From what I've experienced, one of the big differences between religion and philosophical Taoism involves social factors. Religion is about a community of believers. While each individual has a personal relationship with the deity, the celebration of the belief is shared by the group. The community also has its own specific rituals, creeds, interpretations of the holy writ and behavior code.
Taoism, on the other hand, is more individualistic. While Taoists certainly are not strictly antisocial, in nature, the openness to Tao is personal. There are no external rituals, creeds, interpretations of the non-holy writ or behavior codes. In essence, we each find our own path.
So, I would guess (though I have no empirical data to back this up) that, by and large, philosophical Taoists tend to be more introspective and introverted than the average religious adherent. We simply don't need a group or community to validate the information or lessons we learn through meditation or deep contemplation. Our validation is the vibrant world around us!
While our pursuit (for lack of a better word) is individualistic, this does NOT mean we don't value the concept of sharing. Learning what others have learned in their lives or viewing the path that others walk can impact each of us. It can motivate us to look at things anew or to realize something has been obstructing our vision.
This is precisely what this blog is about. I neither expect nor want for any visitor to adopt my truth as your truth. I certainly do not want any of you to look upon me as "enlightened" because I write well and a lot.
In many ways, this blog is a stream of consciousness experiment. You get the opportunity to watch me try to figure things out. Sometimes I hit the nail on its proverbial head; other times I miss by a wide margin. But I put it out there nonetheless in the hopes it spurs you. I know your very articulate and heartfelt comments spur me time and time again.
Getting in touch with Tao is like this. Sharing. Alone.
Taoism, on the other hand, is more individualistic. While Taoists certainly are not strictly antisocial, in nature, the openness to Tao is personal. There are no external rituals, creeds, interpretations of the non-holy writ or behavior codes. In essence, we each find our own path.
So, I would guess (though I have no empirical data to back this up) that, by and large, philosophical Taoists tend to be more introspective and introverted than the average religious adherent. We simply don't need a group or community to validate the information or lessons we learn through meditation or deep contemplation. Our validation is the vibrant world around us!
While our pursuit (for lack of a better word) is individualistic, this does NOT mean we don't value the concept of sharing. Learning what others have learned in their lives or viewing the path that others walk can impact each of us. It can motivate us to look at things anew or to realize something has been obstructing our vision.
This is precisely what this blog is about. I neither expect nor want for any visitor to adopt my truth as your truth. I certainly do not want any of you to look upon me as "enlightened" because I write well and a lot.
In many ways, this blog is a stream of consciousness experiment. You get the opportunity to watch me try to figure things out. Sometimes I hit the nail on its proverbial head; other times I miss by a wide margin. But I put it out there nonetheless in the hopes it spurs you. I know your very articulate and heartfelt comments spur me time and time again.
Getting in touch with Tao is like this. Sharing. Alone.
Your previous post did exactly that for me: I saw a thing I had never seen before.
ReplyDeleteThe Tao - for me - is a baseline. A reference point, like the backline in a tennis court. It shows where I serve from. Without it, I might try to serve from anywhere, with unexpected consequences.
My baseline is my starting point from which I do anything I might do.
When I am done doing it, I can return to my baseline.
My centre.
My home.
For me the Tao is more like the court, the ball, the players, the net, the spectators, the fields surrounding, etc, etc, etc....
ReplyDeleteAn ever-expanding force that begins to occupy and be a part of everything I do...
Namaste...