A lot of people first come to this blog as the result of a search of some form of the word, Taoism. If you know little or nothing about this ancient philosophical system, then I have a word of caution for you.
This blog is authored by a devotee of classical (philosophical) Taoism. While I discuss a myriad of topics here, my understanding of Taoism permeates almost everything I write. However, while you may glean some information about Taoism here, my word is NOT the final word. You must experience Tao for yourself.
Unlike religion or other ideological practices, there is no definitive authority of Tao. Throughout the ages there have been Taoist sages (people of wisdom), but they offer nothing more than their take on the world around them. In other words, while you may gain insight or find inspiration in their works, they offer nothing definitive either!
As indicated above, the only way any of us can tap into Tao is to experience it ourselves. How you experience it is unique to you and you alone. What you do with this knowledge is unique to you and you alone. How you share your understanding of Tao with others is unique to you and you alone.
I can't tell you which path to take to Tao any more than you can tell me. All I can offer you are insights and observations that may or may not spark something within you. By the same token, if you leave a comment here or contact me via email, all you can offer me are insights and observations that may or may not spark something within me.
While discussion is not a bad thing -- in many instances, it can be very beneficial -- discussion alone will not teach you about Taoism. Reading the works of Taoist sages or books about Taoism can be of help, but this alone will not teach you about Taoism. None of these external things will make Tao more accessible to you.
We each must find Tao on our own.
This blog is authored by a devotee of classical (philosophical) Taoism. While I discuss a myriad of topics here, my understanding of Taoism permeates almost everything I write. However, while you may glean some information about Taoism here, my word is NOT the final word. You must experience Tao for yourself.
Unlike religion or other ideological practices, there is no definitive authority of Tao. Throughout the ages there have been Taoist sages (people of wisdom), but they offer nothing more than their take on the world around them. In other words, while you may gain insight or find inspiration in their works, they offer nothing definitive either!
As indicated above, the only way any of us can tap into Tao is to experience it ourselves. How you experience it is unique to you and you alone. What you do with this knowledge is unique to you and you alone. How you share your understanding of Tao with others is unique to you and you alone.
I can't tell you which path to take to Tao any more than you can tell me. All I can offer you are insights and observations that may or may not spark something within you. By the same token, if you leave a comment here or contact me via email, all you can offer me are insights and observations that may or may not spark something within me.
While discussion is not a bad thing -- in many instances, it can be very beneficial -- discussion alone will not teach you about Taoism. Reading the works of Taoist sages or books about Taoism can be of help, but this alone will not teach you about Taoism. None of these external things will make Tao more accessible to you.
We each must find Tao on our own.
Tao is not something we go out and find. Finding Tao in our life is Tao finding itself. All is Tao, all is found.
ReplyDeleteWhat we can find is that part of our self that is not in keeping with Tao. If we like, we can allow our self to change and bring our full self back to the path.
These words interfere with our oneness with Tao. Tao is in the quietness of the mind.
If you don't know where something is you must find it, whether externally or internally. I agree that Tao is all, but if a person doesn't initially recognize that, then, when they do, it's tantamount to finding something once lost.
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