Taoism
By II2aTee
@II2aTee (2559)
United States
October 1, 2008 12:41pm CST
"The Tao is like an empty bowl. Yet it may be used without ever needing to be filled. It is the deep and unfathomable source of the ten thousand things."
I have recently been studying Taoism. Fascinating religion. Actually, I am not even sure if one can call it a religion. It's really more of a state of mind.
The Tao te Ching is like poetry... it's very peacfull and enlightneing. However, I have come across a few passages that confuse me.
Like this one:
[i]"The five colors blind the eye.
The five notes deafen the ear.
The five flavours dull the palate.
Racing and hunting drive the heart wild.
Goods that are hard to obtain hinder the journey."[/i]
What do you think this verse means?
If there are any Taoists on MyLot who can help me understand this, it would be greatly appreciated.
I would also like to know what non-Taoists think it means, as well.
4 responses
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
1 Oct 08
Hi Tee, You know more about Taoism than I do, but I like the way you describe it. I have always thought of it as a religion, but your definition is even better. I have long ago stopped searching for the perfect religion, knowing full will that it isn't possible in such a diverse world. I still have an interest in learning about such things though, so I'll probable check it out. The last two statements you mention seem to have an obvious meaning, whether it means that or not. Racing would certainly have the heart beating fast and the excitement of the hunt would do the same. Having a difficult time finding the things you need for the journey would of course 'hinder' or delay you. I would be interested in knowing what the five colours, notes and flavours mean, unless it means that there are so many at once that you cannot distinguish one from the other. We'll have to see what others say. Thanks Tee you got me thinking again, it's been a rather dull day. Blessings.
@II2aTee (2559)
• United States
1 Oct 08
Actually, since I started learning about Taoism, the more I realize that I know nothing.
I am begining to think this journey is going to take me a bit deeper into myself than I originaly thought I would go. I picked up the Tao te Ching to simply see what Taoism is all about. But what I found was it only opened the door to new questions. Questions, that I am no so sure we are meant to answer.
Like you I have given up on searching for the perfect religion. However I am still curious about them. Taoism, from what I have gathered this far, is not a religion. It is the muddy pool of water that we wait watch as it clears. It is the yeilding ice beginning to melt.
Very interesting.
@scammerwear (1433)
• Singapore
1 Oct 08
Actually that passage makes a lot more sense in Mandarin :D. I can't say for sure, but I believe the meaning of the passage is that your senses and your wandering heart and mind, misleads you away from the journey to Truth. Chasing after material things will hinder your spiritual development.
Just my 2 cents :)
@II2aTee (2559)
• United States
1 Oct 08
That makes alot of sense. That line of thought is a reaccuring theme I have noticed in the Tao te Ching. To give up desire and material gain because it distracts one from the true meaning of lifes journey.
Just fascinating. Thanks for your input :)
Tee
@craftcatcher (3699)
• United States
10 Oct 08
I love reading the Tao te Ching. I like to think of it as a philosophical journey of the mind. A lot of similarities between the Tao and my own Pantheistic philosophy.
Your quote, it tells me to take one thing at a time, don't rush or get distracted from your journey.
That's the beauty of the Tao though, what it means to me may not mean the same to you, it's your journey.
I watched entirely too much "Kung Fu" when I was a kid. David Carradine taught me a lot about eastern philosophy when I was very young and I loved it. Have you ever seen the show? Great show but that was quite a bit before your time.
@sixclix (677)
• Philippines
12 Dec 08
That passage basically means that our senses and material desires hinder us from quieting or stilling the mind. Taoists believe that the first and basic way to enlightenment is to still the mind, thus, one must learn not to be distracted by the senses.
