Taoist Thought of the Day

    From The Rambling Taoist:

When events occur that we [Taoists] don't easily understand, we don't presume that some benevolent or malevolent force is at work. We acknowledge that, as human beings, we are unable to grasp the breadth of the universe and so things that seem random to us are anything but random for the workings of nature. Somewhere there was a causative agent that set in motion the result that we experience.

It has been mentioned to me before that Taoism seems like a belief system bereft of joy. I think that couldn't be furthest from the truth. Watching a magnificent sunset, a caterpillar became a butterfly or the ebb and flow of waves on an ocean beach is like heaven to those of us who see ourselves as part of Tao, the one.

    Indeed.  For me, at this time of year here in Western Massachusetts, the thing I notice is the frost/snow on the mountains around us.  The other day we had about an inch of new snow on the ground.  But the top of the mountains were frosted white, from the top to about two-thirds of the way down.  It looked like some celestial painter had sprayed them with fake snow.  But it was real.  Beautiful.  Kind of like this:

Comments

[The Rambling Taoist]

The words you've quoted from me above were inspired from an unlikely source -- Aidan. I just finished reading your book and it touched me deeply.

While I realize he has been the source of trials and tribulations, you are most fortunate to have him as your son. And I am most fortunate that you and your family decided to share your story with the world.

Thank you!

[David]

Just what I needed. Can you give me any insight into the difference, the semminal difference if you will, between Buddism and Taoism? I have my own view but am interested ion yours too.

Peace,

[Barry]

"The multitudes are joyous, as if going up to a terrace in spring; I alone am uncouth, and value being fed by the mother."
I too find joy in the wonders of nature and rarely in man made stuff.
If I were honest I would say that (to me) all that man makes is just "stuff".