Daoism

[Anonymous]

Tonights discussion was interesting and lively! I am a Daoist at heart. I think going with the flow and taking time to be with nature is very important.

[Anonymous]

I have been interested in Daoism for many years now. If you're interested in getting an overview and introduction to their ideas, The Tao of Pooh is a really great, light-hearted read. There are also many translations of the Tao Te Ching where the idea of "balance" and yin yang is heavily emphasized. Although the idea of "going with the flow" and being imbibed in all that is natural was heavily discussed in tonight's lecture (and is one of the significant aspects of Daoism!), I believe that balance is truly important to Daoist thoughts and decisions in all aspects of life. From what I understand, or may not understand according to their beliefs, going with the flow does not necessarily encompass the entirety of their beliefs, but they also adhere to the idea of balancing the light and dark which enters each experience and decision in our personal lives. It is this balance that will help us to understand ourselves, therefore providing some understanding of the universe once we have understood aspects of ourselves.
edited by iramos on 4/14/2015

[Anonymous]

I still need to explore Daoism a little more, but I have to admit that the basic principles are ideal for a stress free life. Being and understanding that life is full of happiness, being centered, balance and not going to any extremes is part of things I believed. I feel that any extreme is unhealthy and in my life I always like to find a balance.

[Anonymous]

Interesting debate from class. It was very interesting to see the opposing views of various religions in class. I think it is necessary to have variety in a society. I don't know if there really is one religion that has all the answers in terms of what would best suit a society, government, and economy. I think it is necessary to have people in a community that believe in different approaches and come from varying perspectives. One religion cannot have all the right answers in every aspect of a family, community, or an empire.

[Anonymous]

The debate was great and engaging. I was a Confucius, but as it turned out I should have been a Daoist! I am more to go with the flow instead of against. The go with flow idea helps me out a lot at work. I see how some of my co-workers go against the flow and see them struggle! I can say that I have a great time at work when it comes with interacting with the adults!

[Anonymous]

This was from an earlier post tht i thought was lost.

I am very inspired by the readings and interactions of the seminar. During the last meeting I was assigned to defend the Daoist philosophical position. After re-reading, I was inspired to record my musings on the topic. This was a personal moment I had to reflect; I have decided to share it in its unedited, raw state. I am going to paste it below as I'm not sure I can attach it:
Daoist Musings

Things change, adapt to the times by staying your own course.

There can be no beauty without ugly or dark without light.

I am, because I am.

It is what it is, because it is.

Value only comes when something is placed upon a hierarchical pedestal.
Money is only valued, because the powers say so.

Live to live, not to compete.
Speak, but be silent.

Down will always be down, you can not take it up.
The female is yours.

You have it because you don't want it.
It remains because it is everywhere.

Do what is needed because there is no need to do otherwise.
No one will find fault.

We all own it, but it belongs to none of us to alter it, claim it, or name it.
If left alone, it simply exists in perfection.
If it is ignored no one will pay attention and it will remain as the way.

When the path is found, do not use it as a tour way.
Cover the entry and let everyone traverse it.

Live to live.
Love to love.
Keep these close in familial ties.
The outside world is strange; close by, but an expanse away.

Technology indicates dissatisfaction.

Your sustenance sustains because it is necessary, not because it is tasteful.
Your garments are loved, not because they are vibrant.
Your house is your sanctuary.

Stay home!

Tayari Kuanda, Ed.D

[Anonymous]

I found last night’s debate very informative and engaging. I work at a school that follows a Copernican schedule. This means I must cover a year’s worth of curriculum in a semester. It is always rush rush rush. Participating in a whole class debate/discussion reminded me just how much I enjoyed and learned from them when I was a high school student. Unfortunately, I sometimes cut my students off when they would like to debate a controversial topic or have a deeper discussion. I will not do so in the future.
Last year I read the Tao Te Ching. This is why I chose to represent Taoism. I find it a very appealing philosophy since I often forget to live in the moment. The weekend comes and instead of relaxing or enjoying my surroundings when I hike in the hills near home I am thinking of lesson plans, what I need to grade, or how irritated I am by my noisy dirty neighbor.
Beyond its value as a personal philosophy, or as a tool to critique the excesses of other systems, I do not think Daoism offers much around which to design an ideal system government, but I guess that is the point, since Daoism is the rejection of axioms. The ultimate truth is unknowable.

[Anonymous]

Some pictures taken at Bower Museum. Enjoy!!!

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[Anonymous]

more pictures from Daoist Temple

[Anonymous]

I am a Daoist at heart, I enjoy nature and like to go with the flow. I do not believe in war and i believe we should be in harmony with nature. I don't enjoy camping though. I think the 3 main religions could be introduced to students so they may have a discussion similar to the one we had at the beginning of this class. I would be interested to hear what arguments the students would create to support their belief.

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Daoism is a a philosophical approach that emphasizes the benefit of awareness while maintaining humbleness to know it doesn't matter. At this point I am not an expert. I do believe though that the the basic premise is to understand man's limits in altering the natural course of life. One should understand that interfering with this course has consequences which are detrimental to natural harmony.

[Author]

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