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Im very interested in DAOISM can someone please give me the basics on it?

2007-07-31 10:35:52 · 9 answers · asked by sweetmurderous 2 in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

9 answers

First, it's spelled Taoism, although it is pronounced Daoism.
Lao Tze Tu was an ancient philosopher in China, and those who 'follow that philosophy' are called Taoists. It's basically a 'religion' if you truly follow it ... but that is incredibly difficult, since many of the 'Taoist sayings' are incredibly complicated.
I suggest you get a 'good translation' of the Tao and start reading it ... but read only 'one or two sayings' a day, starting at the beginning and working slowly to the end.
Tao means 'way' ... to 'study the Tao' means to 'take the walk along that way' and it's meant to be a 'lifelong experience.' Most Americans are far too 'impatient' and want a 'quick fix' ... sometimes somethng you read in the beginning will seem to make sense, then it will seem 'totally irrevalent' further on, and it's not until you are near the 'end' of the path that you realize that it is one of the 'most important things to know' ... which will send you back to start 'reading the Way' all over again.
There is also a book called the Tao Te Ching. This is a 'different' path, but it's actually the same 'way' ... it's both easier and also far more difficult then the 'Tao' by Lao Tze Tu. If you can get hold of a 'good translation' of both books and read some of one, and learn to 'practice' the other (you will either cast coins or yarrow stalks to read 'fortunes') you can have a wonderful time learning this Eastern way of thinking.

2007-07-31 10:49:01 · answer #1 · answered by Kris L 7 · 0 0

Taoism (or Daoism depending on the translation, both pronounced DOW-ism) is all about balance. Although far from complete, and not perfectly accurate I'm sure, this is my understanding of it. The idea is that you cannot have one extreme without the opposite and that each is present with in the other. For example, you cannot have day without night but even during the day there are clouds that block the sun and at night the moon and stars do shine. It is also a kind of "less is more" philosophy on life where simplicity and minimalism is highly regarded.

"religous text" is the Tao Te Ching.

Here are some sites:
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/taoism.html
http://www.religioustolerance.org/taoism.htm
http://www.reformtaoism.org/introduction.php
http://www.daoistarts.org/index.htm

2007-07-31 17:47:48 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

Have you ever tried Tai Chi. It is a Taoist system of exercise. and a martial art, but it is also intended to spread Daoist Philosophy. (the terms Tao and Dao are interchangable, just how they are transcribed from Chinese to English. They should both be pronounced as if they start with a hard "D")

Taoism says that before there was anything the "way" existed. The way is empty. the way is not in and of itself definable. Toaism says that the nature of the way defines our way. They say to follow your own nature and the nature of the world as it is. This turns it back upon you to search for your own nature and the nature of the world and to become aware of it.
Zen Buddhism is very closely tied to Taoism.

The best introductory text to Taoism for westerners is likely "The Tao of Pooh" in which the author uses Winnie the Pooh to demonstrate the ideas behind Taoism.

2007-07-31 17:58:18 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0 0

"The Way that can be explained is not the true Way..." This is the begining of the seminal work on Taoism, the Tao Te Jing (The Way-Power Book). Essentially it is a way of cooperating harmoniously with the natural world and allowing it to run its course rather than blindly striving to accomplish "goals". One image often used is water, which yields before everything, yet can wear away solid rock. By harmonizing one's will with what is, one accomplishes much more than any individual's will can. This does not mean one is entirely passive and fatalistic, only that one is alert and willing to adopt the most natural course of action.

2007-07-31 18:34:39 · answer #4 · answered by skepsis 7 · 0 0

Taoism or Daoism. This link has a lot of good info.

http://www.askasia.org/teachers/essays/essay.php?no=40/

2007-07-31 17:42:41 · answer #5 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 0 1

I was in a Mysticism class in college last year and we learned about mindfulness and Taoism. Its fun. Chinese philosophy plays a part along with meditation. Enjoy this wonderful experience.

2007-07-31 17:43:09 · answer #6 · answered by linnygirl06 3 · 0 0

Taoism - Lao Tzu.

2007-07-31 17:37:49 · answer #7 · answered by captain janeway 1 · 2 0

Tao I think you mean,pronounced dao,the gateless gate ..I will
quote"He who stands alone would watch others at a gathering heave up arguments like vomit"

2007-07-31 17:47:30 · answer #8 · answered by iseethelightalright 2 · 0 0

taoism
i think it's lik God and reincarnation
lik believing in every religion

2007-07-31 17:39:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 3

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