Cobie

Once I have recovered from the shock! Yes.

Well you are a novel type of Taoist that doesn’t believe Tao exists. No?

@ChiDragon 道人 (above your profile picture), does that mean you are a Chinese Buddhist?

This?

Your facial expression on your profile picture perfectly matches saying “Yankee nonsense”.

Please supply an English gentleman’s syllable counter.

6 https://syllablecounter.net/count

superficiality [6 syllables ] : the simplicity of the most intelligent.

@Taoist Texts I didn’t ask about James Legge.

I wonder how that fits, could you please post your translation of Ch. 1 ?

I agree.

Sorry, I didn’t quite understand. Do you mean that “healthy spinal flexibility” is the “holy grail” of qigong?

For about 30 years, I used the (popular western type of) chakra system. I customised it to my own needs, integrated it with my other influences. I stopped using it about 20 years ago, as the work was completed. I.e. since then I feel an open connection throughout from white to red/red to white, and also feel centered. To me that’s ‘enlightenment’, and I no longer look for ‘enlightenment’.

It’s the one I always use for quoting the DDJ on the forum, it’s here: https://terebess.hu/english/tao/henricks.html#Kap20 Henricks is a Sinologist with an excellent reputation. The only version I like is my own translation. But that’s not liked by anyone else, so not useful for giving quotes. Just be ‘natural’. I do know that to avoid damage, one should always keep the knees in line with the toes.

That’s a great intro. Sorry, I only now see this post. Belated a very warm welcome to the forum.

Sorry idk but your story reminded me of Ch. 20: 8. The multitudes are peaceful and happy; 9. Like climbing a terrace in springtime to feast at the tai-lao sacrifice. 10. But I'm tranquil and quiet—not yet having given any sign. 11. Like a child who has not yet smiled. 12. Tired and exhausted—as though I have no place to return. 13. The multitudes all have a surplus. [13a. I alone seem to be lacking.] 14. Mine is the mind of a fool—ignorant and stupid! 15. The common people see things clearly; 16. I alone am in the dark. 17. The common people discriminate and make fine distinctions; 18. I alone am muddled and confused. 19. Formless am I! Like the ocean; 20. Shapeless am I! As though I have nothing in which I can rest. 21. The masses all have their reasons [for acting]; 22. I alone am stupid and obstinate like a rustic. 23. But my desires alone differ from those of others— 24. For I value drawing sustenance from the Mother. (DDJ Ch. 20, Terebess, Henricks, MWD)

Not me, but some equate “internal Alchemy” with striving for ‘immortality’; what’s your take on that?

@ChiDragon is it this book: The Annotated Critical Laozi With Contemporary Explication and Traditional Commentary https://terebess.hu/english/tao/amb.pdf

Not advisable for people with cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

Yes, I remember you mentioned him before. At the time I looked him up online and he has impeccable credentials. He did write many books, what’s is the title of your book?

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I agree these are possible meanings of 玄.

Your translation does make a coherent whole with one clear message. So that I applaud.

That’s a very good question but a very difficult one to answer. I’d say, trust your intuition. And don’t go for one that’s taking too much of your money.