Tao of Buttercup

What are some basic similarities and differences between Monks and Nuns of Taoism and Buddhism, as compared to Christianity's? Thank you for any replies.

Quite a bit of this is being very socially isolated (many factors involved), which seems irreversible despite my best efforts. It'd be great, having some real "one-on-one" time with Clive; talking about projects and plans, being directly influenced by him. But that can likely never be. It's sometimes difficult dealing with these "spillover" emotions. The student wants to be in the presence of the Master, after all.

Cool! Thanks for sharing that.

Thank you, Grandmaster P. Definitely will return the favor - especially if I achieve real success. I do believe the timing with Clive was entirely meant to be, for both of us. He'd just begun recuperating from hospitalization and a coma...I was trying to emerge from a 3-year string of very bad luck. I'd nearly given up, and couldn't hardly "feel" anymore. Clive latched on (he likes my warmth and softer touch; he's also sensitive and affectionate), and he is one of a very few artists who could have impacted me at that point. And he did. Definitely I will "pay it forward" when able. It goes to show the truth of "Be extra kind to those you meet, for everyone is dealing with some sort of trouble."

Some of it is / was the "wow" of this simply being Clive Barker (never anticipated any contact with him); sentimental memories of early college days ("Hellraiser" in theaters); he has always been very handsome to me; his validating my writing efforts when no one else (real life) has cared. There is a long personal history (mostly due to a different religion, which I broke with years ago) of continual put-downs, belittlement, being stifled and side-lined. So having this has been powerful, and much appreciated. And what dormant feelings, admiration, etc., I'd had for Clive over the years came rushing back - and multiplied. His mentoring (which is minimal, as he's very busy) has been like a hit of rocket fuel. I doubt I'd be this far along in my writing, if he weren't Following and giving occasional "keep on" encouragement. I'm certain some of it, also, are the personality similarities. I'd like to be real-time friends with him, but that likely can never be. One of those things where your mind knows what your heart doesn't want to accept (limits, boundaries, etc).

Sorry. Yes, feel free to move it. I did write you privately.

Thank you. Clive and I share some basic personality qualities (he's noticed this as well). Doesn't mean I'll have success/fortune, but it's just cool. He's promised me a hug if we ever meet in person, yay. That'd be so nice.

Not enough of an age difference. And I dislike your implications. I had a very good father, and don't need a substitute anyway.

I completely agree! Mizu, please...seek a medical doctor right away. If you're opposed to Western medicine (I still favor them), then go to a "tried and true" naturopathic doctor! http://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=60

Thank you for those lovely poems, and reading recommendations. I'll check with local used bookstore and library.

Or gently fried, with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Maybe toss in a bit of slivered almonds too.

"The Secret Garden" - 1993 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108071/ Few movies make me cry. This is one of them.

Lol!!! Thanks for the replies so far, everyone. Much appreciated.

I don't pray, haven't for years. For a good part of adulthood I was agnostic. Can't (currently) think of "prayer" except in traditional Western context. In "The Lunar Tao," its author mentions and recommends prayer. It seems he means this as differentiated from meditation. I'm interpreting this as "praying to Taoist Deities" as a way to directly touch on Archetypes. Not sure that's necessary for me, as I think I've got rather good contact in that regard. I'd be curious to know how others view "Taoist prayer"...what benefits for you, methods of prayer, etc. p.s.: Ming-Dao Deng mentions not to demand or grovel during prayer - neither of which I'd do anyway. But I'd like a bit of clarification please.

Have just checked my small city's possible Tao resources. Aside from bookstores, there is none, aside from a nod to Taoism at Universalist Unitarian Church (I'm not seeking an eclectic "church", so won't visit). There is a Zen Center here. But I'm not drawn to Zen. And with all due respect to its practitioners, I was a bit disappointed to see that its leadership (3 people) are all local University professors (PhDs). Their credentials are "front and center" at the site; a "laundry list" of academic achievement. Education certainly has its place. However, for years there's been a strong trend in Christianity for its leadership to have doctorates (wasn't Jesus a carpenter and Peter a fisherman?). I'm hoping this does not become (or hasn't become) a trend in Tao. Simplicity is supposed to be key. I dislike the inference that "I've got a doctorate, which automatically qualifies me to be a spiritual leader, and more enlightened/spiritual than you." (...intimidation) Because that's how I take it. Some of the most spiritual/kind/enlightened people I've known are farmers and factory workers. p.s.: Maybe I should add that I have a business college diploma. Which doesn't mean a thing, imo, as regards spirituality. Just my humble opinion.

I've never had the opportunity to attend a Chinese festival. Am just now learning (basics) about the major festivals in "The Lunar Tao." (...and I'm noticing distinct similarities with old European [Pagan] fests, which isn't surprising considering seasonal orientation). What festivals have you attended? If many or most, which is your favorite and why? Feel free to share impressions, photos, etc. I'd love to see the Lantern Festival, and hope to schedule our visit to San Francisco's China district to coincide with.

Not wishing to start another thread (is related): I've just now read about Yu, and The Pace of Yu. The "Northern Bushel" (Dipper - of course). Polaris also mentioned. Perhaps a premature question (answer to be found later), but I'd like to ask: Is the Northern Bushel/Dipper a shamanic destination...or a portal? Source: The Shambhala Guide to Taoism by Eva Wong. p.s.: I'm very glad to see such a strong shamanic connection in Taoism. That's *always* cool. p.p.s. (sorry - I'm still limited as to #posts per day). Reading about this Lady just now, too: http://www.suppressedhistories.net/goddess/xiwangmu.html

I will apologize for having begun this thread, and don't wish to discuss it further as there's a long (and unhappy) history of my husband, and including him, with certain University people (professors) here. This is not a friendly town, there's been a malicious gossip campaign to deal with, and etc. There's heart smart, then there's book smart. These people aren't heart smart. And I will rest that here.

Well I do like divination, and decided on "Tao Stones" by Zhao Xioamin and Martin Palmer (2008), instead of "Chi Chi sticks" (which I might acquire later). Someone reviewed these Stones at Aeclectic Tarot, which includes an example reading: http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=114462 I'd include a link to the product, but don't want to be misunderstood as spamming. Has anyone here worked with these Stones? My copy (yet to receive) will include a 160 page book. Plan to use as before-start-of-day meditation.

If you do, be advised that there's a set (the original edition?) with a short booklet (I think 64 pages). My set's book is 160 pages; wanted that longer, more detailed book. Also, and you might already know this, divination items - once out of print - can become very expensive. Tarot decks/kits are a prime example.

Seems it is a more "user friendly" form of I-Ching; that's my impression. I might study I-Ching at some point; frankly, it seems so complex (intimidating). Earlier today, in a used bookstore, I browsed two or three books about I-Ching; didn't purchase. These Stones seem a very good intro for possible later delving into I-Ching. For now my focus is on meditation (or what's "meditation" for me anyway - ha ha) and reading; have found a guide book by Eva Wong regarding Taoism (history, its development, etc.). Taking this all slow, easy, steady.

Welcome! I'm also new here. Enjoying this forum so far.

Daeluin wrote: "Well, the last two stars, on the ladle end, point in the direction of the North Star." The Big Dipper is also "the key to the sky"; it's how I learned the major constellations as a kid: http://www.fortworthastro.com/images/bigdipperdirections.gif As for the "double star" in its handle, it's a visual binary (line of sight). Not a true double.

Hello. I briefly read about Taoism in the late 1990s, but at the time was ... younger, dumber, scattered. A recent toss through a 4-year rump-kicking machine straightened all that out - majorly. After truly 100% seeing through my previous social and religious conditioning, a string of synchronicity, and a cool dream about Bruce Lee ... I knew it was time to embrace Taoism. Am re-reading "The Tao of Pooh" by Benjamin Hoff, and now dipping into "The Lunar Tao" by Ming-Dao Deng. I've also subscribed to "The Empty Vessel." Oh does it feel good to be HOME. And I'm older/wiser now, to appreciate. I'm late 40s, married, work medical, am a writer working towards publication (hopefully within the year), reside in the desert SW, amateur astronomer. I look forward to interactions here.

Or an opened web page: http://www.holymtn.com/gods/kuanyin.htm Very nice "vibes" throughout the workday (I'm employed in my home).