Taoism Questions

1.For me, I find the oneness with nature to be the most beautiful aspect about Taoism. Also the way the religion didn’t need a huge push to spread Taoism, like that of Christianity. One thing I find difficult to understand is that some of the symbolism can be difficult to follow sometimes.

2.What is beautiful about the Tao is that it does not have to be associated with the idea of a god. It can be left as purely recognizing a higher force present in the universe. By noticing the patterns in nature and their seemingly perfect properties, Taoists believe that these are not mere coincidence, but rather the workings of a higher force.

3.In western culture, ch’i has become more spiritual. Are you at balance? Health wise? Yoga (although traditionally hinduism) has ch’i incorporated aspects. It is actually quite interesting to observe these concepts westernized after studying their original roots.

4.Unfortunately, as I have aged and matured (somewhat), magic has ceased to be an explanation for phenomena. I seek answers to things, real concrete answers, and magic just isn’t enough of an explanation.  

5.The literal translation of Wu Wei is “without action.” To me, this means that one cannot actively pursue the concept of Wu Wei, rather by not trying, one will stumble upon it’s true meaning.

6. Yin and Yang are the opposites in found in every living and nonliving thing that creates a balance within the world. To define masculine as the positive and feminine as the negative is, I think, simply a reflection of the time period which Taoism originated. Those who decided to follow Lao Tzu likely lived in a male dominated society and wanted to present themselves as a positive influence.

7. If you killed someone, you are probably considered evil. But if that person were to kill a lot of people in the future, are you justified? Evil actions can have a positive action buried within, just as a good action can have and evil action buried within. It is difficult to separate the two into intrinsically good and bad.

8. Life cannot be a straight line. Considering the life path as a maze more accurately frames and reflects the reality of most people's experience. A vector is a tempting metaphor because magnitude and movement are part of life's journey, but straight lined paths are rare. Being born and growing big, fast and directly hitting the end goal is an unrealistic expectation in this world. Such a vector-like standard can be a platform for regret and despair. A maze, full of choices, challenges and questioning at every turn, is an adventure, and adventure is how we learn.

9. Oh absolutely not, Taoism is unique in this aspect.