taoism is...: November 2011

Why?

Throughout the Western world, there are many who have adopted the Eastern practice of taoism, as an alternative to Christianity.

Many are atheists. Many are emotion-driven. Many are politically-motivated. Most of these lean heavily to the left.

Thus by-passing the most fundamental tenet of taoism: It is all about Balance.

To call yourself a "taoist" carries a responsibility.

To not misrepresent an ancient "Way" to suit one's own ego, or political stance.

There being, so many, so guilty of this, is the sole reason for the existence of this site.

Claiming to be something, requires you to be what you claim to be.

Not merely to claim it.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Not Rejection.

Taoism can be reduced to its simplest premise: 'It is what it is'.
Seeing life in this way, is to see it for what it is, and nothing more, or less.
The mind may judge a thing as 'good', or as 'bad'.
Suspend the mind, and the thing becomes what it always was: what it is.
Things, events, situations, experiences: all are what they are.
The mind rejects anything it decides is 'bad', and it does this frequently.
Thus it isolates itself from life. Separate and apart.
Put the mind to bed, and life becomes a magical, mystical event, and one that can be fully lived.

Taoism is: Non-rejection of any facet of existence.
Taoism is not: Rejection of the 'uncomfortable', the 'inconvenient', the 'bad'.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Not Wisdom.

Wisdom is what you can get, when you couldn't get what you really wanted.
It isn't something that waits for you to find it.
It isn't, in fact, anything at all.
Tasteless, odorless, colorless, formless. What is it, anyway?
An accident that may befall even the most careful.
Accidents may sometimes be beneficial.
Taoism is: wisdomless.
Taoism is not: a search for wisdom.