Gunjin Posted April 22, 2010 Good evening everybody. I've been non-religious for about ten years. I was previously Catholic, raised thoroughly as one, and tossed it out the window when I really delved into its history and true meanings. I am from Guam, and was raised with the raw principles all through my life. I never thought I'd run into "religions" like Taoism and Buddhism, which match all of my inquiries on life and styles of self-practice. I find Buddhism to be mostly related to my beliefs and how I want to live, but I rely heavily on the concepts and truths brought up by Taoism and their writings. I was wondering if there's such a thing as a combination of both. I believe Ch'an Buddhism is close? I would love extreme details and insight, and thank you all for any information you have for me. Enjoy your evening, Gunjin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cloudhand Posted April 22, 2010 Good evening everybody. I've been non-religious for about ten years. I was previously Catholic, raised thoroughly as one, and tossed it out the window when I really delved into its history and true meanings. I am from Guam, and was raised with the raw principles all through my life. I never thought I'd run into "religions" like Taoism and Buddhism, which match all of my inquiries on life and styles of self-practice. I find Buddhism to be mostly related to my beliefs and how I want to live, but I rely heavily on the concepts and truths brought up by Taoism and their writings. I was wondering if there's such a thing as a combination of both. I believe Ch'an Buddhism is close? I would love extreme details and insight, and thank you all for any information you have for me. Enjoy your evening, Gunjin Hows it going? I do Tai Chi Chih and Taoism and Zen my studies are along the line of Allan Watts and the free thinkers like Ram Das, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan the great sufi mystic. Cloudhand Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
~jK~ Posted April 22, 2010 (edited) Good evening everybody. Gunjin Interesting - I was just thinking of going to Guam for a look-see. Is there camping there? How's the ocean? Most places in Pacific, even Hawaii, are getting too polluted I keep a base in Hong Kong where I study Chinese philosophy, culture etc... Congradulations in your delving into history and true meanings. I did the same - with the same results. Buddhism has evolved into a education into philosophy -not a religion- with a basis in meditation. Ch'an Buddhism = Chinese style Buddhism AKA Zen Buddhism. Buddhism points to the way being that: "No one can forgive you but you" (Self Reliance for being a bad guy) Here is a good website on Buddhism: http://www.amtbweb.org/tchem001.htm Tao is a slightly different critter as it is also about meditation but has taken into it sciences, philosophy, ancestor worship based in reincarnation, and a few styles of yoga. Taoist Yoga = mainly Kundalini as seen in the Taoist Book "The Secret of the Golden Flower." The problem with Taoism comes largely from it being written in an ancient alchemical language (A represenative style such as: To have a 'golden heart' = a person with a 'good heart' toward others) The Chinese Taoists call basic meditation "Inner Cultivation" as it is seen as a way to improve one's inner self. I tend to agree. I see inner cultivation as empty mind meditation. As far as a 'combination of both' - I take what suits me and leave the rest. Evolution proves Reincarnation to be true. Edited April 22, 2010 by ~jK~ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gunjin Posted April 23, 2010 (edited) Thanks for your interests, both of you. The website you linked is an excellent source, thank you. I haven't been back home in about 3 years, but the ocean is still as beautiful as it was when I watched it leave under the giant 747 that brought me to the US years ago. The sky is so blue. Its an amazing boldness. The air is nice, salty, and fresh. The island itself has lacked in maintenance, but the jungles are still untouched. Camping is fun, just remember the brown tree snake tends to be a nuisance. In 07 we hiked for a whole day through jungles, down a water fall, crossed streams, hugged rocks to avoid falling in. It was amazing. I miss my home. Definitely check it out if you have the time and available money. I took your words and thought of them thoroughly. If not Ch'an Buddhism, I will give my self a firm hold on Buddhist practices and principals, and after grasping the concept move to studying Taoism along side. I read a post from a different community forum that spoke of Ch'an Buddhism as Taoism with the original Indian Buddhism mixed in; that Ch'an on its Chinese foundation alone is simply put Taoism. It was an interesting point the gentleman was making. Thanks again for your interests and assistance, please feel free to provide more websites or books. Currently, I'm reading The Essentials of Tai Chi (I am a martial artist, currently studying Northern Praying Mantis) which has its Tao fundamentals, as well as the book Universal Compassion, which is sort of an intermediate text for Buddhists that a good friend lent to me. Have a great evening, everyone. Gunjin Edited April 23, 2010 by Gunjin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted April 23, 2010 Yeah. Buddhism and Taoism do make for a very nice belief system. Buddhism is more into the spiritual aspect of life and Taoism is based more in the practical every-day living aspect of life. I think that there are many here who hold to both in various degrees. Peace & Love! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
