I often have this problem with limitation. And I've learnt you shouldn't limit the Tao, but if you say that the Tao IS NOT a personal entity, are you then not limiting it as well?
@FearThisChannel You are correct to assume Tao is beyond any and all limitations. The only limiting factors are our minds and, as the Ancient Taoist masters would often remark, language. Nevertheless, the point I was trying to make is that it is high erroneous to parallel Tao with the Sunday school concept of a personal God. Philosophical Taoism is a non-theist tradition and not atheist as many assume. (Alias TaoFAQ)
@FearThisChannel We must remember our thoughts come from words & words have evolved to describe the physical experience of sensory experience. Therefore words will always be inadequate tools for describing & understanding reality beyond sensory awareness. This is why it is often said Tao is beyond all concepts, including our most fundamental & unquestioned cultural beliefs. So, I'm not excluding anything from reality, just the concept of reality, as Tao is reality and beyond any & all concepts.
@FONEternal When you think it through, the Universe could have only come into existence by favouring creation more often than destruction. Otherwise it would have cancelled itself out and not be here. Therefore, the Universe actually favours life and everything else that is supportive of life. We call this innate intelligence "Tao". Although Tao is all things, it is more non-resistance than resisting; more creation than destructive; and more illation than suffering.
@TaoFAQ Thanks for the reply. I felt the need to ask because I am very inquisitive about things. I had been wondering, "why would the universe prefer anything over anything else when nothing has meaning?" But I suppose preference doesn't require meaning as a base. Great video nonetheless.
@FONEternal The Ancient Chinese Taoists saw the Universe as beautiful, yet absolutely purposeless. This flies in the face of Westerners, who developed the philosophy that the Universe has a very serious purpose. But it helps to see the Universe as sincere rather than serious. In the same way it is much better to be loved sincerely than seriously; it is also better to live sincerely in a Universe without meaning. For more on this, checkout the Youtube video: Alan Watts - Who Guards the Guards.
it is the force we dont see but know exists it is why things are right, it is how the things we take for granted exist in unseen harmony, it is a constant force which see but yet we can understand it. like a child can understand all the knowledge that is before him or her but not know it all. it is there, we can tell its there, it has always existed we just dont know it all.. and can only hope to try to.
@RaptorWizard In regards to afterlives, you will find you answer in this verse from the Ancient Taoist sage Chuang Tzu.
"Tzu Li went to see Tzu who was dying. Leaning against the door, he said, 'Great is Tao! What will it make of u now? Will it make u into a rats liver? Will it make you into an insect's leg?'
@RaptorWizard Continued....."The universe gave me my body so I may be carried, my life so I may work, my old age so I may repose, and my death so I may rest. To regard life as good is the way to regard death as good. . . . If I regard the universe as a great furnace and creation as a master foundryman, why should anywhere I go not be all right?" Chuang Tzu.
@RaptorWizard Yin-Yang is rather the journey, not the final destination that is Nirvana (Acceptance). Yin-Yang may be better understood by this verse from the Tao Te Ching. "When the world knows beauty as beauty, ugliness arises. When it knows good as good, evil arises. Thus being and non-being produce each other. Difficult and easy bring about each other. Therefore the virtuous person: creates but does not possess; acts but does not presume; succeeds but does not dwell on success."
By taking medication, or curing the sick and unhealthy, is that going against Tao. Because we are not letting nature take its course? Because its no longer survival of the fittest? People that were suppose to die are living, and overpopulation occurs? Am I right? I'm new to Tao. I'm trying to understand it before I reed The Tao of Pooh.
@AnnaahhhBaybee Following Tao doesn't mean being a passive observer to the suffering of others. It is in our nature to find equable solutions to the suffering of all beings. Surprisingly most of the solutions already exist, but aren't applied for political reasons. i.e. There is enough food to feed everyone in the world, but profits can't be made from people who don't have any money. However, we can all help in a very small way always showing Compassion, Moderation and Humility.
I'm a 16 year old studying Taoism, and I was wondering something... The forces of nature on this planet are quickly dying by the hand of humans. Taoism teaches to go with the flow, so to speak... Do I accept this change and go with it, or do all there is possible to save nature? I am confused...
@MusicAmidstTheTrees "A little bird poured a mouthful of water on the forest fire. This may not put down the fire, she said, but I like to be counted among those who tried to help”. It's in our nature to help preserve our planet and ease suffering. However, we must also recognise the futility of acting alone. The very best we can hope for is a global transformation, where our species raises to a much higher level of consciousness. Fortunately, everyday there are signs this is already happening.
@MusicAmidstTheTrees only life is important at this point we must help awaken as many as can be woken. be 4 man has killed off the last tree. i under stand how you see things going with what is or allowing does that mean we do nothing & doing nothing is how suffering goes on. doesn't budda say to end suffering? the whole meaning of Buddhism & the tao is to end the suffering of mans life & also all suffering for all life.
@TaoFAQ Thanks for the help, but I'm not so sure that step 3 would work too well considering most christians would say "He'd show you the error of your ways".
@Mystrymeat If this is the case, they are confusing the great compassion of Jesus with Church autocracy - which is more about force & control. For Christ never forced his views onto anyone, choosing instead to lead by his example of turning the other cheek. Please watch my video called "Alan Watts - The Problem of Life". In the first half of this video he explains the problems and the Zen solution of getting people to see beyond their uncompromising ego. Compassion, Moderation & Humility always.
How are those following the tao to feel about the beliefs of others? I understand that one of the most basic principles of this world are to accept the ways of others while accepting first our own, but what is a taoist to say or do when questioned by those following religions claiming to know what is not known? I hope you will respond, for I'm a bit troubled by this concept. Learning to live in harmony with those which do not comprehend paths other than their own is difficult.
1. Rather than focus on differences, look for similarities. All religions teach compassion for others, so this is the best place to begin.
2. Never allow the discussion to descend into a battle of egos. Always focus on what is best for the planet and future generations.
3. Ego is easy to spot when logic is confused with fear, as this is ego's biggest motivator. When encountering a militant attitude, if a Christian simply ask "Is this what Jesus would do?"
@Mystrymeat unconscious people are some of the hardest to get to in this world. i watch as my family feed unhealthy food to unhealthy children & just say all kids just eat shit so its ok. the best we can do is offer help & try to tell them they are hurting them self's or others but in all humans seem to only understand fire when they get burned. you know you hit rock bottom when you are looking for help from the 1s that told you this B4 it happened. excepting others is excepting there past(hard)
Nature cannot be resisted, nor can it be controlled? If your emotions are one with nature than everything yo do is by default an act of nature, it is not that nature controls you it doesn't nature is just the name given to all the process that happen, a person is instantly born a part of nature or dare I say a person grows in the womb as part of nature. Trying to not be part of nature would be like a circle trying to not have infinite lines of symmetry. and it all is and is created by Tao.
@xXZeroClaymoreXx Thank you. I watched Avatar for the first time last night and heard this line, "Our Great Mother does not take sides. She protects only the balance of life". This is proof that the world is becoming increasing aware of Tao, even if it's under a different name.
@TaoFAQ Maybe. But I dont see Tao entering normal Western Culture at a fast rate. Only time I ever hear about anything Tao here in America is from the Michael Teachings. I dont know anyone who believes in Taoism. Its most likely going to stay in Asia. Christan beliefs are to strong in the Western Culture.
@xXZeroClaymoreXx You would be very surprised my friend. "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life - The Wisdom of the Tao" by Wayne Dyer topped the New York Times best seller list last year.
Taoism is considered rather ordinary in Asia, mostly because we have been so good at selling them our ideology of self-centredness & materialism.
Whereas in the West Taoism is considered something new, interesting & very refreshing. Especially when compared to Western religions.
@xXZeroClaymoreXx It is very important not to confuse Philosophical Taoism with Religious Taoism. In the words of Alan Watts, "Religious & Philosophical Taoism are only similar in name."
I'm sure you have only heard the word "Immortality" in Religious Taoism. The Philosophical Taoists never claimed any knowledge of what occurs after death, other than the recycling of the elements.
Unfortunately any description of Taoism oftens appears contradictory. This not just a failing on my behalf, but also because language is an inadequate tool to explain concepts beyond everyday sensory experience. This is why it is said in Zen, "One must look at the moon and not the finger (the words) pointing to the moon (meaning)."
You are correct of cause, however I phrased it this way so it was clear Tao wasnt simply a substitute for the common concept of God.
Taoists are free to believe what ever they wish my friend. Nevertheless the following is a generalisation.
Taoist don't usually believe in a personal authoritarian kinglike God that oversees and directs all things as is usually taught in the synagogues, mosques and churches.
To avoid any confusion, Taoists are more likely to avoid using the word altogether, but if they did God would mean something magnificent and impersonal, such as the Ground force of all being.
Most Taoist would see Jesus as a great mystic and teacher; we call a sage. We recognise the existence of many great sages thoughout history, such as Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu, Buddha and Albert Einstein.
There is a contradiction in what this man says. He says all is one, but then says man has the ability to resist the course of nature. This is illogical, because if all is one, resisting the course of nature must be part of the One, and if resisting is part of the One, there is no resistance. If I am making a mistake, I would like to learn my error. Thank you.
If a river is a metaphor for life, we are all in the same river and have the opportunity to either flow with the current or swim against it.
Most of us believe things can be improved by struggling against the current, while others simply relax and allow themselves to be willingly swept along.
Nevertheless we are all in the same river; its just that some of us know it and so we are in a much better position to very subtly direct where the river takes us.
I often have this problem with limitation. And I've learnt you shouldn't limit the Tao, but if you say that the Tao IS NOT a personal entity, are you then not limiting it as well?
FearThisChannel 2 months ago
@FearThisChannel You are correct to assume Tao is beyond any and all limitations. The only limiting factors are our minds and, as the Ancient Taoist masters would often remark, language. Nevertheless, the point I was trying to make is that it is high erroneous to parallel Tao with the Sunday school concept of a personal God. Philosophical Taoism is a non-theist tradition and not atheist as many assume. (Alias TaoFAQ)
yinyangnature 2 months ago
@yinyangnature I still don't understand your point. Sorry. How could you still speak of an unlimited Tao when you exclude something?
FearThisChannel 2 months ago
@FearThisChannel We must remember our thoughts come from words & words have evolved to describe the physical experience of sensory experience. Therefore words will always be inadequate tools for describing & understanding reality beyond sensory awareness. This is why it is often said Tao is beyond all concepts, including our most fundamental & unquestioned cultural beliefs. So, I'm not excluding anything from reality, just the concept of reality, as Tao is reality and beyond any & all concepts.
yinyangnature 2 months ago
@yinyangnature Plus: words are simply not useable to describe an unlimited reality, since words are defining.
Thank you very much for your answer.
FearThisChannel 2 months ago
Is not the resisting, destruction, and suffering of mankind a manifestation of the Tao?
FONEternal 8 months ago
@FONEternal When you think it through, the Universe could have only come into existence by favouring creation more often than destruction. Otherwise it would have cancelled itself out and not be here. Therefore, the Universe actually favours life and everything else that is supportive of life. We call this innate intelligence "Tao". Although Tao is all things, it is more non-resistance than resisting; more creation than destructive; and more illation than suffering.
TaoFAQ 8 months ago
@TaoFAQ Thanks for the reply. I felt the need to ask because I am very inquisitive about things. I had been wondering, "why would the universe prefer anything over anything else when nothing has meaning?" But I suppose preference doesn't require meaning as a base. Great video nonetheless.
FONEternal 8 months ago
@FONEternal The Ancient Chinese Taoists saw the Universe as beautiful, yet absolutely purposeless. This flies in the face of Westerners, who developed the philosophy that the Universe has a very serious purpose. But it helps to see the Universe as sincere rather than serious. In the same way it is much better to be loved sincerely than seriously; it is also better to live sincerely in a Universe without meaning. For more on this, checkout the Youtube video: Alan Watts - Who Guards the Guards.
yinyangnature 8 months ago
I absolutely love the teachings of Tao, I'm so happy I came across this channel and hoping to find out more about Spiritual Taoism :)
LoveTheVoiceWithin 8 months ago
@LoveTheVoiceWithin Thank you! I hope your journey is a very enjoyable one.
TaoFAQ 8 months ago 2
it is the force we dont see but know exists it is why things are right, it is how the things we take for granted exist in unseen harmony, it is a constant force which see but yet we can understand it. like a child can understand all the knowledge that is before him or her but not know it all. it is there, we can tell its there, it has always existed we just dont know it all.. and can only hope to try to.
sether255 9 months ago
@sether255 Indeed. Tao is to us like water is to a fish or the air is to a bird on the wing.
TaoFAQ 9 months ago
Do taoists believe in afterlives or reincarnation, and is the yin yang unity analogous to nirvana?
RaptorWizard 10 months ago
@RaptorWizard In regards to afterlives, you will find you answer in this verse from the Ancient Taoist sage Chuang Tzu.
"Tzu Li went to see Tzu who was dying. Leaning against the door, he said, 'Great is Tao! What will it make of u now? Will it make u into a rats liver? Will it make you into an insect's leg?'
Continued....
TaoFAQ 10 months ago
@RaptorWizard Continued....."The universe gave me my body so I may be carried, my life so I may work, my old age so I may repose, and my death so I may rest. To regard life as good is the way to regard death as good. . . . If I regard the universe as a great furnace and creation as a master foundryman, why should anywhere I go not be all right?" Chuang Tzu.
TaoFAQ 10 months ago
@RaptorWizard Yin-Yang is rather the journey, not the final destination that is Nirvana (Acceptance). Yin-Yang may be better understood by this verse from the Tao Te Ching. "When the world knows beauty as beauty, ugliness arises. When it knows good as good, evil arises. Thus being and non-being produce each other. Difficult and easy bring about each other. Therefore the virtuous person: creates but does not possess; acts but does not presume; succeeds but does not dwell on success."
TaoFAQ 10 months ago
By taking medication, or curing the sick and unhealthy, is that going against Tao. Because we are not letting nature take its course? Because its no longer survival of the fittest? People that were suppose to die are living, and overpopulation occurs? Am I right? I'm new to Tao. I'm trying to understand it before I reed The Tao of Pooh.
AnnaahhhBaybee 11 months ago
@AnnaahhhBaybee Following Tao doesn't mean being a passive observer to the suffering of others. It is in our nature to find equable solutions to the suffering of all beings. Surprisingly most of the solutions already exist, but aren't applied for political reasons. i.e. There is enough food to feed everyone in the world, but profits can't be made from people who don't have any money. However, we can all help in a very small way always showing Compassion, Moderation and Humility.
yinyangnature 11 months ago
@yinyangnature Thank youu
AnnaahhhBaybee 11 months ago
I'm a 16 year old studying Taoism, and I was wondering something... The forces of nature on this planet are quickly dying by the hand of humans. Taoism teaches to go with the flow, so to speak... Do I accept this change and go with it, or do all there is possible to save nature? I am confused...
MusicAmidstTheTrees 11 months ago
@MusicAmidstTheTrees "A little bird poured a mouthful of water on the forest fire. This may not put down the fire, she said, but I like to be counted among those who tried to help”. It's in our nature to help preserve our planet and ease suffering. However, we must also recognise the futility of acting alone. The very best we can hope for is a global transformation, where our species raises to a much higher level of consciousness. Fortunately, everyday there are signs this is already happening.
TaoFAQ 11 months ago
@MusicAmidstTheTrees only life is important at this point we must help awaken as many as can be woken. be 4 man has killed off the last tree. i under stand how you see things going with what is or allowing does that mean we do nothing & doing nothing is how suffering goes on. doesn't budda say to end suffering? the whole meaning of Buddhism & the tao is to end the suffering of mans life & also all suffering for all life.
vishesfishes 11 months ago
@TaoFAQ Thanks for listening and providing advice. I'm sure the video will be very helpful. You have much wisdom.
Mystrymeat 1 year ago
@TaoFAQ Thanks for the help, but I'm not so sure that step 3 would work too well considering most christians would say "He'd show you the error of your ways".
Mystrymeat 1 year ago
@Mystrymeat If this is the case, they are confusing the great compassion of Jesus with Church autocracy - which is more about force & control. For Christ never forced his views onto anyone, choosing instead to lead by his example of turning the other cheek. Please watch my video called "Alan Watts - The Problem of Life". In the first half of this video he explains the problems and the Zen solution of getting people to see beyond their uncompromising ego. Compassion, Moderation & Humility always.
TaoFAQ 1 year ago
How are those following the tao to feel about the beliefs of others? I understand that one of the most basic principles of this world are to accept the ways of others while accepting first our own, but what is a taoist to say or do when questioned by those following religions claiming to know what is not known? I hope you will respond, for I'm a bit troubled by this concept. Learning to live in harmony with those which do not comprehend paths other than their own is difficult.
Mystrymeat 1 year ago
@Mystrymeat
1. Rather than focus on differences, look for similarities. All religions teach compassion for others, so this is the best place to begin.
2. Never allow the discussion to descend into a battle of egos. Always focus on what is best for the planet and future generations.
3. Ego is easy to spot when logic is confused with fear, as this is ego's biggest motivator. When encountering a militant attitude, if a Christian simply ask "Is this what Jesus would do?"
I hope this helps!
TaoFAQ 1 year ago
@Mystrymeat unconscious people are some of the hardest to get to in this world. i watch as my family feed unhealthy food to unhealthy children & just say all kids just eat shit so its ok. the best we can do is offer help & try to tell them they are hurting them self's or others but in all humans seem to only understand fire when they get burned. you know you hit rock bottom when you are looking for help from the 1s that told you this B4 it happened. excepting others is excepting there past(hard)
vishesfishes 11 months ago
Nature cannot be resisted, nor can it be controlled? If your emotions are one with nature than everything yo do is by default an act of nature, it is not that nature controls you it doesn't nature is just the name given to all the process that happen, a person is instantly born a part of nature or dare I say a person grows in the womb as part of nature. Trying to not be part of nature would be like a circle trying to not have infinite lines of symmetry. and it all is and is created by Tao.
jewlzorjay 1 year ago
@jewlzorjay Extremely well stated my friend!
"When two thieves meet they need no introduction. When two men of Tao meet they recognize each other instantly." Tao Wisdom
TaoFAQ 1 year ago
Very intresting, Taoism has been on my list of things to study. It makes a lot of sense compared to other belifes and theroys.
xXZeroClaymoreXx 1 year ago
@xXZeroClaymoreXx Thank you. I watched Avatar for the first time last night and heard this line, "Our Great Mother does not take sides. She protects only the balance of life". This is proof that the world is becoming increasing aware of Tao, even if it's under a different name.
TaoFAQ 1 year ago 2
@TaoFAQ Maybe. But I dont see Tao entering normal Western Culture at a fast rate. Only time I ever hear about anything Tao here in America is from the Michael Teachings. I dont know anyone who believes in Taoism. Its most likely going to stay in Asia. Christan beliefs are to strong in the Western Culture.
xXZeroClaymoreXx 1 year ago
@xXZeroClaymoreXx You would be very surprised my friend. "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life - The Wisdom of the Tao" by Wayne Dyer topped the New York Times best seller list last year.
Taoism is considered rather ordinary in Asia, mostly because we have been so good at selling them our ideology of self-centredness & materialism.
Whereas in the West Taoism is considered something new, interesting & very refreshing. Especially when compared to Western religions.
TaoFAQ 1 year ago
@TaoFAQ Whats up with the Tao and the Immortality thing? Right when I heard about stages of it I started to feel that this is a waste of time >.>
xXZeroClaymoreXx 1 year ago
@xXZeroClaymoreXx It is very important not to confuse Philosophical Taoism with Religious Taoism. In the words of Alan Watts, "Religious & Philosophical Taoism are only similar in name."
I'm sure you have only heard the word "Immortality" in Religious Taoism. The Philosophical Taoists never claimed any knowledge of what occurs after death, other than the recycling of the elements.
TaoFAQ 1 year ago
@TaoFAQ ah well that sounds a bit better. I will keep lookin into all this ^_^ On a quest for knowledge.
xXZeroClaymoreXx 1 year ago
@xXZeroClaymoreXx I wish you all the best walking the Path.
TaoFAQ 1 year ago
You say that Tao isn't an entity or object - but isn't Tao both emptiness/ formlessness and objects? Isn't it everything?
Both negative and positive. Form and formless. Stagnant and flowing.
What are your views on this?
Your thoughts always interest me.
I watch your videos a lot.
I like your voice too. :-)
TurquoiseLamp 1 year ago
Unfortunately any description of Taoism oftens appears contradictory. This not just a failing on my behalf, but also because language is an inadequate tool to explain concepts beyond everyday sensory experience. This is why it is said in Zen, "One must look at the moon and not the finger (the words) pointing to the moon (meaning)."
You are correct of cause, however I phrased it this way so it was clear Tao wasnt simply a substitute for the common concept of God.
TaoFAQ 1 year ago
In fact Tao contains and is all things, both negative and positive; form and formless; and beyond all words and concepts.
Thank you for your very kind words!
TaoFAQ 1 year ago
do taos beleive in god and jesus or what? plz tell me
tratdall 1 year ago
Taoists are free to believe what ever they wish my friend. Nevertheless the following is a generalisation.
Taoist don't usually believe in a personal authoritarian kinglike God that oversees and directs all things as is usually taught in the synagogues, mosques and churches.
To avoid any confusion, Taoists are more likely to avoid using the word altogether, but if they did God would mean something magnificent and impersonal, such as the Ground force of all being.
TaoFAQ 1 year ago
Most Taoist would see Jesus as a great mystic and teacher; we call a sage. We recognise the existence of many great sages thoughout history, such as Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu, Buddha and Albert Einstein.
I hope this answers your question.
TaoFAQ 1 year ago
There is a contradiction in what this man says. He says all is one, but then says man has the ability to resist the course of nature. This is illogical, because if all is one, resisting the course of nature must be part of the One, and if resisting is part of the One, there is no resistance. If I am making a mistake, I would like to learn my error. Thank you.
BEGOODTOYOURDOG1 1 year ago
If a river is a metaphor for life, we are all in the same river and have the opportunity to either flow with the current or swim against it.
Most of us believe things can be improved by struggling against the current, while others simply relax and allow themselves to be willingly swept along.
Nevertheless we are all in the same river; its just that some of us know it and so we are in a much better position to very subtly direct where the river takes us.
TaoFAQ 1 year ago
thank you!
herbgardner00 2 years ago
You are very welcome my friend!!!
TaoFAQ 2 years ago
love it! :-)
I see you put a lot of time, care and thought into your videos.
Beautiful words, beautiful pictures. Always a pleasure to listen and watch these gems.
I'm already looking forward to the next one! :-)
Thank you!
TurquoiseLamp 2 years ago
Thank you! Actually a very special someone helped me with this presentation, so maybe this has been reflected in this video?
TaoFAQ 2 years ago
Thank-you - clear as crystal =)
beardfreak1969 2 years ago
Thank you so much for your wonderful support!!!
TaoFAQ 2 years ago
A pleasure - putting out concise and clear information is an art-form within itself.
I enjoy your work so far & hope you continue.
beardfreak1969 2 years ago