In order for people to distinguish one thing from another, we have created labels. A label, as in a specific product or commodity, details the various aspects of it. The labels that we utilize in everyday conversation represent a kind of shorthand; a way to sum up many attributes in a solitary word or phrase.
The labels on food products inform us of all the various ingredients that the item contains. For example, a can of soup might be made up of carrots, tomatoes, green beans, chicken stock, potatoes, peas, celery, a bunch of spices and some items that few people can pronounce! The label will also list the amount of fat, carbs, protein, fiber, sodium, cholesterol, and the percentage of certain vitamins.
In religious terms, the word Christian denotes a follower of Jesus Christ. Muslim means one who surrenders to Allah. A Buddhist is an individual who follows the teachings of the Buddha. And a Pagan connotes an adherent of a polytheistic belief system.
When a person describes themselves or someone else as a Democrat or Republican -- at least in the US -- they are indicating whether they fall on the left or the right of the mythic center line of politics. In this same vein, an optimist or a pessimist denotes whether someone falls to the left or right of the midpoint of their expectations of the future.
But what exactly is a Taoist? What does that mean?
If we will remember from the writings of Lao Tzu, Tao is a made up word. It is the shorthand version for the mysterious unknown essence of life itself. Tao doesn't represent a he, she, object or an it. Tao means everything and nothing. So, if we're going to be completely honest, the label Taoist doesn't really mean anything in particular.
In fact, depending on whether a person embraces everything in the nothingness or nothing in the everything, the word Taoist could simply mean all people (everyone) or no one at all. It ends up being a label of a non-label.
Since this blog is entitled The Rambling Taoists, all it truly signifies is two gents who wander aimlessly in the mysterious unknown essence within the void of nothingness.
Try saying that three times real fast!
The labels on food products inform us of all the various ingredients that the item contains. For example, a can of soup might be made up of carrots, tomatoes, green beans, chicken stock, potatoes, peas, celery, a bunch of spices and some items that few people can pronounce! The label will also list the amount of fat, carbs, protein, fiber, sodium, cholesterol, and the percentage of certain vitamins.
In religious terms, the word Christian denotes a follower of Jesus Christ. Muslim means one who surrenders to Allah. A Buddhist is an individual who follows the teachings of the Buddha. And a Pagan connotes an adherent of a polytheistic belief system.
When a person describes themselves or someone else as a Democrat or Republican -- at least in the US -- they are indicating whether they fall on the left or the right of the mythic center line of politics. In this same vein, an optimist or a pessimist denotes whether someone falls to the left or right of the midpoint of their expectations of the future.
But what exactly is a Taoist? What does that mean?
If we will remember from the writings of Lao Tzu, Tao is a made up word. It is the shorthand version for the mysterious unknown essence of life itself. Tao doesn't represent a he, she, object or an it. Tao means everything and nothing. So, if we're going to be completely honest, the label Taoist doesn't really mean anything in particular.
In fact, depending on whether a person embraces everything in the nothingness or nothing in the everything, the word Taoist could simply mean all people (everyone) or no one at all. It ends up being a label of a non-label.
Since this blog is entitled The Rambling Taoists, all it truly signifies is two gents who wander aimlessly in the mysterious unknown essence within the void of nothingness.
Try saying that three times real fast!
Was in bookstore tonight. Found one book that said "A Taoist believes..." "A Taoist does..." "A Taoist always..."and so on. Although some things were accurate, others I do not believe so. Taoism to me is an art and not a science. A mix of free verse and coloring outside the lines. Most annoying when someone tells me I have to do this or that to be considered this or that, when in truth no rules apply, only guidelines.
ReplyDeletei love the label of non-label. :) i am just learning currently, that all labels are not to be shunned, but i still have a natural aversion to them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the explanation about Tao. I have a lot to learn about this.
ReplyDelete