Septainability Posted May 1, 2010 Hey all, I am a student currently studying environmental design in my senior year. I am 21 years old and have been through the experimental stages of life and am now onto understanding it more fully. I had my experiences with drugs including some psychoedlic drugs, and one day my mind clicked and said, "you've had enough". And that was it, I had a mission to control my thoughts and not be subjected to dopamine release for happiness. I came accross this site because I took a class on Asian philosophy as it relates to architecture (I am doing an architecture minor too). It talked about the fundamentals of such things as chi, yin/yang, and even core archetypal images such as the divine mother and the sacred mountain as well as the inner path. This notion of the inner path really got me thinking and the concept that one may become enlightened really struck a nerve in me. I told myself that one day I would want to achieve such a thing. However, with the world as materialistic as it is, I find it nearly impossible to achieve such a feat. So i went out and looked up some different philosophies that do not rely on the acceptance of a greater being than yourself (christianity/islam etc...) I came across Buddhism first which was a bit too structured for me. (I dropped my architecture major my first year because I did not want to be 'structured'). I like the fluidity of nature and feel that it is more important to the intrinsic value of our life and our future. Anyways, Buddhism did not seem for me (noble truths etc...). I then looked into Confucianism since it was said to be less about rules but more ethics and understanding of the way things are. But again, I am a free-spirit and do not want the societal obligations as Confucianism urges. Finally, Taoism came into view. A way of simply being. No more, no less. I am a huge fan of intrinsic nature and feel that this is the path for me to take. I do know that I will not be able to fully engage in its philosophies as I have too much to worry about with going to grad school and all, but I figured I would stop by this site and see if any younger individuals find this way of life to be fullfilling! Well, I apologize for my rant...but I felt I needed to fully express my life and my purpose on this site in order for it to work for me and to work for others if I am here. Thanks!! -Brennan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aetherous Posted May 1, 2010 A way of simply being. That sounds nice! Welcome to the forum, Brennan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Septainability Posted May 1, 2010 Thanks Scotty, I look forward to my ventures on TTB! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted May 1, 2010 Hi Brennan, Great intro! Welcome! May you enjoy your time here. I think you might find that following the Taoist path will not interfere with your other goals in life in the least. In fact, I believe that the Taoist path will offer great guidance in accomplishing your 'real life' goals and remain at peace with yourself at the same time. Best wishes. Peace & Love! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Septainability Posted May 1, 2010 Thanks for the welcomings again. I have been looking through some of the forum sections and a lot of it seems a bit too much for me. Is there a *basic* tao 'genre'? I see alot of different paths people take and some of them seem too involved or requiring of an extensive knowledge of the traditional texts and such. I am looking for a way to incorporate my life as it is now with something that helps me see the intrinsics of life so I can relate it to my developing psyche. Not something that will require years of practice to begin fully understanding. I know I am probably barking up the wrong tree here but I am just wondering if someone could guide me towards the most basic of tao methods. I am a man of reason but with a great sense of wonder. However, it is difficult for me to accept things that I cannot solve or believe via reason and intellectual thought. Hopefully that will narrow my search? Haha, thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted May 1, 2010 However, it is difficult for me to accept things that I cannot solve or believe via reason and intellectual thought. Hopefully that will narrow my search? Haha, thanks! Hehehe. Yes, that narrows the field dramatically. I always recommend reading Lao Tzu (the Tao Te Ching) and Chuang Tzu for the basics. On-line copies of these can be found at: http://terebess.hu/english/lexikon/c.html These two are the basics of the philosophy. You can also just post questions and I am sure there will be someone around to speak to your question. Best Wishes. Peace & Love! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Septainability Posted May 2, 2010 Awesome, thanks for the help you bums! Haha, I am liking the forum title too much. I will be spending some time reading Lao Tzu I thinks. Godspeed...or Taospeed! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
