Monday 30 June 2008

A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step...

Ever wonder what it's all about? Why we live like we do? Me too. Maybe I'll find some answers along the way, maybe I'll find some kindred spirits or some who are out of step with the Tao. Before I take that first step though, maybe I ought to clarify a few things.

I am a Taoist. That does NOT mean I have a "religion" in the usual sense. I don't believe in God or a God-like being. I do not seek to preach or convert to anyone: each human being has to find their own path through life, believing what they will.

What I do believe in is the Tao. I cannot tell you what this is - you have to find that out for yourself. An excellent place to start is in any of the three major texts of Taoism:

The Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

The Book of Chuang Tzu by Chuang Tzu

The Book of Lieh Tzu by Lieh Tzu


And if these are too esoteric for you, try Benjamin Hoffs' excellent The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet.

The purpose of this blog is to share my insights into what being a 21st Century Taoist is all about as I stumble on in life, making my share of mistakes, trying to use the principles of wu wei to see me through. It's also to try and help me make sense of the writings of the founding trilogy of Taoism, and to share any nuggets that I might find with the world.

You are most welcome to join me on this journey, and any guidance, thoughts or sheer frippery will be glady received.

As the Tao Te Ching says:

If I had the least bit of wisdom,
I could follow the Tao quite well

(Verse 53)