Great interpretation of Chuang Tzu story. Groups of various kinds (Governments, religions, social groups) etc. Want the person to identify with them and march to their drum. Programming is tough to break. In the Muslim world the father starts to read the Koran from the time a child is born, to a degree Christianity does the same thing. The only escape is with years you observe that this stuff isn't working and start seeking truth. Sadly, so many are so deeply programmed that the individual has a devil of a time breaking away from groupthink. Observing nature away from the noise opens the door to mental and emotional freedom. Thanks for providing another path for those who wish to cut puppet strings, can consider. Chuangtzu is somtimes hard to understand. Thanks my Brother for these wonderful explanations that keep us on the path of freedom.
@@aliusman351 I don't know if you feel as I do. I, of course, was programmed to be a Christian. Since changing and becoming me, I understand the teachings of Jesus in a way I had never seen or felt before. Yeah. It was informative and transformative. I also would pledge on my honor that Life just seems to be giving me whatever I need at the time it is needed. This was a great video teaching!!!
Excellent podcast. Jason and Ga-young present the nature of the Tao in such an effortless way. As someone that for many years has tried to follow the teachings of the Buddha I find Taoism to be a great foundation to those teachings. I still like the ritual like everyone else but ritual can never superseed the Tao as it's the last step before chaos (Tao Te Ching chap. 38). My question is for either Jason or Ga-young: what is your prefered English translation of the Tao Te Ching? I've read a few and prefer Derek Lin's "Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained." Before that I read the "Tao Te Ching" by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English. I really like Lin's translation and commentary but am always open to suggestions. Thank you both for your good work. By carefully and compassionately explaining the Tao to the world you're allowing people to see, many times for the first time, that life doesn't have to be ruled be meaningless ritual. Namaste.
Thank you for your wonderful comment and humble appreciation brother. I actually love both translations. The Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English translation has its own feel, but what I like about Lin's is he goes deep into explaining the actual Chinese and what it means.
@@JasonGregoryAuthor Thank you for your thoughts on both translations and I couldn't agree more. BTW I just bought "Fast the Mind" and am looking forward to reading it. Also "The Art of Effortless Living" was a brilliant video. It was so well done. Thank you again for all that you and Ga-young do.
As always, another great reflection. Took several views, but then I was feeling open. I'd like to share something: I think I may have found the balance in the death of my career. Now to follow.
This talk reminded me of western idea of “progress” and specifically the tool of standardized education as a culture killer when implanted in “uncivilized” countries. This truth, in its wonderfully crystallized form (for I also knew this, just never saw the magnitude of this root of the discussed problem) came to me from the documentary I think that everyone should watch to begin to recover their truer natures or “fill in the drilled holes” and it’s called: Schooling the World: The White Man’s Last Burden.
Jason, thank you for another amazing video! This went in very deep into a dimension of Taoism that I haven’t heard other people discuss before and it was very helpful! I’m a bit confused though about the concept of non-interference vs doing good deeds for the world. When you see someone who might need help, are you not supposed to offer help? Or are you supposed to offer help but not insist on helping? When I see political oppression in Myanmar, HK, or Xinjiang, I want to help, but would that be considered bad in Taoism? How about helping stray animals or homeless people on the street? Taoism does encourage empathy, compassion, etc. I’m just confused about how to balance that with non-interference principle.
Guys, yes society bores holes in us. Parents take us from true being. Kicked conforming in ass - total waste of life. Popularity dropped and pissed off many 🤣 . Powerful story with sick message. Feel life energy leak when hang with some buddies so become scarce in mountains and nature. 🦫🐍🦋Relief in simplicity and natural form. Nationalism crap sucks. Awesome advice. Yeow tight Sunday with you guys! Love from Bernardo
Jason and Gayoung wonderful insights. I hope we'll hear more about Daoism on the April livestream. I would love to hear some Daoist book suggestions. Of course, "Effortless Living" is the best place to short! Mike B
Really good to hear "tales of Taoism" when the internet and "cool culture" has focused so much so long on India based spirituality. Taoism is keyed on nature.. India gurus not so much. For me Taoism therefore feels familiar... earthy... identifiable... universal... man as part of nature... not lost in disembodied spiritualism.
You see a loss into disembodied spiritualism, but I would have to challenge the scene you are seeing for I found a much different one. I was not in India personally, but I stayed as an expat for some time in Hindu Bali. It is where I learned and understood about real Hinduism. In fact, there is a flourishing Hindu tradition and there was a great empire in modern day Indonesia. The present borders are the historically accepted borders of the Great Mahajaput Empire which traded commercially and in all manners with Ming China. Get out of the Western Mind. It takes time for sure. See a different world. Challenge your own conceptions and paradigms.
@@michaeldefeo3030 good response... but by favoring Taoism I do feel I've stepped out of my western injunctions. I actually have been interested in Hinduism and now inspired to study it's influences in Indonesia... best..
@@beerman204 There is no favoritism in Taoism. You are already missing the teaching. There just is. You have to find you; others can only give you the tools. You have to use them. I would also say, if you can do it: it is better knowing than thinking. Critical analysis only produces critical results. It's not about analysis, it's about being. I am a very scientifically-minded person by education, training, and experience. Hinduism would most definitely be worth your time to really immerse yourself in. I am always open to another seeker.
What is the taoist approach of criticising its own world image? I mean, you say you're supposed to question every ideology, with which i can't agree more. But how about questionning the whole daoist cosmos? The "energies", "chi" etc... ? Please don't see me as a troll, its a genuine question of someone trying to understand the real meaning of the Dao
Of course a Taoist questions its own conceptual framework. But something for you to think about is this, qi, the three treasures, etc., are not what Laozi and Zhuangzi taught. What I am speaking about in this podcast is what they taught which is actually the original philosophy of Taoism. Everything else came later as an extension of the original philosophy. That is why Laozi didn't want to call it anything, so he just said he called it Tao. Also, that is why Zhuangzi doesn't offer an alternative philosophy to counter Confucianism, but instead points out the ridiculousness of creating an identity based on socialization. Essentially Taoism is based on those two philosophers, but they offer no specific conceptual framework, instead they critiqued the social structure of the time and based their view on just how nature is which is not a concept, but is just how nature is. Hope that makes sense, and also I know you're not trolling because it is a legitimate question and one that we should ask.
@@JasonGregoryAuthor thank you for your answer. When i hear all these "philosophical extensions" as you say, i can't help but think your documentary when you say something in the sense of "when you try to intellectualise the world and the human mind, you forget to actually live your life" (not these exact words but i guess you know what i am referring to). Is it really worth our precious time to try to explain what's going on inside our minds? And even more so, in other's minds? Wouldn't that be an attempt to try control the flow of Dao through the use of this knowledge?
Great interpretation of Chuang Tzu story. Groups of various kinds (Governments, religions, social groups) etc. Want the person to identify with them and march to their drum. Programming is tough to break. In the Muslim world the father starts to read the Koran from the time a child is born, to a degree Christianity does the same thing. The only escape is with years you observe that this stuff isn't working and start seeking truth. Sadly, so many are so deeply programmed that the individual has a devil of a time breaking away from groupthink. Observing nature away from the noise opens the door to mental and emotional freedom. Thanks for providing another path for those who wish to cut puppet strings, can consider. Chuangtzu is somtimes hard to understand. Thanks my Brother for these wonderful explanations that keep us on the path of freedom.
I knew you would love this one brother. We hope to do many more.
Taoism is not much different from Islam. It helps me to understand the Quran in a better way than I have traditionally learned.
Spot on.
@@aliusman351 I don't know if you feel as I do. I, of course, was programmed to be a Christian. Since changing and becoming me, I understand the teachings of Jesus in a way I had never seen or felt before. Yeah. It was informative and transformative. I also would pledge on my honor that Life just seems to be giving me whatever I need at the time it is needed. This was a great video teaching!!!
So wise! Thank you so much for these thoughts.....
Excellent podcast. Jason and Ga-young present the nature of the Tao in such an effortless way. As someone that for many years has tried to follow the teachings of the Buddha I find Taoism to be a great foundation to those teachings. I still like the ritual like everyone else but ritual can never superseed the Tao as it's the last step before chaos (Tao Te Ching chap. 38).
My question is for either Jason or Ga-young: what is your prefered English translation of the Tao Te Ching? I've read a few and prefer Derek Lin's "Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained." Before that I read the "Tao Te Ching" by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English. I really like Lin's translation and commentary but am always open to suggestions.
Thank you both for your good work. By carefully and compassionately explaining the Tao to the world you're allowing people to see, many times for the first time, that life doesn't have to be ruled be meaningless ritual. Namaste.
Thank you for your wonderful comment and humble appreciation brother. I actually love both translations. The Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English translation has its own feel, but what I like about Lin's is he goes deep into explaining the actual Chinese and what it means.
@@JasonGregoryAuthor Thank you for your thoughts on both translations and I couldn't agree more. BTW I just bought "Fast the Mind" and am looking forward to reading it. Also "The Art of Effortless Living" was a brilliant video. It was so well done. Thank you again for all that you and Ga-young do.
Yes. I feel you completely. My cosmology is also blended. I see a great union that exists between Hinduism, Taoism, and Buddhism. I love it!
Sry. Additionally this came to me. A teaching; because of its nature; is not to be an absolute.
Thanks Jason! Look forward to another insightful video . Your work is amazing ☺️
Enjoy my friend.
Beautiful. Super thank you for this one :) Namaste.
Namaste Kris. Thank you. Shanti.
Thanks for your wonderful wisdom. It is a joy to listen and learn from you both
Thank you both!
Thank you my friend.
As always, another great reflection. Took several views, but then I was feeling open. I'd like to share something:
I think I may have found the balance in the death of my career. Now to follow.
This talk reminded me of western idea of “progress” and specifically the tool of standardized education as a culture killer when implanted in “uncivilized” countries. This truth, in its wonderfully crystallized form (for I also knew this, just never saw the magnitude of this root of the discussed problem) came to me from the documentary I think that everyone should watch to begin to recover their truer natures or “fill in the drilled holes” and it’s called:
Schooling the World: The White Man’s Last Burden.
Really great podcast guys! Super inspiring, anjali.
Thank you for watching Anjali. Best to you my friend.
Jason, thank you for another amazing video! This went in very deep into a dimension of Taoism that I haven’t heard other people discuss before and it was very helpful!
I’m a bit confused though about the concept of non-interference vs doing good deeds for the world. When you see someone who might need help, are you not supposed to offer help? Or are you supposed to offer help but not insist on helping? When I see political oppression in Myanmar, HK, or Xinjiang, I want to help, but would that be considered bad in Taoism? How about helping stray animals or homeless people on the street? Taoism does encourage empathy, compassion, etc. I’m just confused about how to balance that with non-interference principle.
Guys, yes society bores holes in us. Parents take us from true being. Kicked conforming in ass - total waste of life. Popularity dropped and pissed off many 🤣 . Powerful story with sick message. Feel life energy leak when hang with some buddies so become scarce in mountains and nature. 🦫🐍🦋Relief in simplicity and natural form. Nationalism crap sucks. Awesome advice. Yeow tight Sunday with you guys! Love from Bernardo
Haha, definitely a tight Sunday brother. I knew you would enjoy this one. This is one podcast I wish could reach many more. Thank you.
Jason Gregory do Zen Buddhism also focus on the path of non-inference as well?
Yes, they do. Remember, Chan Buddhism in China is a small blend of both Buddhism and Taoism and Chan is Zen in Japan.
Another good talk
Thank you, Terrence. Hope you are well.
Jason and Gayoung wonderful insights. I hope we'll hear more about Daoism on the April livestream. I would love to hear some Daoist book suggestions. Of course, "Effortless Living" is the best place to short! Mike B
Cheers brother. I would love to speak about it more with you on the livestream, Mike.
Thank you, I'm saving this to watch later! Anyway, there's a typo in the title (Zhaungzi)
Thanks for the heads up my friend. Fixed.
Thank you
Thank you my dear friend.
Really good to hear "tales of Taoism" when the internet and "cool culture" has focused so much so long on India based spirituality. Taoism is keyed on nature.. India gurus not so much.
For me Taoism therefore feels familiar... earthy... identifiable... universal... man as part of nature... not lost in disembodied spiritualism.
You see a loss into disembodied spiritualism, but I would have to challenge the scene you are seeing for I found a much different one. I was not in India personally, but I stayed as an expat for some time in Hindu Bali. It is where I learned and understood about real Hinduism. In fact, there is a flourishing Hindu tradition and there was a great empire in modern day Indonesia. The present borders are the historically accepted borders of the Great Mahajaput Empire which traded commercially and in all manners with Ming China. Get out of the Western Mind. It takes time for sure. See a different world. Challenge your own conceptions and paradigms.
@@michaeldefeo3030 good response... but by favoring Taoism I do feel I've stepped out of my western injunctions.
I actually have been interested in Hinduism and now inspired to study it's influences in Indonesia... best..
@@beerman204 There is no favoritism in Taoism. You are already missing the teaching. There just is. You have to find you; others can only give you the tools. You have to use them. I would also say, if you can do it: it is better knowing than thinking. Critical analysis only produces critical results. It's not about analysis, it's about being. I am a very scientifically-minded person by education, training, and experience. Hinduism would most definitely be worth your time to really immerse yourself in. I am always open to another seeker.
Id like to discuss Jason. What makes you think 'life' for lack of a better word, carries on, if we are not here?
What is the taoist approach of criticising its own world image?
I mean, you say you're supposed to question every ideology, with which i can't agree more.
But how about questionning the whole daoist cosmos? The "energies", "chi" etc... ?
Please don't see me as a troll, its a genuine question of someone trying to understand the real meaning of the Dao
Of course a Taoist questions its own conceptual framework. But something for you to think about is this, qi, the three treasures, etc., are not what Laozi and Zhuangzi taught. What I am speaking about in this podcast is what they taught which is actually the original philosophy of Taoism. Everything else came later as an extension of the original philosophy. That is why Laozi didn't want to call it anything, so he just said he called it Tao. Also, that is why Zhuangzi doesn't offer an alternative philosophy to counter Confucianism, but instead points out the ridiculousness of creating an identity based on socialization. Essentially Taoism is based on those two philosophers, but they offer no specific conceptual framework, instead they critiqued the social structure of the time and based their view on just how nature is which is not a concept, but is just how nature is. Hope that makes sense, and also I know you're not trolling because it is a legitimate question and one that we should ask.
@@JasonGregoryAuthor thank you for your answer.
When i hear all these "philosophical extensions" as you say, i can't help but think your documentary when you say something in the sense of "when you try to intellectualise the world and the human mind, you forget to actually live your life" (not these exact words but i guess you know what i am referring to).
Is it really worth our precious time to try to explain what's going on inside our minds? And even more so, in other's minds?
Wouldn't that be an attempt to try control the flow of Dao through the use of this knowledge?
❤❤
Living in the world but not being part of this world