If you could describe a Taoist in two sentences or less, how would you say it?

[skillzLeet]

I am wondering what really makes a Taoist, and I would like a simple explanation if it can be simple.

 

[Wells]

A Taoist...has good vibrations!

[Ish]

One who refines themselves to return to Nature

[silent thunder]

refining the self

synthesize the breath and mind

self dissolves in Tao

Edited October 8, 2013 by silent thunder

[ChiDragon]

A Taoist integrates with Nature by using its natural resources to nourish oneself; and breathe the universal Chi to enhance the functions of the body to maintain the state of homeostasis and attain longevity.

Edited September 28, 2013 by ChiDragon

[thelerner]

Here is my best description in 2 sentences x 15.

 

Essence of Taoism Story From NonTien

There is an old story that once Confucius, Shakyamuni Buddha and Lao-tzu were drinking some peach wine together. Buddha opined that it was bitter, Confucius that it was sour – but Lao-tzu, smiling, found it to be sweet.

 

The wine, of course, represents human life. Taoism is not a philosophy or religion of salvation or of escape, but of appropriately enjoying and dealing with the real life which we have. Taoism finds perfection in imperfection, and taking the eternal and universal viewpoint of the Tao, realizes that the good is not to be finally judged by personal or human preference.

 

Taoism suggests that happiness is found in accepting our situation. There is no reason not to do anything reasonable to better ourselves, of course, but resentment, denial or a negative outlook on life do nothing towards increasing our happiness. Cheerfulness, humor and a freedom from fussing are the attitudes that will stead us best in life.

 

This is not to say, however, that Taoism is any kind of forced and strained "positive thinking". It is fine to be sad or melancholic from time to time. This is a perfect occasion to read or write sad poems, listen to sad music and complain to our friends, and (in moderation) can add to the overall enjoyment of life.

 

Taoism is also unconcerned with ideas of "advancement" and "success" through some special mode of thinking. A Taoist is only willing to struggle to survive up to a point, after which he is content not to survive, death being a natural commitment of life. Lesser considerations such as career, popularity, fame and wealth are then obviously highly trivial, and not such as to cause serious unhappiness.

 

The Taoist takes his positive pleasures from the enjoyment of love (in all wholesome forms), learning (of interesting and worthwhile things), productive labor (of a kind actually beneficial to human beings), contemplation (whether of the taste of tea, the beauties of art or the moods of Nature), and Taoist practice (of meditation, t'ai-chi ch'üan etc.).

Above all, he or she endeavors to preserve the basic human integrity and innocence with which we are all endowed at birth, and not to be subverted by the concerns of worldliness. The Taoist strives not to want and get, but to enjoy what is already present with gratitude and grace.

Edited September 29, 2013 by thelerner

[Marblehead]

Well, Thelerner, you cheated. Too many sentences, You are disqualified from competition.

 

But I did like that post none-the-less.

[mYTHmAKER]

The Taoist that can be described is not a Taoist

[ChiDragon]

The Taoist that can be described is not a Taoist

A Taoist is not Tao.

[mYTHmAKER]

A Taoist is not Tao.

Does the Tao have a sense of humor?

[ChiDragon]

No.......Tao is neutral.

Perhaps a Taoist does but a Taoist wouldn't make fun of Tao.......

Edited September 29, 2013 by ChiDragon

[mYTHmAKER]

No.......Tao is neutral.

 

Perhaps a Taoist does but a Taoist wouldn't make fun of Tao.......

and you know this because?

[Protector]

Really want to show this here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lü_Dongbin

[ChiDragon]

and you know this because?

 

As a cultivated Taoist, it is a matter of seriousness and respect for Tao. It is because of:

 

Chapter 41

A scholar hears about Tao which practices its principles diligently.

A mediocre hears about Tao which was in doubt.

An idiot hears about Tao which laughs aloud.

Edited September 30, 2013 by ChiDragon

[Cheshire Cat]

If you think of a river with infinite water particles flowing all in the same direction without resistance... you may consider each one of them as a daoist particle.

 

To tell the truth, in this universe it's easier to find daoists than non-daoists... since non-daoists cannot last.

[Tung]

A glass that is half empty or half full is seen as in a state of ever changing from full to empty, each has it purpose and use.

[Bearded Dragon]

A Taoist walks into a bar.

[ChiDragon]

A Taoist walks into a bar.

For good health to become an immortal......???

[Taomeow]

A taoist is like melting ice carefully stepping on melting ice.

 

(Inspired by Laozi Ch. 15)

[Marblehead]

A Taoist walks into a bar.

A health bar, of course.

[thelerner]

Let's see describing a Taoist in 2 sentences.

It was a dark and stormy night.

The Taoist stepped outside to enjoy it.

[zerostao]

Really want to show this here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lü_Dongbin

interesting about the white peony

[mYTHmAKER]

 

As a cultivated Taoist, it is a matter of seriousness and respect for Tao. It is because of:

 

Chapter 41

A scholar hears about Tao which practices its principles diligently.

A mediocre hears about Tao which was in doubt.

An idiot hears about Tao which laughs aloud.

Nice quote.

A Taoist is not, cannot be separate from Tao, an idiot is part of Tao therefore

[Marblehead]

He is depicted in art as being dressed as a scholar and he often bears a sword on his back that dispels evil spirits.

 

The sword could also dispel evil mortals.

[zerostao]

a scholar's sword , no less