wanderingthought Posted May 12, 2018 Hiya everyone I am new to the site and am new to incorporating conscious Taoist flow into my life, and I am completely open to all ideas and directions. Where do you recommend I start on this path? I have read the Tao te Ching and I have struggled my way through Chuang Tzu, all the while listening to Alan Watts and other Western interpretations of Taoism (Benjamin Hoff, Big Lebowski), yet I don't feel the Tao any more than I did before I began. Possibly too much 'knowledge' and putting life into labelled boxes. Where do I start in practicing the Tao, rather than trying to comprehend it? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fa Xin Posted May 12, 2018 (edited) Hello, wanderingthought, and welcome. Your membership is approved and we're happy you found your way to us. We look forward to accompanying you on some of the way that you still have to go. Please take the time to read the post pinned at the top of this Welcome page and take a look at the forum Terms and Rules. This covers all you need to know when getting started. For the first week you will be restricted to ten posts per day but after that you can post as much as you like. Also, until you’ve posted fifteen times in the forums, you’ll be a “Junior Bum” with somewhat restricted access and will be allowed only two private messages per day. Good luck in your pursuits and best wishes to you, Fa Xin and the TDB team hi WanderingThought, Welcome, sounds like your in the right place! Everyone will have their own advice and their own ideas to help you... go by what feels right for you. With that said, here's my advice (which you are free to ignore completely) The Tao Te Ching is all about going with the flow... yet humans (by our nature) will resist the way things are. We will impose our will on everything. "It's too hot, it's too cold...I want this, I want that." The more "Fa Xin" tries to make things his way, the more out-of-touch I am with the "natural way" (or the way things already are). Therefor, for me, it's about letting go. An ultimate trusting in The Dao and the natural flow of things (whether it's good, or bad...doesn't matter) It's a constant, daily practice ... with lessons and techniques in every situation. It's about listening to your feelings, your intuition. You won't find the Dao in books or videos ... you'll find it by turning inward. After you turn inward and explore your own heart, then the books will make sense (and reflect what you already know.) I'm sure others will come on with much better advice than mine... but I felt I should throw my proverbial "Daoist hat" into the mix. You are welcome to jump right in to the ongoing discussions, revive an older thread, start a new thread of your own, or start a discussion in the "Newcomer Corner" sub-forum to expand on your introduction or ask general questions to help you get started. May you enjoy your time here. Fa Xin Edited May 12, 2018 by Fa Xin 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted May 12, 2018 Hi Wandering. Welcome! We are currently conducting a study of Victor Mair's translation of the Chuang Tzu. It can be found here: https://www.thedaobums.com/forum/257-zhuangzi/ All threads titled "Mair ... ..." are part of the study. You are welcome to revive any of the section threads you have a question to. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
windwalker Posted May 12, 2018 (edited) 5 hours ago, wanderingthought said: Possibly too much 'knowledge' and putting life into labelled boxes. Where do I start in practicing the Tao, rather than trying to comprehend it? You might try by understanding what the self is that you're trying to de Westernise. It would seem that you've created an illusion that you've come to understand and are now trying to come to grips with. Good luck in the process. It's called the gateless gate there are many paths to it Edited May 13, 2018 by windwalker 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lost in Translation Posted May 13, 2018 Tao is experience. Words are signposts, pointing the way. Learn the words then forget them. Welcome! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hannes Posted May 13, 2018 9 hours ago, wanderingthought said: Where do I start in practicing the Tao, rather than trying to comprehend it? Being aware of this already goes a long way. An answer I cannot give, but following is something I remind myself of. If you want to train your body you read about exercises and go to the gym. You compare the results you get and talk to other people that go to the gym. Now, in the end; it is not the reading about exercises or discussing them with others that will build muscles. Yet they were necessary steps on the way to find the exercises that help and not harm you. Welcome to the forum, we can talk about and discuss the possible practices. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerard Posted May 13, 2018 (edited) 11 hours ago, wanderingthought said: Where do you recommend I start on this path? I have read... By practising 'hard' and certainly not reading books as the main source of practice. Opening the Dragon Gate ( will give you an idea of what this whole journey entails. My recommendation: enrol in a Bagua or Xingyi class to start unblocking your "mind." Request a teacher If you prefer a very Yin approach then Vipassana retreats are something you should seriously consider. One of the best things you'll ever do in your entire life. More info available at Meditation in SE Asia All the very best in your new journey. . Edited May 13, 2018 by Gerard 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thelerner Posted May 13, 2018 21 hours ago, wanderingthought said: I am new to the site and am new to incorporating conscious Taoist flow into my life, and I am completely open to all ideas and directions. Where do you recommend I start on this path? I have read the Tao te Ching and I have struggled my way through Chuang Tzu, all the while listening to Alan Watts and other Western interpretations of Taoism (Benjamin Hoff, Big Lebowski), yet I don't feel the Tao any more than I did before I began. Possibly too much 'knowledge' and putting life into labelled boxes. Where do I start in practicing the Tao, rather than trying to comprehend it? Yeah, its easy to become 'top heavy' with too much book learning. Not that I have any particular expertise but most commonly thinking less, judging less tend to bring one closer to Tao. In part we sit in emptiness, not for the sitting but to able to keep that state of mind going during our active day. Find a dharma source that connects to you. I like listening to InfiniteSmile.org, for there perspective. I enjoy the writings & talks of Ajahn Brahms. Finding a wisdom source that feels true, listening and letting the truth echo through your day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
