[–] ninjajunkie 1 point 4 points 5 points (+5|-1) ago
Good on you. Finding anything that can help you as a person will lead to a more satisfied and fulfilled life. Best wishes on your journey.
[–] middle_path [S] 1 point 5 points 6 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.
[–] MrPim 1 point 3 points 4 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.
[–] [deleted] 1 point 1 point 2 points (+2|-1) ago
[–] middle_path [S] 1 point 2 points 3 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.
[–] Verum 1 point 4 points 5 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.
[–] middle_path [S] 1 point 3 points 4 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.
[–] Arotaes_Forgehammer 1 point 2 points 3 points (+3|-1) ago
I was going to say "Namaste, bitch" but then I remembered that Taoism ain't Buddhism.
[–] middle_path [S] 1 point 9 points 10 points (+10|-1) ago
....actually it's Hindu.
[–] Arotaes_Forgehammer 1 point 2 points 3 points (+3|-1) ago
Damn, I've been bamboozled again!