You struck an interesting note there abra. Taoism finds its roots in early eastern tribal shamanism. As Chinese society developed the virtues and beliefs cultivated by that shamanism or Magick devoloped into the philosophical foundations of Taoism. I can only speak for myself when it comes to how i have choosen practice Taoism. What you call taoist magic is what i believe to natural, being of the nature of creation and the Tao. I practice Wu Wei becuase it is what is natural. The western word magic tends to fail in my view of addressing what it really means to follow the Tao. The word magic today stirs up ideals of illusion, trickery and mystery. None of those contexts are apporiate when addressing the mystical aspects of simply what is. It is only mystical when we try to explain it. Things done in accordance with the the Tao are natural and a essential part of everything, the universe, life, death and what i call fundamental truth. The truth is natural and it just is. The spiritual/philosophical practices of the Taoist are an effort to return to the Tao. In western terms it is a path to the source for lack of better words. My view of it is that by practicing Taoist Internal Alchemy and adhereing to the principles and virtues of the Tao i will be able to leave behind the karmic cycles of death and rebirth, merge with the truth,source,essence and return to the void and the Tao. I believe that you are right in the aspect that it seems this is the natural inclination of every human being, find the divine as it were, build temples, find enlightenment, seek to better ourselves. It is in the code or nature of things as some of my friends would say. Something every human shares regardless of faith, belief, and philosophy. We all share the same story of that desire for truth, understanding and wisdom. just my thoughts though....

Hmm, this really has been an interesting thread. Something that stands out in my mind is the idea of perception. We are fashioned mentally from our perceptions and our perception governs our reaction. Many people are unable to understand that we can all change our perceptions however, and it is through this sad ignorance that we are not in control of ourselves though we may believe we are. now, what we perceive and what transpired may be two very different things, nevertheless, our perceptions matter little unless we truly are in control seeing with a clear mind what is around us. I've been studying Taoism for quite some time and understand much of what I have read and heard in its philosophies however I have continued to form philosophies that my readings have not enlightened me on such as the topic of individual perception and awareness. My question therefore is: Does any of what i stated above coincide with the philosophies and beliefs behind Taoism?

this is a good thread! wuhoooo! :) I am one of it, cheers!

this is a good thread! wuhoooo! :) I am one of it, cheers!

Hi.
Yes there are other Taoist out here, I'm one.
I was the first Black man initiated into the The Way of The White Cloud, in the sect of the Absolute Truth in 1975.
I spent twenty years studying the I Ching, teaching meditation. I live as Tao Tzu suggested, Like a grain of sand of a sandy beach.
My name is Hawk

in my wildist dreams i follow the tao...

i never succeed but it is something i always strive for
and will continue to always strive for

I know this is an old thread, so I hope it's okay to bump it.

I'm a Taoist; I feel like it's a lovely, calming Philosophy and the teachings can be effortlessly applied to my everyday life. :)

Also, I liked the little tete-a-tete about the nature of water.

An old thread but does anyone wo views this read the I Ching and believe in it

I also read the Tao Te Ching and it is an amazing book to guide your life on and has a ton of untapped wisdom in it

I'm Taoist. Most people I've met have never heard of it and I've had to explain it over and over. Do other people not explore other religions/faiths before they decide on their path, I wonder. It works for me on so many levels, and I can sleep in on Sundays.lol

this sounds the most complete insert about taoism, that unfortunately is not a religion, 'cause buddhism is the dogmatic developping of taoist first teachears.
I think you should study together with people from sokagakkai as it's a lay organisation who spreads peace through taoistic/buddhist teachings. As we do not have enough proofs about the authours of taoist perceptions, it's enough to understand principles as Itai-doshin, Esho-funi and the 10 vital conditions to make sokagakkai's spirit into a more taoist direction than, maybe still the most accepted one, the mahayana's view.

Hope I've been clear enough; I'm afraid I could make more confusion mentioning that Lotus Sutra is though what we consider the middle to assure buddhahood.

Wow, this is an old post, but I'm new to being a Taoist, but openly state myself as such. After researching several religions and sects, I found Tao to be the way for me. If anyone does see this after I post, are there any good books on how to advance my understanding of the undefinable?

taoist alchemist here :-)

Unfortunately it was only taught in person. I met a few teachers and learned from them also. Stillness-movement seemed to help me understand it the most, but be ready for what you find because it can more be felt rather than understood with the mind. I realized and was taught that the mind was a tool and not the seat of consciousness. Really life changing stuff to realize that the mind can only hold you back.

u only need a hint to the way...and then the way is the one you create

Taoism plays a big role in my life anyone who want to link up feel free to add me as a friend.

Daoist here myself. daoist martial arts for about 20yr too. New to this site and to Cali too. tea &/or water though

Just another taoist, looking to connect with other Taoist of any gender and distance.

"If you see the Buddha on your travels, push him into the road"

"The Tao that can be spoken is not the "

anyone for tennis?

I'm new here....and just want to link with other Taoist out there in this whole wide world!!!
Add me if you see my post...thanks, brothers/sisters in Tao!!

Awesome! I am a Taoist I am happy within myself I am not happy with the world but I am happy in mine.