Category: Taoism
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How Taoist meditation works
I have never known anyone who has improved his life by sitting on the ground for hours, lighting candles, chanting some mantras, and engaging in so-called meditation. In saying that, I do not mean that I am against meditating. I am just saying that we should do it effectively, so that we can draw real…
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Pacifism as essential to Taoism
Martial arts movies love to quote Taoist texts to give the impression of wisdom. The viewer gets the idea that kung-fu and karate fighters are thoughtful souls, who carefully assess the ethics of every situation, and who will not engage in combat unless they are totally sure of being in the right. I wish that…
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The reason for the paradoxes in Taoism
Western thought is based on the logical principles identified by Aristotle (384-322 BC). We routinely look for connections between premises, so that we can draw definite conclusions. If we cannot reach certainty, we assume that we lack information, and that we need to keep gathering data. The problem with Aristotelian logic is that, if it…
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What makes Taoism unique
It happens often that the practitioners of certain ideologies, philosophies or doctrines will claim that theirs is superior to all others. Taoism does not claim any such thing, but there is one element that enables it to deliver excellent results. I must leave to each reader to assess how Taoism compares to other systems of…
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Lightness as a major Taoist virtue
While Western culture prompts us to do our utmost, achieve the maximum, and rise the highest, Taoism preaches lightness as a lifestyle. Chapter 9 of the Tao Te Ching admonishes those who do too much because, more often than not, they will spend more resources than necessary and end up incurring losses. Lao-Tzu warns us…
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The Taoist philosophy and its benefits
I can summarise in five words the benefits that I draw from Taoism: a strong sense of direction. The Tao Te Ching enables me to make fast and accurate decisions in complex situations. I would be at a loss on many occasions if I could not rely on the insights gained from Lao-Tzu, Yang-Tzu and…
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Self-preservation as a priority in Taoism
Eastern philosophical literature seldom mentions survival or self-preservation as one of the main beliefs in Taoism. In fact, neither Lao-Tzu (sixth century BC), nor Yang-Tzu (fourth century BC) nor Chuang-Tzu wrote primarily about survival or self-preservation. Their observations on this matter may appear secondary, but actually, they sustain the edifice of Taoism. Chapter 2 of…
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The main beliefs in Taoism
In contrast to established religions and ideologies, Taoism does not possess a credo. There is no list of beliefs that Taoists need to learn by heart, preach, and pay allegiance to. The only common characteristic of Lao-Tzu’s doctrines is their realism, and the only Taoist commandment is to think for ourselves. Chapter 25 of the…
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The main lesson from the Tao Te Ching
I am sure that neither Lao-Tzu (sixth century BC) nor Yang- Tzu (fourth century BC) were expecting anyone to learn the principles of Taoism in five seconds, but the sophistication of Taoist philosophy will not prevent me from presenting briefly its key principle: its preference for the natural over artificiality. However, I must hasten to…
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Key ideas from the Tao Te Ching explained
I can easily tell a real Taoist from someone who is not. The differentiating factor is the feeling of harmony that the Taoist exudes at all times. The feeling that every element in the world is playing a role that complements everything else. Chuang-Tzu presented this Taoist principle from a slightly different angle because he…
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