LaoTzu

Hi, Has anyone read the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu? It's a really interesting ancient book from China. It's topics can range from the nature of reality, to how governments should behave, or it can be about interpersonal relationships or even how you should act towards yourself and nature. I highly recommend reading this. The first time I ever saw it i was quite high in walden books and it totally blew my mind. I'm going to leave the first chapter here in the hopes it will pique someone's interest.

The tao that can be told
is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named
is not the eternal Name.

The unamable is the eternally real.
Naming is the origin
of all particular things.

Free from desire, you realize the mystery.
Caught in desire, you see only the manifestations.

Yet mystery and manifestations
arise from the same source.
The source is called darkness.

Darkness within darkness.
The gateway to all understanding.

Well thats the first chapter. Not all the chapters are so cryptic, but even if it is opaque it is very intersting and makes you think. If you have already read the Tao Te Ching you might want to read Chuang Tzu by well, Chuang Tzu. It's more like parables, but the teachings are still Taoist.

Anyways thats it, This is my first post in a loooong time, but feel free to e-mail me about just about anything, I love discussions and the sharing of ideas. LaoTzu@marijuana.com

Bongzilla

Yeah I've read the Tao To Ching a few times, it's an awesome book!

Try reading the Dhammapada if your interested in Eastern philosophy.

mylobean

Your excerpt certainly did pique my interest. The first time that i saw it (now) I was high.

If you want to read it, but would rather spend your spending money on dope (me!), I found this translation http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/gthurs...m/ttcstan3.htm

Although, I do like the excerpt posted here. I wonder if I can find that translation...

mylobean

Google rocks. This was the first link when i searched for tao te ching.

http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/gthurs...m/ttc-list.htm

schwadood

I've read bits and pieces of it. I have a friend that is really into eastern philosophy. Its weird cause his parents are really hardcore christian so they think he's going to hell.

__________________
peace and much love

LaoTzu

Hey Mylobean,
The translation is by Stephen Mitchell and it is one of my favorites. I've poured over several translations and Mitchell's is definately one of the better ones. Another really good translation is titled The Tao of Power. Unfortunately I loaned that book to a friend and can't remember the translator's name.

to bongzilla,
Yeah I'm interested in all philosophies but I haven't read the Dhammapada yet, but I have read the Bhagavad Gita.

ps mitchell's translation and the Tao of Power both have explanations by the translator as to what they think Lao-Tzu is trying to say.

Bongzilla

Good choice man, just wondering how old you are? Assuming your my age, I have never seen one 16 who is truly interested in Eastern philosophy.

Read the Dhammapada though, it's excellent. I love the beliefs of Buddhism, but there are just some things I can't follow. Although I try not to hate, I got the impression that as a Buddhist you should stand by while something you love is being destroyed. That's one reason why I like the Taoist philosophy, it is basically saying be pure but to remember that instincts are pure, and to not ignore them. Although I have to admit that if I am ever having a rough day or just need to feel more peaceful, it is nice to walk 20 minutes from my school and end up at a beautiful Buddhist Temple that has a nice garden, artifacts, monks, etc.,

Another interesting man was Mencius, he had some interesting ideas.

Check this out: http://www.cstone.net/~maxwell/Dhmpada.htm

The Stoned Philosopher

Its the book that indeed changed my life,nuff said

__________________
Beyond a critical point within a finite space, freedom diminishes as numbers
increase. This is as true of humans in the finite space of a planetary
ecosystem as it is of gas molecules in a sealed flask. The human question is
not how many can possibly survive within the system, but what kind of existence
is possible for the who do survive.
- Frank Herbert

The Stoned Philosopher

Double M

Yeah, i have read the Tao Te Ching. Good read!

Another couple of books you may be interested in are:

The Tao of Pooh
The Te of Piglet

Both are by Benjamin Hoff, and explains Taoism through Winne the Pooh, and how Winne the Pooh is a Taoist!

"While eyeore frets...
and Piglet hesitates...
and Owl pontificates...
...Pooh just is"

__________________
To win without fighting is best - Sun Tzu

LaoTzu

To Double M,
Yeah I've read the Tao of Pooh and started the Te of Piglet. I really enjoyed the Tao of Pooh. Pooh-bear is an uncarved block .

To Bongzilla,
I'm 21, not 16 . I don't consider myself a Buddhist or a Taoist because I think if you attach yourself to a religion/philosophy then people assume you agree with them, and I don't necessarily. My beliefs are constantly changing the more I think about particular values or maxims. I also believe that texts and ideas can be seen in many different contexts and people draw their own conclusions from their particular view. For instance John Lennon thought that the Buddhist idea of "killing your ego" meant he should let people walk all over him. I think that was a big mistake on his part. To me it means that we need to get rid of our selfishness and get over the ideas of putting ourselves above other people. I I, me me, mine. Just read buddhist texts and taoist texts and decide for yourself if this path or that path seems the truer.