strawdog65

Moon-lit breath blows...snow! Shoes, glistening white powder, Crunching, slowly south.

I would like to say thank you to Mal. Being new here...I am impressed by all the things that are being done to make this site so cool, that we know nothing about. Isn't this whole argument kind of like, doing so many things right...but it's only what they tell you you've done wrong, that matters? Since the world is no where near as black/white as we sometimes believe, how about looking at the gray area's and accepting people for all they are, warts and all. Besides aren't frogs cute? :D I appreciate the uniqueness of TTB, users and moderators alike, and I think so should you. Peace to everyone!

No prob...please continue. Your turn!

Winter. Cozy fire. Wood crackling, snapping of sap. Night sky sparkles bright.

Spiraling upward, Awareness expands outwards, Inky black of space.

Because 2 came in within minutes of one another, I hope it's ok if I kind of combined them? Time to change your briefs, Polka-Dotted pink paisley, Spiraling upward.

Sloppy Zhang, All you have said is valid. I only meant that being derogatory for the sole purpose of causing hurt or pain, is of no use from my perspective of learning, and where I am at , at this point of my own life. Again, what you have said is valid... but, my opinion is, no one need accept negative energy into their lives...unless they choose to do so. This negativity, to me, stands in the way of the WAY. Honesty, and insightful conversation do not require name calling or character dismemberment. We all are able to communicate clearly and purposefully without resorting to purely visceral and hurtful language. Since we are all here to learn from each other about this incredible journey we are on together, I humbly suggest we all take the extra moments required to be mindful instead of just reacting, and make what we say here meaningful. All we say matters, but it is also a reflection of whom we are. I ask you, When saying something, what is wrong with thinking first and asking yourself..."is this who I am"? Is what you are saying, true to whom you are? And if it isn't, then why say it at all? Consideration, does not preclude intelligent, insightful, and inspiring conversation...that is all up to us. Sloppy Zhang, you are a very inquisitive person and I appreciate the earnestness of your desire to understand all points of view. Thank you for being you. Peace, understanding, and Love, to all.

suninmyeyes and everyone else... Wow...now that's inspiring to me. I thank you all! It is truly humbling to read replies of such sincerity. I see from the post's that we really are here for the same reasons, to learn and grow, and become who we really are. We all share many, if not most of these things in common. Not only are we all part of the Tao, but our interests are aligned as well. I Love a good insightful discussion, and encourage it in my life. It is great to be able to visit this forum and talk openly and ask, as well as give, to every one. You all... are helping me with my practice of becoming. I thank all of you for helping me! Peace and understanding!

Opinions please.... Surely someone is willing to say something...? All opinions are welcome! :lol:

Live from the whale's tongue! Spat out, among frothy sea, Deep, Dark, dread below.

Welcome to you!

Welcome! Many stones...scattered across the sand.

Welcome Renegade! The path rises to meet you!

Gerard, I for one am sorry to hear that. I am genuinely interested in learning and growing from this forum. The moderators are doing the best they are able, I'm sure that things will improve, if we allow it. We should agree to not accept comments that are of no usefulness and serve no purpose to learning. I will listen openly, if you wish to share. Peace and understanding!

Everything, It's obvious that you are a very sincere, and active person. You were trying to help in one of the ways you are comfortable. Thank you for being understanding that there are always other ways of exercising our feelings of discontentment, without resorting to anger as the motivating force. Introspection is a greatly motivating source for myself. We are all here to grow, and by helping each other with our insight, and differing perspectives, we help to round off each others "sharp" edges. For sometimes it's alright to be a softer, more kind and gentle person. Be like water, flow into the ocean of Tao. Peace and understanding!

Hello to everyone. Since I am very new to this forum, I'd like to offer the view from where I sit. I certainly hope that no one here is expected to be perfect in all ways. Myself, I am very imperfect. I like the fact that when a person makes a mistake, they own up to it. I personally do not have the history on this forum that many of you have. I would venture to say, regardless of that fact, that my small opinion still can still be of use.( I hope!) I think that we all expect too much. Those of us on either side of the argument, expect this moderator to always uphold our own personal view of what ever the situation may be. We do this subconsciously, and without taking a close up look at our own reasons for being unhappy with anyone else's decision making process. We are not being fair or rational when this occurs. I do not see the need to change moderators. I do not see how punishing, or using the feeling of guilt to prod someone into action, is a path of virtue. When we are actively and knowingly, creating discord and purposeful suffering in others, someone should step in and remind others to stop getting in the way of the WAY. Lets take the higher road of seeing that the very reason we become upset, is because we have too great of an attachment to the outcome of the situation...by our expectations of what we perceive to be the right course. We are all part of the same... Peace to everyone.

dwai, well said!

But one size fits all, A smile cracks, on twisted lips... Behemoth, plunged deep.

TzuJanLi, Thanks for posting this interesting question. For me, the Yin/Yang symbol is most basically the duality of all things. The interdependent nature of Nature. (which includes us!) The meaning to me is very personal...I use this beautiful symbol everyday to remind myself to accept what my path becomes with every moment that I am within the Tao. I find it to be a calming influence in my everyday life, and it's principles are always present in everything we do, or do not, do. It is a comfort for me to know all things exist in an equal/opposite balance, and that no matter what may go on in our lives, Tao will always move towards a balance with no regard for the whims of man/womankind. A consistent Nature, above any influence, the Way of true virtue. Peace!

Please tell me what you think Taoism is, in the simplest form you can imagine. At it's very least, Taoism is...what? Is it the principle of Wu-wei? Is it Uncorrupted Love? Is it Total acceptance of all that transpires? Perhaps, just the most simplistic nature of all... to just BE? I understand that life is never simple, and the complexities we all face dictate our view of what anything is to us. I just want to hear the simplest explanation possible of what Taoism means to you. To me, Taoism is to be the best person I am able to be, at this moment. With no focus on anything other than what is happening now. And to do so with honesty and sincerity.

Everything, I did not initiate this post, but I do feel compelled to say something. When Manitou became upset, we were concerned for her, and if you would go back and read myself and others prior post's you would see we were trying to help calm the situation, and give some focus in a positive, helpful manner. I do not know you, and I am new to this forum. But Your consideration for other human beings...shows very little sensitivity. I'm sure you can explain everything, Everything...but the point is, if you are not making a positive and useful contribution to those in this forum, then where is the meaning? What is the use of learning of the Way? To cause others suffering under the guise of being insensitive, or blunt, or having a warrior mindset, does not excuse the lack of forethought shown. It's the wrong path. Your assertion that anger is something useful... is only narrowly true. If you are angry, it is your anger...not ours. Please look inside and see the other side and try to connect more with your softer, Yin side. Find some balance and try understanding someone else's view. I wish you peace and understanding.

Junbao, I'm with you! Your thoughts brought a smile to my face! I Love the positiveness of the image you present! Thanks for that!

Taomeow, thank's for the elucidation. I appreciate the depth of your knowledge and experience. I took a look at part of your blog on going to china...I must say I am envious of that. It must have been an eye opener of grand proportion! I do accept the label of trying to understand the Tao, as a Taoist. Whatever that may be considered to be... I look forward to learning and discussing openly with you more of what it is to be a Taoist. I am open to the knowledge that you are willing to share with this forum, and will try to learn from all that you impart with an open mind. Thanks for your understanding and patience ...Peace!

Taomeow, thank you for your interesting and energetic input! I humbly lower myself to your worldly experience. I can gather that you are a very experienced individual, with great insight and much to contribute, from your travels and the depth of learning you have attained in the Tao. I am only a man with no formal training in the Tao. I have only the trials of my life, as a reference point to draw from, and those are of no significance. I seek not, to compare any-thing in the world of man to the world of nature...as you said, no comparison is possible. Even then...poetic license is unavoidable. I seek not, to change labels with your cat nor the hapless mouse. I do seek, to not be judged however, by any-one's label... whether perceived to be of value or not to the human mind. Peace and understanding to you. ----------------------------------------------------- From the "complete works of Lao Tzu". Translated by Hua-ching Ni Tao Teh Ching : Fouty-seven ------------------------------------ Without going out of your door, you can know the ways of the world. Without looking through your window, you can see the way of heaven. The farther you go, the less you know. Thus, one of deep virtue knows without going, sees without looking, and accomplishes without doing.