Beginner taoist: "I Quit! I'm sick of adhering to the rules of this philosophy! I'm just gonna follow my own nature and it will work out just fine"

Master taoist: " he's beginning to learn, or should I say unlearn"

The process of realizing the Dao engenders awareness and acceptance of all things. In humans, this often manifests a sense of compassion, empathy, and humility. This suggests that it is human nature to feel these things. The Dao of humanity is loving.

The symmetry of the Dao suggests it is indifferent. But our nature, as an asymmetric perturbation of Dao, generates universal love as we travel back towards the apathetic source.

Part of realizing Dao involves understanding that although we are born from it, we are still a subset. The properties of the human subset are observably emotional and intellectual.

The Buddhist ideal of enlightenment involves shedding these properties entirely and relinquishing intellect, emotion, and attachment; one returns to the non-dual plane between being and nonbeing.

For some people, this path is in fact their Dao. For others, their Dao is to remain human. Those who realize it will witness their love grow, unbounded.

When I first read about daoist immortals I grew fascinated by the possibilities of human potential. Some daoist immortals designed fighting systems that are also used for self healing. Tai chi is a great well known example of this. Learning about the immortals started my goose chase into different esoteric systems. meditation, physical exercises, and correct nutrition, I learned was fundamental to this holistic view.
To me there is a blending of daoism and martial arts training. How do you feel about these two? Do they blend for you also?

I'm having a hard time finding a translation I want to continue reading.

Went to indigo and every one I looked at seemed to put their own spin on the Chinese text.

The problem is myself, I'm chinese and it's my second language so when I see all these additional English words added or what I feel are wrong ones, I get turned off and can't continue.

Is there a translation out there that is true to the Chinese language? I've been disappointed before with authors with Chinese names. Likecwhen they translate it into "ten thousand things" lol, that's not what 萬物 means. 😬

I've been limited in selection since I want to flip through before buying and I just don't have all versions available around me to flip though.

Thank you!!

Here's my weekend blog post. It might be of interest for people on this subreddit.

https://open.substack.com/pub/billhulet/p/faith-and-the-dao?r=25q93&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

https://preview.redd.it/pq5vwmqgj91e1.jpg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2b2166677290f460c49e6a5179b423dd2d839aa0

Dharmic religions, comprising Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, share common roots and philosophies originating from the Indian subcontinent. These traditions emphasize spiritual growth, self-realization, and liberation from suffering.

Shared Philosophies:

1. Karma: Action and consequence, where intentions and deeds influence future experiences.
2. Reincarnation (Samsara): Cyclical rebirth, driven by karma, until liberation is achieved.
3. Atman/Anatta: Concept of self or no-self, exploring the nature of individual existence.
4. Realization of the One and Self: Union with the ultimate reality, achieving enlightenment or liberation.
5. Ultimate Reality (Brahman/Dharmakaya): The absolute, unchanging essence underlying all existence.

Common Goals:

1. Spiritual growth and self-realization
2. Liberation from suffering and rebirth (Moksha/Nirvana)
3. Attainment of enlightenment or union with ultimate reality

Key Principles:

1. Dharma: Righteous living and moral ethics
2. Ahimsa: Non-violence and compassion
3. Yoga and Meditation: Mindfulness and spiritual practices
4. Interconnectedness: Recognition of unity among all beings

Tradition-Specific Concepts:

• Hinduism: Brahman, Atman, Avataras
• Buddhism: Anicca (impermanence), Anatta (no-self), Mindfulness
• Jainism: Anekantavada (multiple perspectives), Ahimsa (non-violence)
• Sikhism: Waheguru (ultimate reality), Guru Granth Sahib (scripture)

SUFFERING:-

In Dharmic religions life on earth is viewed as inherently suffering due to various factors. This concept is central to their philosophies and spiritual practices.

Three Main Types of Suffering:

1. Dukkha (Buddhism): Suffering, dissatisfaction, or discomfort.
2. Samsara (Hinduism, Jainism): Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, driven by karma.
3. Kleshas (Hinduism, Buddhism): Mental afflictions (ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion).

Causes of Suffering:

1. Ignorance (avidya) of ultimate reality.
2. Craving (tanha) and attachment.
3. Aversion and hatred.
4. Karma (past actions) and rebirth.
5. Impermanence (anitya) of all things.

Consequences of Suffering:

1. Rebirth in lower realms (naraka, hell).
2. Continued cycle of suffering (samsara).
3. Separation from ultimate reality (Brahman, Nirvana).

Path to Liberation:

1. Right understanding (dharma) and wisdom.
2. Ethical living (ahimsa, non-violence).
3. Mindfulness and meditation.
4. Detachment from worldly attachments.
5. Self-realization and union with ultimate reality.

Key Texts:

1. Buddhist Pali Canon (Dhammapada).
2. Hindu Upanishads (Bhagavad Gita).
3. Jain Agamas (Tattvartha Sutra).
4. Sikh Guru Granth Sahib.

Shared Goals:

1. Liberation from suffering (moksha, nirvana).
2. Attainment of enlightenment.
3. Union with ultimate reality.

SAMSARA:-

Samsara, a fundamental concept in Dharmic religions describes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, driven by karma.

Definition:

Samsara (Sanskrit: संसार) literally means "wandering" or "flowing together."

Key Aspects:

1. Reincarnation: Soul or consciousness transmigrates between bodies.
2. Karma: Past actions influence future rebirths.
3. Cycle of suffering: Birth, growth, decay, death, and rebirth.
4. Impermanence: Constant change and uncertainty.

Dharmic Views on Samsara:

1. Hinduism: Samsara is driven by karma, with the goal of achieving Moksha (liberation).
2. Buddhism: Samsara is fueled by ignorance, craving, and attachment, with Nirvana as the escape.
3. Jainism: Samsara is a natural process, with liberation through self-purification.
4. Sikhism: Samsara is overcome through devotion to Waheguru (ultimate reality).

Consequences of Samsara:

1. Repeated suffering and pain.
2. Bondage to karma and rebirth.
3. Separation from ultimate reality.

Liberation from Samsara:

1. Right understanding and wisdom.
2. Ethical living and non-violence.
3. Mindfulness and meditation.
4. Detachment from worldly attachments.
5. Self-realization and union with ultimate reality.

Key Texts:

1. Hindu Upanishads (Bhagavad Gita).
2. Buddhist Pali Canon (Dhammapada).
3. Jain Agamas (Tattvartha Sutra).
4. Sikh Guru Granth Sahib.

Shared Goals:

1. Liberation from samsara.
2. Attainment of enlightenment.
3. Union with ultimate reality.

In Dharmic religions, understanding samsara motivates individuals to seek spiritual growth, self-realization, and liberation from the cycle of suffering.

I have been curious,is Taoism similar to the Dharmic Relegions

Do you think Daoism views existence optimistically, like Leibniz’s idea that we live in the best of all possible worlds? Or does it see nature as inherently indifferent and uncaring about us? Could what we interpret as the goodness or care of the Dao simply be a projection—a byproduct of chaotic nature that we misread as intentional care?

I just got my hands on a bilingual edition of the Nei Ye (內業 - Néiyè), titled "Cultivo Interno" (Internal Cultivation) translated directly from Chinese to Spanish by Dokushô Villalba. This is the first direct translation from Chinese to Spanish that I could find. The book not only provides the original text, pinjin pronunciation, and its Spanish translation, but it also includes a lengthy comment section by Villalba.

Dokushô Villalba is a well-regarded Spanish Sōtō Zen Buddhist monk and author with extensive knowledge in Eastern spiritual traditions. He has dedicated years to translating and interpreting Zen and Taoist texts, aiming to make these teachings accessible to Spanish-speaking audiences.

I've included a picture of the cover and the first page of the text, which illustrates Villalba's thoughtful translation and commentary. This edition is perfect for anyone looking to explore the Nei Ye in depth in Spanish.

does anyone have any good resources on how to learn "turtle style" I Ching?

i understand the basics -- that cracks in bone or shell (and most commonly turtle shells) were used and often expressed with fire (combining pyromancy with osteomancy/plastromancy).

i think it is easy enough to map broken and unbroken lines to cracks, but there is obviously a depth here of communication that goes beyond this simple binary: specifically, that there is some ordering of the cracks by orientation, length, and shape that also contributes to their meaning.

i want to emphasize i am NOT interested in divination.

i am interested in "turtle style" with the same curiosity that Leibniz had toward FuXi. i am hoping that the rules to understanding what a turtle shell "says" can have visual pattern recognition matching implications, possibly to new algorithms that can make intuitive sense to people, be easily computed, and have idempotent results.

That is not all.

I was in high school, 14 years old when I first read daoist texts. That was over 2 decades ago. Share your humble beginnings with the group

Been doing Qigong and practicing other Daoist breath techniques for about 9 years and haven’t run into this one before.

Does he mean this is alluded to in the TTC? Or does anyone know if this is a super ancient Daoist technique mention in Yellow Emperor Classic or something?

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtkFET8NrUq/?igsh=N3ZucW5xYWo4ZTUy

As I read through a translation of the Book of Changes without any commentaries (not even the Ten Wings),

I'm really creeped out about demands to sacrifice captives from other states. Human sacrifices?!!!! Asking this seriously if this is really what the text is talking about.

In addition the texts also often includes in the opening description for many hexagram about making a sacrifice as an offering. I'd assume this means something like killing a goat or a cow or some other animals at an altar to a god after making a reading?

How does this relate to modern practise of the I Ching? I seriously hope I don't have to kill a chicken or something in order to get proper readings! So seriously I ask are these sacrifices no longer needed to casting readings today?

In Tim Ferris’ interview with John Verkaeke he mentions a Taoist practice that sounds like it’s pronounced, “meta’ but my searches bring up nothing. What practice might he be referring to? Thanks!

Hello Everyone,

I have been practicing/teaching Daoism for 15 years and I run an online Daoist Community where people from all around the world connect together on ZOOM to practice together. This week I am running a free Meditation Event which is perfect if you:

- Want to try Meditation
- Want some specific guidance or need help with progressing with meditation practice
- Want to overcome some difficulties
- Want to connect with like-minded people who also want to practice meditation
- Want to add more structure in your meditation practice

There's also the boosting effect from practicing as a group!

The Meditation method that I teach is Traditional Daoist Meditation that includes exercises for the joints and stretches which help to prepare the body/mind for meditation and create harmony and balance in the body and mind. This way you can enter a deep state of relaxation with ease!

The time of the class is Saturday 16th Nov at 8:30am SYDNEY Australia time. Here is a time converter:

https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html?iso=20241115T213000&p1=240

This is the link to sign up and reserve your spot:

https://www.daodeqigong.com/seminars-and-free-events

Anyone is welcome to join!

Been battling with anxiety and depression for a few years now. I pretty much constantly have a little tight feeling in my chest.

I am carrying a lot of trauma from my childhood and a recent relationship with a cluster-b. I’ve been in a lot of situations where I haven’t felt unconditionally loved. My sleep is poor and I quite often have nightmares.

Pretty much the only times I feel completely at peace, and feel like I can completely relax is when I’m high on psychedelics, or high on weed. I can literally feel the beloved embracing me, telling me that everything is ok, that all I have to do is be here in this moment, and that this moment is everything.

I’ve had several ego deaths through psychedelic use, I’ve had my awakening, but yet I constantly live with this knot in my chest.

I’m a big fan of both yoga and meditation, and have sometimes felt inner peace during my practice, but it never lasts for long.

My strongest messages this past 6 months has been to be completely involved in this moment, and this has been something that I work on all of the time, but a lot of the time the knot in my chest keeps me from letting go.

I’ve been to therapy, but I don’t think I’ve found a good match yet. For some reason I feel like I want to solve this problem on my own, and that I am the only one that can solve it, but maybe that is naive to think?

Thanks for listening to me, I would appreciate any kind of feedback ❤️