Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Older Voices Along the Path II

In this episode, I'll focus more on informational and instructional websites and blogs in the section "Taoist Wanderers".

The Abode of the Eternal Tao
The Abode of the Eternal Tao a home with many rooms, representing various aspects of contemporary Taoism.

About the Tao
In ancient China, the keeper of the Imperial Library, Lao Tzu, was famous for his wisdom. Perceiving the growing corruption of the government, he left for the countryside. On his way, the guard at the city gates asked Lao Tzu to write out the essence of his understanding to benefit future generations. Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching, left, and was never heard of again.

The Tao Te Ching (also called "The Tao", "The Dao" or the "Dao De Jing"), by Lao Tzu, is one of the most influential books in history. It is the source of famous Chinese sayings such as "Those who know do not speak, those who speak, do not know" and "Even a 1,000 mile journey starts with a single step".

This site includes images and quotes of Lao Tzu as well as explanations of yin & yang, and Taoist philosophy.

Alan Watts
He held a Master's Degree in Theology from Sudbury-Western Theological Seminary and an Honorary DD from the University of Vermont in recognition of his work in the field of comparative religions.

For more than forty years, Alan Watts earned a reputation as a foremost interpreter of Eastern philosophies for the West. Beginning at age sixteen, when he wrote essay for the journal of the Buddhist Lodge in London, he developed an audience of millions who were enriched through his books, tape recordings, radio, television, and public lectures. In all, Watts wrote more than twenty-five books and recorded hundreds of lectures and seminars, all building toward a personal philosophy that he shared in complete candor and joy with his readers and listeners throughout the world. His overall works have presented a model of individuality and self-expression that can be matched by few philosophers.

His life and work reflects an astonishing adventure: he was an editor, Anglican priest, graduate dean, broadcaster, author, lecturer, and entertainer. He had fascinations for archery, calligraphy, cooking, chanting, and dancing, and still was completely comfortable hiking alone in the wilderness.

Become a Taoist
From wikiHow: Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy that is becoming popular in the West for its emphasis on simplicity, naturalness, and harmony. It is sometimes classified as a religion, but unlike most religions, modern philosophical Taoism does not require any specific form of initiation.

British Taoist Association
The British Taoist Association was formed in 1996 with the aim of making Taoist traditions more accessible in the West. The founders included four British Taoist priests who were ordained in China in 1995 by Feng Xingzhao in the Leigutai Temple and who now form part of the Committee that runs the Association.

The Association is officially recognised by the Chinese Taoist Association which is based at the White Cloud Temple in Beijing.

Dao House
A compendium of links to great online Daoist (Taoist) resources.

Dao is Open
You might have stumbled upon this web site because you've heard about a book called the Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching), someone mentioned Daoism to you, you're looking for more information and resources about Dao, you're a friend of mine who wonders what I'm up to, or you were just surfing and landed here. Whatever brought you here, I hope you'll find something on these pages that will bring more Joy to your life.

The Dao Is Open website is devoted to developing a better understanding of Dao (Tao) and De (Te), as exemplified in the works of Laozi (Lao Tzu) and Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu).

Whether you call yourself a Daoist (Taoist), a Laoist, or are simply a seeker of greater appreciation for and acceptance of the Happiness inherent in this wonderful life you've been given, please browse through the pages on this web site. I'm sure you'll find something that sings to your heart.

Jade Purity
In a valley below Shadow Mountain sits an unimpressive hut. A path leads from the mountain pass along the river to this dwelling. There are no distinguishing marks about this structure other than a simple Chinese character above the main entrance; marking it as the dwelling of the timeless sage, Siji Tzu.

Within this hut are the central documents that root the philosophical system known as Daoism. These documents teach one how to live in universal harmony and how to cultivate ones highest and purest sense of their true nature (Jade Purity).

Personal Fulfillment
Learning a new way to see and communicate how we experience our lives is the path to enrichment. Our relationships take on a new dimension. We actually see and experience another human being.

We are looking for a not so new state of mind. A state promoted by the ancients through thousands of years to this present day.

It has been called many things and the path to it has appeared in many forms. Meditation, Dream Interpretation, the Empty Mind, Inner Wisdom, Self Actualization. The Path to self actualization or how to believe in and tap our inner wisdom is like a maze. The exit is always there, the twists and turns that end up nowhere, the beginning. Unlike a real maze with a beginning a middle and an exit, the Path is a Way not a destination, an unplanned journey not a fully planned vacation, an interpretation of the moment not a solution for all time.

Po Man's Tao
A Ronin Philosopher: Metaphysically Wrinkle Free Peace Counselor.

Tao Search
The tao of search and the search for tao. This blog features posts from other blogs about Taoism.

2 comments:

  1. RT, I really appreciate the work you do in bringing forward these various voices and resources. You've built a very useful list. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well, I figured somebody needed to do it. : )

    ReplyDelete

Comments are unmoderated, so you can write whatever you want.