Over the next few days or weeks (or who knows?), I will discuss my understanding and insights in relation to various verses within the Tao Te Ching. I like this small volume because, each time I read it, it leads me to contemplation.
I don't read the Tao Te Ching like many religious adherents read their sacred texts. I pick up the volume only when the spirit moves me. Sometimes this is daily. More often, it's every now and then. And I don't read it expecting answers; I read it to help formulate the questions.
As I've written in this space before, I want to start off with a word of extreme caution. If you are new to the study of Taoism, do not expect to find the definitive answers here. For one thing, there are no definitive answers! Tao is something we must each find on our own in our own time. For another, I get different insights out of the verses at different times. Sometimes they are merely variations on the same theme. At other times, my insights may be altogether different.
One of the great beauties of blogging is that it's interactive -- a conversation in the virtual ether. People from all walks of life and situations can share and discuss ideas. It is my sincerest hope that in reading my posts about the various ideas of Taoism it will spur you to contemplate the Tao as well and to share YOUR insights in the comments section.
Different voices only enrich the colorful tapestry of Tao. It's not an issue of who is right versus who is wrong. No, the issue is what you glean from your experiences on your path and how this may help others as they traverse their own paths.
I should note that my perspectives are colored by the fact I have Asperger's Syndrome (AS), a high functioning form of autism. Folks with AS are neurologically-wired different than neurotypicals, so we naturally view the world around us differently. This fact alone may impact my writings here -- then again, it may not. ;-)
Finally, please make note of the long list of links to other websites and blogs that deal with Taoism (as well as the Fellow Wanderers). Each week I search the web for more links to add. While I hope your time at TRT is well spent, I encourage you to seek out other perspectives and insights.
I don't read the Tao Te Ching like many religious adherents read their sacred texts. I pick up the volume only when the spirit moves me. Sometimes this is daily. More often, it's every now and then. And I don't read it expecting answers; I read it to help formulate the questions.
As I've written in this space before, I want to start off with a word of extreme caution. If you are new to the study of Taoism, do not expect to find the definitive answers here. For one thing, there are no definitive answers! Tao is something we must each find on our own in our own time. For another, I get different insights out of the verses at different times. Sometimes they are merely variations on the same theme. At other times, my insights may be altogether different.
One of the great beauties of blogging is that it's interactive -- a conversation in the virtual ether. People from all walks of life and situations can share and discuss ideas. It is my sincerest hope that in reading my posts about the various ideas of Taoism it will spur you to contemplate the Tao as well and to share YOUR insights in the comments section.
Different voices only enrich the colorful tapestry of Tao. It's not an issue of who is right versus who is wrong. No, the issue is what you glean from your experiences on your path and how this may help others as they traverse their own paths.
I should note that my perspectives are colored by the fact I have Asperger's Syndrome (AS), a high functioning form of autism. Folks with AS are neurologically-wired different than neurotypicals, so we naturally view the world around us differently. This fact alone may impact my writings here -- then again, it may not. ;-)
Finally, please make note of the long list of links to other websites and blogs that deal with Taoism (as well as the Fellow Wanderers). Each week I search the web for more links to add. While I hope your time at TRT is well spent, I encourage you to seek out other perspectives and insights.
And away we go...
Sounds like fun, RT. I'm looking forward to the journey. :)
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