Sulo Eno

I'm not sure what you mean by this: "I don't have a problem discussion religions as long as the discussions don't go to the mystical aspects of the religions." Do you mean you don't have a problem with religious philosophies so long as they don't posit mystical experiences as the basis of understanding or truth? It's understandable that you don't like religious institutions as an atheist. However, I think they follow naturally from the fact that some people believe Truth to be something objective. Further, they believe there is a source and repository for this Truth and canon of belief. I am not an anarchist, but I do favor limited government. I have read Kropotkin. Do you favor this type of anarchy?

I think you are referencing the first lines of the Tao Te Ching. However, Taoists do identify as "Taoist". I think for discussion's sake Taoists or people interested in Taoism try to identify the "Tao". I am interested in the Kwan Yin reference for cultural reasons, but of course, this entity is as much an authority to be considered as Jesus Christ someone that a Taoist would accept as a moral authority. Regards.

I enjoy discussing religion, so long as people remain calm and reasonable. Taoism in non-exclusive, as I understand (insofar as a Taoist can accept other religious ideas and philosophies). Catholicism (and other monotheistic religions) are exclusive, as they do not allow accepting other religious ideas. The atheist's position, intellectually, is difficult to defend, in my view. That's another post though.

You are addressing me, but I don't understand at all. Sorry about that. Somehow I think you were correcting my usage of "eschatologically" [eschatology], though I don't understand why; there wasn't a misuse on my part. I am familiar with philosophical concepts in the Western tradition, somewhat so in the Eastern. Thanks.

Thanks. More or so less so. I (and I hope everybody) tries to follow what he believes to be Truth. I don't try to pigeon-hole what I already believe (or want to believe) into something I can't explain or comprehend. I have had as a principle following what I understand as logical. So, I am happy to listen to and discuss with others calmly and rationally. Of course, I arguments have to be sound. Thanks for your thoughts, Stosh. Best regards.

I'm not sure how to respond, as I don't understand what is being asked (nor asserted).

Cute...

I think you must know--at least intuitively--that your ideas are something I do not accept at least in a "big picture", eschatological way. In the short term, yes, I agree that sometimes "nice guys finish last". Thanks much.

Ha...I believe I have it sorted out. We will see in time. I appreciate your comments. I believe there is something unfortunate about the act of masturbation, insofar as it is, in my view a disordered act.

While I appreciate the thought you have given this, I respectfully disagree with your assessment on the nature and function of religion (especially mine). However, I sincerely thank you for the welcoming message. Best regards.

I do believe it is a morality-based system. I have read of 5- 10- 36- and 180-precept systems of thinking within Taoism. I believe the difference is found with the consequence of wrong action, belief, inaction versus Catholicism.

Unfortunately, I believe "FAP" is referencing masturbation.

I don't quite see how that follows, but I suppose there are Taoist origin to Flying Phoenix Chi Kung. As such, I suppose the FAP habit is acceptable to Taoists from a moral standpoint...

Hi, yes. Not a "nobody", rather someone who practices a non-Eastern religion (in my case, Catholicism). P.S. Just to pre-empt any discussion relevant to "Eastern", I consider monotheistic religions essentially a "Western" concept.

Flying Phoenix.

Someone who is neither Taoist nor Buddhist.

I believe happiness on Earth is much like Heaven: it is more of a mental state than a physical one. Aren't most of us happiest when we search for Truth, find it, and then follow it? Aren't we least happy when we abandon the good resolve to follow good and virtuous ways of being as part of that Truth?

You have to provide a service that others need. The more specialized, valuable, the better the compensation. I, like others, don't know how you can get by on 12k/year. What skills do you have and which are you willing to learn? You could make a comfortable living as a tradesman (electrician, plumber, etc.). Many places will even pay for your education if there is high enough demand in your area. In my opinion, there probably isn't a way to work few hours at a low-wage job and expect that to work out.