Iyoiyo

well, I'm 5k: gamer tag Tayfax if anybody wants to play

It occurred to me that musicians, when they are really playing, are doing without doing. They do not play the next note out of desire. They only play it because that's what they're going to do. Another part is with the crowd, they may mean to go to a concert-- but once they're there they don't mean to catch themselves up and enjoy themselves. They are acting without doing, which is pretty amazing. Ssomebody who performs with their whole existence in the say way the musician does for the span of a concert-- I suppose we call that "in touch with the Tao."

I think the answer is no. However, I do think a psychologist might diagnose somebody "enlightened" with any number of mental disorders. I would say that the only difference between disorder and "enlightenment" is that they're different things. Do you see what I mean? They may exhibit similar appearances, but they are fundamentally different.

I'll tell you the simplest meditation I know. I came to it by myself, so it doesn't really have a name. But, for all I know it has been around for a long time and I just never knew. Anyways, getting on with the idea. We'll call it "eyes open meditation" for now. Often beginners in meditation are instructed to simply close their eyes, relax in such and such an order, and think of absolutely nothing. This can be very difficult in the beginning, I think the "eyes open" way is easier. Now for the principles behind it. The goal of centering on "emptiness" is not really to center on emptiness, the goal is a still mind. For this purpose "one thing" will do just as well as "emptiness." Centering on any other one thing will produce the same stillness of mind. The thing is, keeping their eyes closed and relaxed at the same time is difficult for many beginners. So is finding emptiness." Isn't it often the case that we end up trying to see emptiness with our eyes? There are difficulties inherent here, and usually the mind is scattered. Therefore I recommend "eyes open." Keeping the eyes open will require no effort for most, the task will not be distracting in itself. Then, looking at whatever is before you, allow that to fill your consciousness. It is one thing, it will still the mind. The confusion of trying to "see" what cannot be seen is avoided. I think this meditation is a good starting point and has potential to lead into other things. It may be that it only works so well for me because I came upon it alone, but I have a feeling that anyone can do this. cheers

Hello all, Questions surrounding Philosophy and ways of living have plagued me since I was a child. I thrashed my way through years of confusion, worry, and speculation. But, in recent years I began to develop a way of thinking and living life which I grew happier and happier with. Then, while browsing the web one day, I realized that Taoism seemed to be exactly what I'd been gravitating towards. It was like I'd been going to visit some exalted foreign dignitary and it turned out to be my brother! I found this forum so I could read new thoughts from others and see what new ones of my own turned might turn up. I don't need an account for that I suppose, but there's no harm in having one. Looking forward to talking with everyone, cheers

This is one way Taoism is different: two people from different places, who've never met, and exist in completely different times can both stumble their way to the exact same Tao. This should be enough to separate Taoism from religion (for those who group them together). Christianity did not spring up in Eurasia and North America. Other things begin from a point and spread-- but the Tao is existence.

That sounds like a demanding task. We all have first hand experience when a comes to loss of words on this subject. Somebody said that maybe you shouldn't touch the Tao Te Ching, but I think otherwise. If it were me, I would begin with the first chapter of the Tao Te Ching, perhaps reading it aloud and later stressing the technical impossibility of explaining something which cannot be straight up conveyed in words. Then I would go on to say, "but I'll do the best I can," (or something like that) and go on to describe some typical values, virtues, and practices of Taoism. --best wishes for your presentation

In a way I was affecting humility, but I wasn't doing it with the intent of "increasing my image." To answer one question, I observe and listen, but in the end only I decide what is authentic for me. In that sense I consider what I wrote to be quite useful. However, I've noticed that many board members here subscribe a greater swath of rituals and practices than I do. In my case, foolhardy or no, I've decided to go it alone on that front. There are many different ways to the same place, and I think I'll have it better making my own way as opposed to carelessly reading some directions and getting lost. Since the original question seemed clearly aimed at historic practices and texts I included the apology-- which was merely present because I was sure my answer was not in any concrete way related to the history or literature the OP was talking about. Similarly, while I tap validation solely from my own experience, and consider it fully sufficient, I realize that others do place importance on inherited rituals: ex: specific meditation techniques / mantras . . . etc Therefore I thought it would only bring trouble to include my self trust in the response (perhaps seeming boastful and disturbing others). I didn't wish to spark an argument or misunderstanding. We got one anyway (a misunderstanding), but I don't think it's turned out badly. Incidently, thanks for the helping hand.

well said!

You may all disagree (which is just right) but I don't think this is the way. How will we find Tao by following instructions? I think it is a bit different. Accepting teaching because some "wise man" thinks in such a way, or because you're supposed to accept it, or you desire to be in such and such a group cannot be the way. We need to discover it for ourselves. If we read an idea, consider it, and through experience come to realize its truth then we have discovered it for ourselves. This is merely a quicker way than waiting to chance upon all things alone. Therefore I say that following meditation instructions will not make one a Taoist, nor will setting aside half an hour for Lao Tzu everyday! In a subtle difficult to express way, we know to ourselves whether we are on the way with what has come to be known as "Tao." The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal Name. We can see it right here! I read these words when I was younger, and they meant nothing to me at all. But when we met again I was amazed because I had learned for myself-- not learned what Taoism is, but felt the presence behind the name people give it. Or so I think ^__6. Some days are better than others heh.

I have had thoughts on that line. This was a few years ago however and I'm sure I was only trying to escape from what I felt was an annoying world. I think location doesn't ultimately matter, true cultivation can grow anywhere. If you seclude yourself "with nature" how easy is it to forget experiencing the other world? Imagining that you can-- nature is vast. It's naive to believe you'll understand it without constant experience. The moment is always perfect for learning, it's just not always the same lesson!

I chose for ditching the old woman; in the end simply because she's lived more life than the rest already, and would be of little use on the island. I didn't assume that the group would be on the island forever though. Therefore the option I would really pick is not to kick anybody off. With that many people, removing one fraction would not be significant. They would end up very close to the island anyway and do their best from there. Of course that's dodging the idea that I'm meant to be choosing which person is the least valuable, but it's not correct to judge value based on "how well you survive on an island."

I'm sorry that I don't have an informed answer, I know very little of history. I can speak of my personal experience though. I often meditate while watching the moon. For some reason when I contemplate the apparent stillness, the distance, simplicity, radiance, and yet realize that it's neither still, nor simple, objectively far, nor projecting it's own light--- I'm able to meditate more easily. I just lie there amazed that it is how it is, and so is everything (a goofy sentence I know, but I don't really have a better way to put it). Not exactly the answer you were looking for, but maybe thought provoking I hope.

Why do they keep doing these things? I'm sure many of them don't know the answer themselves. Nobody wants to be addicted, it's just that sometimes in life people get lost (not to say that they can't find their way again). Here are some reasons on a more specific level: cigarettes-- It's easy to become addicted, and marketing makes them seem awesome. Even I, after seeing so many of my favorite characters (fictional) smoke, have previously wished that I could. If only it wasn't so dangerous/addicting/expensive! alcohol-- some people drink for fun. However, many people become disgusted, fed up, hopeless, and despairing concerning "the world" in general (or just their personal problems) that they seek refuge in obliterating their capacity to think for a couple hours.

I train Fook Yueng Chuan in the school months. Too bad Sir doesn't come back home with me in the summers too!