Taoism Links
Taoism and the Philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan |
Wandering Cloud-Hidden The Water Course Way
How does one start? Possibly one step at a time, climbing one step at a time, enjoying the view each moment, not necessarily projecting ahead to the ultimate end view, since maybe there isn't one definable end view.
Years ago I exchanged books with a fellow traveler while I wandered through Mexico. We were in Oaxaca and he was going down to Porto Angel and I was returning to Mexico City. I still have the book he gave me but I doubt he has mine since it was not of any significance. He gave me Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. Somehow over the years many things have changed, not just because of the book. It was only the first step, but because of daily life experienced fully.
I would like to recommend the following:
Alan Watts Cloud-Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown A Mountain Journal. The irony for me is that one of the places that captured my imagination in the same year that I was in Mexico was Mt. Tamilpais which overlooks San Francisco to the south, gazes east to Mt. Diablo, and rolls its way down to Stitson Beach. This is where Alan Watts kept this journal. Both are worth the visit. I stayed on the Mountain for four weeks in a pup tent; it was magical.
Deng Ming-Dao Everyday Tao This book is organized around the ancient characters with one page reflections and anecdotes that can be read each day. Also by Deng Ming-Dao, 365 Tao, Daily Meditiations
Richard Warner Spirit of Tao Te Ching (CD)
These resources I have found to be inspirational for finding pathways through each day.
Ascent
Chill morning, stone steps. The path to the temple is steep. We may stumble at times, But we must always get up again.
Deng Ming-Dao 365 Tao Daily Meditations
Ten Worthy Goals
If there are any truly valuable commandments in life, they are the following goals worthy to attain:
1. Mellowness of mind
2. A healthy, balanced life
3. An unobstructed, undefeated spirit
4. Loving people and rendering service
5. Unifying the body and mind
6. The rich emotion of enjoying simple relationships and things
7. Frequent self-examination of one's personal and public life
8. Avoidance of obsession and extravagance
9. Humility
10. Constantly collecting the floating emotions that take you out of your centre
Hua-Ching Ni, Entering the Tao, Shambhala Publications, 1997 (14:108)
· Have trust in the constancy of the natural cyclic movements. In good times, do not be too excited, but foresee the downward slope; in bad times, do not be dismayed, because it will turn around. Nothing is stuck forever.
( From Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu)
· Attain the knowledge of the subtle law, which can be quietly observed: any trouble has its precondition. Thus, do not build the conditions for trouble, but quietly live with the subtle law.
( From Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu)
· Be kind and just to all
( From Lao Tzu, Confucius, Mo Tzu and Chuang Tzu)
· Promote what is beneficial to the world, and do not do what is harmful to the world, on the basis of an individual.
( from Chuang Tzu)
I will be adding to this pathway of my web site and I would welcome anyone who is interested to contribute his or her ideas and philosophies. Just e-mail them to me. The copyright will remain with you.