Aaron

Or white? Trolling a bit now? If you're going to troll at least be more subtle than that. This is a ridiculous and immature comment that seems to be made out of desperation, rather than any logical or reasonable evidence. Aaron

That's a very pretty definition. I'm sure we could find a nice one for pedophile priests too, if we looked hard enough. Aaron

I'm not sure of any incident where "Luciferian" isn't considered an insult, unless perhaps you worship Lucifer. Aaron

So I ask the question, if homosexuality is a life style choice, then why the hell would someone in Iran, Saudi Arabia, or Mississippi choose to be gay? The fact is there are genetic markers that have been found that show homosexuality is very much a genetic predisposition, however that doesn't mean that someone with those markers will be gay, only that they are predisposed. With that said I think it's a bit of column A and B, but that in the end it doesn't matter, because no one should be able to discriminate against someone else because of their sexual orientation. That's the bottom line and the one most homophobics seem to miss. Aaron

Welcome aboard. I'm sure if you stick around you'll find some people to network with. Lots of Mo Pai-ers here. Aaron

White Wolf Running on Air, I seriously doubt you live with two lesbians. If you do, they must be the most patient and forgiving lesbians on the planet. What I see is that you have a problem thinking for yourself, so you parrot what others have said. I think if you actually knew someone who was gay or lesbian you'd find it hard to justify acting and behaving the way you do. Turtle shell, For someone who demands others treat them with respect, you really don't feel others need to be treated with respect by you. This is kind of weird and a bit hypocritical. Aaron

I wanted to say, who has the right to disagree with a lifestyle choice that doesn't harm anyone? The claims made about harm are circumstantial and by no means "evidence", regardless of the author or their sexuality. In the end people are just looking for a justifiable reason to hate other people. It's sad and a bit sick. I really hope that the next generation doesn't have to deal with this kind of bull shit. The same people attacking homosexuality also seem to be the ones advocating fascism... not really surprising. Aaron

I've been waiting for about a month for a response from Sean regarding the HHC Study. I don't want to continue to post in the Taoist Discussion area if I can help it, since the forum rules for a discussion thread aren't enforced and it would be very easy for the conversations to go off track. When I get a response from Sean I'll get back to you guys and let you know what's going on, til then, lets reflect on any changes we might like regarding the study. Aaron

Our shift to an agrarian society is what allowed civilization to blossom and grow in some parts of the world and stagnate in others. Watch "Guns, Germs, and Steel" it actually goes into this in-depth. As for vegetarian diets, there is really no indication that a strict vegetarian diet is any more healthy that a diet consisting of meat or visa versa. It's all about how much you eat in the end. I eat fried chicken two to three times a week, but my cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc are all stellar. My doctor said I'm healthy as a man half my age. I really don't eat very healthy though, I just don't eat that much. For me that's the key. Aside- Further off-topic, but it seems to be a natural shift in this regard. Aaron

Hi Mal, It's an honest question, that wasn't meant to be offensive. The FAQ states that all comments need to pertain to the Tao Te Ching. It was created to ensure that people could go to that thread and talk about the Tao Te Ching without having it compared to other religions, ideologies, philosophies, but rather discuss the merits and faults based upon the text itself. The rules were specific and intended to ensure that people could do this without the distractions that occurred in the general discussions section. Serene mentioned that there really aren't any forum rules other than the ToS, but that isn't true. If you take the time to read the FAQ you'll see that the rules are quite different for that section. I understood that Serene may take that as a jab, but it wasn't intended to be. A lot of the time we assume that the rules are the rules wherever you go on a site, but in this case the subforum actually has very specific rules added in addition to the ToS. Since she wasn't aware of it, I wanted to make her aware of it and try to soothe any hard feelings before they began. Obviously I didn't do such a great job. Aaron

I paid around $200 (which is around 125 pounds) for two pairs of glasses with scratch proof lenses and an eye exam about two months ago. That was about the best price I could find. Wow we're really off-topic now. How the hell did we get to eye exams anyways? Aaron

Sean did finally get back to me. I responded and I'm waiting for his response. I'll let you guys know one way or the other, or you can let me know if you see the forum up before I get back on. Aaron

Actually when we started the Tao Te Ching subforum, there was a specific set of subforum rules instituted in order to ensure the topics remained on topic (agreed upon by Sean). They're actually listed in the subforum FAQ. I would suggest as a moderator that you take a look, because that might be why there is so much confusion regarding the TTC Subforum and all the obvious violations of the subforum rules. I'm not intending to be offensive, Apech usually maintained order in the subforum after I stopped moderating it, and since he's stepped down, perhaps the issue is no one was aware there are specific rules set aside just for that forum. If other moderators aren't aware of that, could please let them know? Thank you. Aaron

Not to pour cold water on the pre-apostolic Christianity conversation, but it might be best to start a topic in the general discussions section, since it is not a Taoist discussion per-se. I'm interested in hearing more, it's a topic that fascinates me as well. Aaron

Fascism works upon the notion that the State knows what's best for you. If you accept that, then you must also accept that the well being of the institution of the State is more valuable than the well being of the individual. I can't accept that. The fact of the matter is that all government systems are monetarily based, with the intention of providing the majority of the wealth to a few. Monetary systems work upon the principle of debt, which means that whenever someone becomes wealthy, someone else becomes poor. If we accept this as a fair proposition, then we are accepting a government's right to invoke institutional slavery. We are all slaves. If you punch a time card or pay taxes you are a slave. You just might not realize it. It is only when we can be done with a monetary system and instead become focused on a resource based economy that we will be able to escape this cycle of destitution. Fascism is not the answer, becoming aware of the state of our world is the answer. Aaron

I'll continue to post the study in the Taoist Discussions section. Hopefully I'll get a reply from Sean in the near future, if not so be it. I'm sure we can manage if someone decides to post off-topic. Aaron

Ironically, this is off-topic, but this is what I'm pointing to as well, that certain off-topic discussions are a natural evolution of the discussion, while others are just intended to cause disruptions or serve a personal agenda. To some extent this is in the eyes of the beholder. Now, as for this particular topic, I see nothing wrong or right with charging for lessons, although I do know that some teachers charge very high fees for their lessons, to say this is justifiable as a means to judge one's commitment is a bit strange to me. One could judge someone's commitment by their actual commitment, without the need to charge high fees. With that said, we live in a capitalist world and supply and demand rule every facet of lives, so if there is enough demand, but not enough of a supply, then one can charge these high fees as a result. I think with the growing rise of Tai Chi and Qigong we'll see people begin to charge more reasonable rates in the future. And as always, we can choose to not pay those fees. There are many qualified teachers who don't charge these high rates, so really it's up to the consumer to choose and who are we to choose what they consume? Aaron

Okay, so I'm trying to figure out what is going on here. I can see that Taakaki is just saying what he is saying in an attempt to insult America, but apparently other people are missing this. His comments are meant to point out that American's are not Taoist, that their actions are contrary to Taoism, and essentially that they are greedy, self-serving, egoists. (He apparently dislikes American "battleaxe" woman especially, a connotation that is extremely negative in Japanese and Asian cultures.) I think the inability to read between the lines is allowing Taakaki to get the attention he wants, but certainly doesn't warrant or deserve. Anyone can go back and read his posts and see the intent, just be aware of the actual underlying message here. Fascists practice the same philosophy, as did the Emperor of Japan when he justified the Rape of Nanking. It's a common tactic that allows one to project a negative image on other by exemplifying those characteristics as being virtues, or lesser virtues, that essentially label these people as being less than others without directly insulting them. I hope that clarifies what's going on. If you still want to play his game, feel free. I'm certain some people will enjoy and agree with his statements.

American Taoism, as professed by Taakaki, has nothing to do with Taoism, but rather materialism. As I pointed out in the discussion on the 10th chapter of the Tao Te Ching, if something quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, it most likely is a duck, but Taakaki's ideas aren't remotely like Taoism, they're self-absorbed, me-me ideology that contradicts much of what Taoism teaches. In regards to westerners being unable to understand Taoism, I'm sure that makes certain people feel special,and as someone who has a deep respect for social relativism, I can also say that it may be true. In the same way, though we may not grasp Taoism in the same manner as the Chinese, that doesn't mean that our own understanding of the Tao Te Ching is any less valid, or that we hold the three jewels to be any less virtuous. Compassion, frugality, and never striving to be first in the world, so long as we remember to practice these three virtues, then we can understand what Lao Tzu was talking about. If American Taoism starts anywhere, it should start there. Aaron

This thread isn't about the tao te ching, but rather the philosophy of taoism and should be moved to the general discussion area. Aaron

Why is that sad? I'm lost here. Aaron

I'm done talking to you, because this discussion is ridiculous and has no merit. Perhaps others might get sucked into this argument, but I've been around long enough to see it more than once and, like the bee buzzing around your head, it's best to just let it be and it will eventually go away. The merit of chinese vs english translations also has no place in this thread, nor does your American Taoists comments. If you can't follow the subforum policies, stop participating in the discussions. Aaron

Hi Rainbowvein, Perhaps that's why a lot of this isn't dealt with, because the moderators fail to police their friends? Just putting that out there, not sure if it's true or not. Aaron

I am actually looking for a consensus regarding this thread. I wanted to know if the recent upsurge in trolling and off-topic disruption is bothering anyone else. I voted yes on the poll because I would like to see more moderation, so comments like the one above would be nipped in the bud and we wouldn't have the petty back and forths, but actual discussions about the topic. I guess it's too much to ask adults to behave like adults. Aaron

Umm... I'm wondering why every time you ever respond to me, it's always in a bitter, critical, angry tone. Honestly, if you don't like what I do or say, just ignore me. I really don't need to hear this juvenile bullsh***. Aaron