1) ago  (edited ago)

Verse 8
The highest good is like water.
Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive.
It flows in places men reject and so is like the Tao.
In dwelling, be close to the land.
In meditation, go deep in the heart.
In dealing with others, be gentle and kind.
In speech, be true.
In ruling, be just.
In business, be competent.
In action, watch the timing.
No fight: No blame.

This verse is one of my favourites, I always found myself constantly striving and consequently always felt that I was less than until I attained what it was I was striving for. A never-ending goose chase. Reading and absorbing this particular verse just allowed me to be content as I was in the present moment, perfectly complete.

Though some mistake Wu Wei for inactivity and laziness as I originally did it is more like vanishing completely into a deed, which I would describe as being similar to what some call entering "the zone", like what creatives or athletes experience when their minds stop actively trying to "do" the task at hand rather become the task.

I love falling asleep to the audiobook online and I recommend this version narrated by Stephen Mitchell for anyone curious to dip their toes into Taoism.

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[–] middle_path [S] 1 point 3 points (+4|-1) ago 

Very nice. I find I have always practiced Wu Wei when I cook, especially in the restaurant. No drama, no ego, just cooking. A true do-nothing action.

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[–] Verum 1 point 1 point (+2|-1) ago 

I agree, I consider cooking therapeutic and an artform, nothing else matters and you can vanish into the cooking. 😊

[–] [deleted] 1 point 1 point (+2|-1) ago 

[Deleted]

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[–] NotToBeContrarian 1 point 2 points (+3|-1) ago 

Check out "The Tao of Pooh".

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[–] middle_path [S] 1 point 2 points (+3|-1) ago 

I felt the pull for a while, but took some time to jump into it. I'm very against organized religion, but you don't need to join a temple or anything silly. Here are a few great introduction videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFb7Hxva5rg - Lao Tzu - the "founder" of Taoism

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvZi7ZV-SWI - Wu Wei, an important part of the philosopy

Start with those to get a general understanding, and I recommend the Tao Te Ching. You can find it for free online, and there is even an app for your phone.

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[–] 4829250? 1 point 1 point (+2|-1) ago 

I certainly find some beauty in the Tao. I'm glad you're happy.

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[–] MrPim 1 point 3 points (+4|-1) ago 

I'm a philosophical Taoist. Completely agnostic. But the inner peace meditative philosophy of the Tao I find helpful.

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[–] middle_path [S] 1 point 5 points (+6|-1) ago 

inner peace is nice, but I sought understanding more than anything else. I don't want peace the way Buddhist represent it - to eschew all other things in life (like sex, rich food, human connections, etc). I want to be a part of this world and understand why people do the things they do, and why things simply are. I feel I am closer to that.

I personally don't believe anyone should make their whole identity about religion or philosophy any more than their life should be reduced to any one thing (like being a parent, or spouse). Taoism is simply the icing on my life's cake.

[–] [deleted] 1 point 2 points (+3|-1) ago 

[Deleted]

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[–] MrPim 1 point 3 points (+4|-1) ago 

I never said I eschew anything. In fact the very opposite. The Tao can give peace in the tumult of life. The Tao is the way of all things sacred and profane. And embracing it all is a part of living. The Tao can give one a center and a focus of the mind in the midst of turmoil.

And I certainly do not make it the center of my life. It's a point of view, a mind set. But a mind set which can give clear thinking about situations which can be overwhelming.

To me it's a meditative approach to living. One which can give peace and understanding. A clarity and focus. The ability to allow the world and it's people to be as they are. Indeed to allow oneself to be as I am. And where to go from here w/o being caught up in the world even though I engage all of it.

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