taoism

RE: taoism

Off-hand I don't recall anywhere that goes deeply into Taoism as a religion on this forum, P.

But hopefully these will help:

http://www.spiritual-paths.com/

http://www.beliefnet.com/index/index_10037.html

http://www.beliefnet.com/index/index_20147.html

P.S. The reason it isn't among "the Big Six" world religions as considered today, or taught in English schools, is posited only to be becuase (1) Taoist Masters tend not to "come out into the world" to teach and get followers as do those of other faiths, being not evangelical, and also (2) Taoist Masters or their training of succesors suffered a lot during the worst years of communist China. So to what extent it is a 'living' tradition is moot compared to the other main religions.

I find the books of John Blofield useful.

V

RE: taoism

Thank you for the links, Venetian
From what I understand, it is about just being and coming into the understanding of that being, in your own time, and that it isnt a religeon as such. I used to think tao and buddhism were the same, just different names (oops)
I have read some of the Urban Warrior books, by the Barefoot Doctor - interesting
Penelope[sm=bouncy.gif]

RE: taoism

My understanding is largely so, but the 'path' of being an active Taoist was also to do with the quest for immortality. Experts differ on whether this was the search for a physical elixir, or a spiritual method of living longer e.g. 150-200 years, or whether it was concerning the transformation of the body into a spiritual form (Ascension in New Age terms). It was probably a combination of all three, and quite similar to the way some Hindu yogis use prana. Chi=prana, more-or-less.

In Taoism there's also in the literature a thread along the lines of tantric sex, but once more this was probably often code for how to manipulate the pranic / chi energies within oneself, and not really concerning sexuality.

I have to confess I find the Taoist philosophy a bit tough for my personality. Don't do too much, don't do too little, and the middle way. I'd say that at times there is a need to strive and to exert oneself on the Path.

Blofield has given examples of how incredibly hard it is to accurately translate Taoist literature, so it is hard to fathom. A literal translation of texts is incredibly complex and cumbersome, filed with symbols and codes; so people usually do a 'liberal' translation in which 95% of the meaning is lost. So to 'get' Taoism from books is probably almost impossible - it would be necessary to find a Taoist Master who was authentic IMHO.

Venetian

RE: taoism

Hi Penelope,
The little I understand of taoism is that as such it is not a religion and that it can be integrated in to an individuals way of life to whatever degree you choose or allow it to support your development.
I know many who apply this in their daily lives and they are christian,buddhist, hindu and sikh or nothing at all.
There are many misconceptions especially about the sexual aspect of the tantric side and many people focus on this without understanding the great responsibility when developing one self and others.
TOO many secrets etc are misunderstood about taoism and its practise this one fault of taoist masters in the past.
Though there are good reasons for having a responsible teacher when working with such powerful energies that are the source of life itself.
In saying that you can have a lot of fun , but taking time to learn about it and read and meet others is essential as anything can be misused by those people who are really what they say they are.
The basis is wisdom and compassion for oneself and for all beings.
There is the fire way and the water way .
Many different aspects of spiritual development will be focussed on as you integrate this in to your life even if it is just knowing yourself a little more or being able to smile at another.
A useful link is
www.healingtao.co.uk with Mantak Chia an example of a christian taoist master or look at Bruce Davis who works with the water aspect of taoism and associated practises .THere are some good books but just going to a good qi gong master and meeting people who you can trust or recommend for simple teachings is important.
This is I hope of some benefit to you and if it is waffling ,take what you need and reject the rest as my taoist master says if it does not work throw it out.
tsegyal