Well, for the first lesson on taoism we must first understand it's basic premise. And this premise is Tao. The character Tao is made up of 2 pictures, one meaning walking or movement. And the other meaning mind, or correct. When put together the character denotes a meaning of "correct movement," or "mindful walking." For Lao Tzu, he saw the Tao as an ever present "force" that was the "Way" of all things. And thus, Tao is known as "The Way."

Unlike god, Tao has no anthropomorphisms. But can be subjected to metaphors. Primarily however, Tao is seen as an ever present force that is unfortunately incapable of being completely understood. Words do not come close, ideas do not come close, and above all, our understanding comes no where close. So how do we come to know the way of the Tao? Nature.

When observing nature, the ancient chinese noticed that all things happen in certain ways, as if following "laws" (laws of physics). And by studying these natural ways they developed the I-Ching and from this philosophy came Taoism. The Tao was an idea fluent in the Chinese culture around Lao Tzu's and Confucious' time. However, Lao Tzu and Confucious had 2 different and contradictory perceptions of it.

Confucious believed the Tao was created by human morality, society. In effect, humans were above it and created it. Lao Tzu saw it differently (and in my opinion, correctly ). Lao Tzu saw the Tao as the creator, and humans as below it. The Tao shapes us, not vice versa. This shines through in his humble teachings, and simple writings. And thus, Tao is the force that is the encompassment of all things. The heavens, the earth, fire, water, thunder, mountain, wind, and lake. The soul, the physical, and it connects us all with Chi.

In the next lesson I will discuss Chi, and its relationship to the western concept of the "soul." And how its concept is noticeable all throughout chinese culture and art.

Master Vigil

Very good MV, I enjoyed the lesson. It reminds me of learning to ride a bike, once you get it you never forget it. I think knowing the way of Tao would be similar. There can be a point at which you get it. I also think that if you try to find it you wont' find it.

That explanation is useful for remembering the looks of the glyph 道, but otherwise useless. Chinese writing doesn't work that way. If you really want to dissect it, the parts are "head" 首 and "辵" go, walk", no more, no less. No deeper meaning, any way you try.

I'm more comfortable with the rest of MV's comments.

I've just commented in another thread on the Sikh description of its Supreme Power in terms mainly of what Naam/Wahiguru/etc. is not. Same same, but different, here as well.

If I were to choose a favourite quote from any Scripture, I would probably go for the first few lines of the Tao Te Ching (or however your favourite transcription would render it):


From Wing-Tsit Chan, http://www.bopsecrets.org/gateway/pa...o-te-ching.htm

Confucius was more concerned with the ruling of a country. In spite of this, there are lots of aspects in his writings on human interactions that still are useful today.

Or, like you said, Nature.

Please go on with your views on Chi. I promise I won't agree.

I always find it helpful when people are dealing with chinese terms, to understand the basics of the character. That helps them get into the ancient chinese mind when they were deciding what pictures should make up the character "Tao." I believe it helps give a clear understanding of its definition. And from studying eastern philosophies, and artwork, I feel deeper meaning can always, and will always be found. Whether you agree or not.

I'm glad.


I love that part as well. It definitely shows Lao Tzu's perception of the world, and how humble he is in admitting it.

Lao Tzu was concerned with the ruling of a country as well. A third of the Tao Te Ching deals with just that. They just had differing ideas on how it should be done.

Of course.

That is lovely Luguber. But we are not here to debate, I am here to teach. If you want to teach, then do it. If not, then let us not turn this into a debate.

Fair enough. I'll try not to disagree visibly.

Thank you.

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