The Tao De Ching alters my consciousness when I listen to it. I don't understand it but it affects my state of mind. Nothing has ever affected me like it does. I heard somewhere that you should listen to these texts as you would listen to poetry, and I do.
I enjoyed your exposition. I use all three texts. I started reading them more than 40 years ago. I have three translations of the Zhuangzi (Watson, Cleary, Chan), several translations of the Daodejing (Mair, Feng & English, Cleary, Ames, Wu, Lau), and three of the Yijing (Wilhelm, Deng Ming Dao, Hua Ching Ni). I practice TCM and earned my first master's degree in philosophy with a thesis on Buddhist epistemology, logic and metaphysics and their implications for political economy so I am putting your Yijing translation on my reading list.
Hmm, I Ching was first. My grandma gave me the workbook version by RL Wing when I was about 10 - which I still have and use. I sought out the Tao de Ching when I was a teenager and again in my 20s. I've had several copies over the years. I only heard of The Zhuangzi relatively recently. I've never read it and really don't know anything about it. It's definitely the most mysterious of the three to me.
Just yesterday I was giving the Dao De Jing a first reading before sitting down to really chew on it and studying it! It and the I Ching are the main daoist texts I have acquaintance with.
I was familiar with all three! When I was in middle school a Daoist teacher shared his books with me and I was lucky to have read 2/3 by the time I was 14, the I Ching came later through my mom picking up a copy when I was almost graduated high school. I never did wrap my head around the I Ching but I have returned again and again to the thought provoking and smile inducing words of both the Dao De Jing and the Zhuangzhi, always keen to read a new (or just unfamiliar to me) translation of either!
The "Tao Te Ching" have been considered to be the wisest book ever written by some. There's another book which I can't recall at this moment, that talks about how Lao Tzu or whomever wrote the Tao Te Ching was a Qi Gong master. Therefore the roots of the Tao Te Ching/Philosophical Taoism is Qi Gong.
The best Dao De Jing translation I have read was by the university of theosophy Charles Johnston. It is very comparative to Vedic and western teachings which was nice since I study all teachings. I’ve read the Taoist IChing by Thomas Cleary which has very good insightful commentary as he usually does. I have also read Alfred Huangs translation which is also good as he breaks down the traditional characters but not to much insightful commentary. I have also read The Duke of Zhou Changes by Stephen L Field which is also insightful describing the traditional characters. I still use them all for reference and read the Dao De Jing daily for further insights. The IChing I feel is very hard to get a full grasp of for some reason but I am compelled to continue to attempt to being proficient in it. The book of ZhuangZi I have read is the penguin classic which is rather dry with not much insightful commentary. I love Zhuangzi’s way of thinking and find myself to have many similarities. I am looking for a more in-depth innnerstanding commentary on his works if you know of any. I am a martial artist that started with shaolin Chan after departing from the USMC in 2005 which took me to India to go more in depth on the origins of Buddhism and Sanskrit. I have been more committed to Daoist teachings for the past 7 years also focusing on internal alchemy through the internal arts of China. I was born in Los Angeles being Chinese/Taiwanese and Tigua I am gravitated towards shamanic spiritual practices. It’s hard to find any masters willing to teach so I am glad I found you I have just purchased two of your works so I hope it can take my practice to the next levels without having to travel to Taiwan or China. I am great full that I found a practitioner such as yourself that is well versed in the esoteric and occult and able to break it down Barney style. I look forward to delving into your works in hopes to be apart of transmuting the energies for the betterment of all!
I'm reading the I Ching now with your book (and enjoying it). I've heard about the Tao Te Ching but haven’t read it. I've read one story in ZhuangZi and thought this is going to take time to get through. I need to be in a contemplative mood. So, to approach Taoism, I'm reading biographies to understand how it's practiced and how people understand and practice the scriptures. Hopefully it will make approaching the scriptures easier?? With the I Ching alone, I already see there is a lot I need to wrap my head around. A lot of basic building blocks I need to get a feel for. I get the sense that there is a certain way Taoists view the world and man's relationship with heaven and earth. And that I need to understand that to understand how Taoists work and develop themselves (as well as how they interpret the scriptures).
I've read the 道德经 in Hebrew when I was really young, i remember the seller at the book store saying to my mom: "ain't this for adults", i was weirded out by that statement, but i still don't know, is it, can a child understand it? I recently got me a 易经 but here I really can't understand it even though it is in my native language, i can't wait to get your new book. In the mean time I'm reading the amazing tao of craft ❤
I got started on the texts fairly young as well and historically there are always these accounts of legendary or famous philosophical figures who are prodigies and mastered these texts in their youth. But I do think there is a grain of truth to it. Getting weathered by life experience does help with deepening one's relationship to these texts. ❤
4:23, I love the way you put that "they are paradoxes to reveal your own values", I often think about how there is a lot of truth hidden in apparent paradoxes and that there are often simultaneous truths. Truth is beyond, or precedent to normal logic
I've read several times the "Tao Te Chin", "Chuan Zu", and the "I Ching"; but it was over 30 years ago, and spanish translations of german translations... I am again trying to walk the path to enlightenment. Thank you for the good work you do.
I know of and own all 3 of these texts. I've only fully read the Tao Te Ching though. I've read various sections of the Yi Ching, in accordance to divination and meditating on Hexagrams. Haven't touched the Zhuang Zi yet, some I'm curious about its place in the mysteries.
When i read the Dao de Ching (spelling?) I got the strong impression it was describing the Holy Spirit. What do you think? Two different ways of describing the same thing, from two different cultures... I really like it.
To begin with, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude for your great channel; trully enlightening. Regarding your discussion on the Wood-Geese passage, could you (or anyone on this thread who is "in the know") possibly point the chapter-passage reference of it in the Zhuangzi? I don't seem to remember it and don't entirely trust the Hebrew translation that I have. Many thanks🙏!
I have read English translatons of each of these revered texts, and while i have reverence and respect for each, i love the narrative sfyle of Chuang - Tzu, as i keep being drawn back to him by merit of his sense of humor. I'm harvesting yarrow this summer. Would you like some yarrow stalks?
The first time I encountered words from the Tao Te Ching they were used in a song by the German industrial punk band KMFDM. Never thought of Taoism as punk, but this song made me rethink that opinion! "What there is to be shrunken is first stretched out, what there is to be weakened is first made strong. "What will be withdrawn is first bestowed, what will be thrown over is first raised up..." That's so punk!
Those are my favorite taoist texts though I will not pretend to grasp them. I would love an updated translation from you. I tried to read Zuangzi to help me understand the Dao De Jing. It only deepened the mystery for me. I then tried reading some neidan texts for fun and well lets just say these texts are fascinating and possibly harder to get any idea what is going on, especially from translations. Loved this and would like more content like this. These days I am content practicing neijia and reading your latest wonderful book. 🙏☯️ (Edited for auto correct.) ;)
There is a translation from Hackett Classics that includes commentary that helps. But yes would love a version of the Zhuangzi and Dao Di Jing by Benebell Wen
Most of the neidan texts I was referring to are translations from Fabrizio Pregadio. I did start with CJ Jung's commentary on the secret of the golden flower. As that was the easiest to find for a long time. I've also turned out to be a big fan of Eva Wong, Isabelle Robinet and all Charles Luk's (Lu K'uang Yu) books. Also a bunch of others that don't come to mind right now. Most of my books are in boxes right now and not easily accessible.
Lastly wengu has been wonderful over the years as well and I love how it has the Chinese characters all hyperlinked to their different meanings. That changed the Dao De Jing 1:1 reading for me amongst other things. Still one book or video by Benebell always manages to blow my mind and I don't know how she manages to pack so much information into such short videos and paragraphs or chapters. It's astounding. And a blessing (even if I frequently need to take breaks and rewind or pause.) Thank you so much. I'd rather drink the clear waters than read The Tao of Pooh. Although I always loved the vinegar tasters painting. I believe I read about it in D.C. Lau's translation of Lao Tzu.
I've read the Tao Te Ching. The first half seemed directionless, so I probably read it over too long a time. The second half made a lot of sense. I've read the Zhuangzi. I enjoyed it, though it got abstract at times. I know of I Ching, but haven't read it.
I stumbled on your videos a couple weeks ago and bought your books. Would you recommend a starting point for your books. Example Franz Brandon's initiation to hermetics are not meant to be read cover to cover. I have only a cursory knowledge of I ching and tao the ching
The ichin only, just got your book and am so happy to have it. My first copy was an old printing from the "Wilhelm translation" which felt like running my head into a wall to first read. Youre printable was so helpful
Love you videos- you are a gifted teacher- it also reminds me of tai chi, bagua, swimming dragon, Master Yuan forms that use gentleness to. Uild strength, or conscious movement
Thx Miss Benebell I too was perplexed by your pronunciation of Zhuangzi. It must be my ear which is tuned to cantonese. I really struggle with Mandarin dialects too 🙏🌻🐝❤️
Since my study into the I ching I have noticed a lot of the same type of references that are in the I Ching that corollate to the Christian bible. Especially in Jesus messages. There was a lot of controversy that Jesus actually visited India and I'm betting it could be possible if he went that far that he would have gone into China as well. After all they aren't that far in distance. There is also a controversy that Jesus is actually a group of people rather than a singular person. If that were the case then it could be that he falls under the category of the Rosicrucian's or even the Budda. Mostly because a lot of his miracles correlate to the stories of those regions. It is also thought that the Rosicrucian's were the original occultists because they went to every place of religion and brought back from masters their teachings no matter how corrupt they were and decided to put it all together. Most people know this type of thinking as the new age phenomena which I call 'old age rebranded'. Plus, not to long ago a group of bishops decided to put aside all politics and religious propaganda to find out the truth. They too come to the same conclusion after years of truthful study. They said there was indeed a man who was named Jesus but he was actually the product of a roman soldier which is why his father Joseph felt like putting Mary away even though that happened all the time back then. I find it interesting that Jesus himself spoke only in parables to the gentiles even though he knew that only those who would ponder on his words day and night would find any real value in his messages. The I Ching almost feel like the same language Jesus used in his teachings. Most of his parables actually seemed to contradict each other as well. Even his apostles asked him about it saying he tells them to do something then he pushes them away and they didn't know what to do. He in a roundabout way told them only they would know what to actually do when the moment mattered and left to heaven.
I have read and studied all 3 text. Dao De Ching was first and IChing was last. After studying IChing I did behin to see Dao De Ching in a more metaphysical light.
We must know each other. This video came out a few hours after I finished the Hua Hu Ching. The 81 9x9 is an interesting combination like the Hua Hu Ching. I trying to figure out if palindromes. After watching Mask Girl, I realized God somehow functions in palindromes.
Thank you for your work, I am very pleased to discover it recently!! I really appreciate the bilingual approach with both 漢字 and pinyin, as somebody half Taiwanese/Chinese & half caucasian American who is studying Chinese as an adult - 謝謝！Also, do you recommend a specific translation of the 道德經?
I always thought the wood = longevity response was pointing out that while Mu may manifest as long-lived trees, that is only ONE of MANY forms Mu can take, with only some having much to do with longevity at all and others even acting AGAINST it A microcosm, in a way
I read them all (or parts of them) in my Chinese Literature in Translation class. (Which only counted toward my Engineering degree as a "humanities." We were required to have 8 units -- they only came in 3-unit classes. I'd taken 4 semesters of Chinese language before deciding on my major.
I've studied all three, finishing only with the I-Ching now...how can we compare three jewels? Some of it is alchemy, some morality, some of it spiritual. "To those who first hear , laugh" and it wouldn't be the Dao without that laugh echoing through out eternity~
I love your critic of the Wood/ Gease analogy and where there could be a lapse in logic cause/effect there. This reminded me of the scene in Holy Grail where they poke fun an acane science and the logical falaciy of proving if someone is a witch by weighing her against a Duck, strangely similar because in the scene to get the duck to weigh the same as the woman they stack Wood. Lol! ruclips.net/video/X2xlQaimsGg/видео.html "So if she weighs the same as Duck/(Wood), she's a witch!" (monty python Holy Grail)
To provide a different perspective here, it's always beneficial and wise to aspire toward the simplicity that the Tao Te Ching mentions and to always work toward being a good person, improving oneself, and doing what is good. Esotericism and occultism are often unnecessary for reaching those goals, and can even be dangerous. Esotericism and the occult might even begin to obscure the truth or overcomplicate things, not to mention pose dangers to the practitioner and those whom he/she engages in their life. They're not always beneficial. Keep these things in mind. With that said, thanks Benebell, for doing the work you have done to spread knowledge and elucidate others regarding authentic Chinese culture, history, and philosophy.
I have read passages from each of the three books. I enjoy how down to earth all of the books are in the sense that they are practical and unpretentious. I love the humor of the Zhuangzi. As a former lifelong Christian in my sixties, I am hungry for finding a way to understand life. I am attracted to these works because of their simplicity, humbleness and focus on benevolence.
This is so direct and wonderfully stated. The new edition of the I Ching is incredible. The words hop of the page. I am delighted to see an edition of the work translated by a woman and on from the Chinese point of view. I have been waiting for this forever. Thank you, Ken, editor of Red Pine, Bill Porter.
I have read them, i listen to audio book versions of Tao Te Ching frequently, I find it pleasant to have more understanding each time, it is like hearing it for the first time again and again.
I used and read and still use the I Ching i have studied and use the Tao De Jing in every day life and have since the 1990s but i dont remember reading ,but i have heard of The Zhuangzi which actually surprises me. cloe to the end of this video you are speaking of student receiving meaning he is ready has understood . most people that i have met are definitely not even close to being ready which is ok because the world is distraction and as for myself i dont think am ready things juts click when they are ready and i have learn through the last 30 yrs of my life to not try or do thigns to hard it will come naturally , analogy is like when i used to go fishing I would rarely get a bite while fishing if i was thinking of fishing but if I enjoyed the area be it I am on a boat or on the shore I take in all the natures this is when the fish started to bite just like in my life if try to do something to hard i receive friction so if i just notice and then being like water and just there naturally it comes into place and clicks , I am not sure if anyone will understand what I am saying because I have been told all my life I see things differently then most people
This is a different kind of gong show. I like it better. Thanks again for the fine presentation, teach! I studied only one of the three so far. I'm about to delve into the second.
Regarding the I Cheng, I enjoy the challenge of being open to something I have eschewed in the past. It is exciting to anticipate attaining a new perspective
Before watching the video: I'm a huge Dao De Jing fan since my college days and would put it in my top 10 favorite books! Enjoying learning about the others 👍
Same! I kind of have half a mind to hunker down and do my own translations and annotations of it. After all, it's "only" 5,000 words, which isn't so bad. 🤣🤷
This is a lot of food for thought. Thanks for sharing all this info. I just got your I Ching book and am finding it very interesting. Also I love the gongs!
Honestly I love your books and your academic approach to esoteric studies. I am using Holistic Tarot as a textbook along with the study guide right now and it is incredibly authentic. Much better than many of the fluff books you'll find on the subject. Next, I'm diving into I-Ching. ❤❤❤
I've read all three, and own multiple copies of the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching. Never cared for Zhuang Zi, but I might have to take another run at it.
With respect to Zhuangzi, could be a translation issue. 🤷 A good English translation is hard to come by. Or at least a version that offers enough annotations and commentaries to give you a running start.
I have read multiple translations of the Tao te Ching both with and without commentary, which was heavily Western-centric. I've listened to the audio book of the Zuangxi first chapters at least twice. I have never read the I Ching. Given the heavy Western influence on my readings of the Tao Te Ching, I didn't realize how important the I Ching was to the philosophy. I started reading more deeply into Tao philosophy during the pandemic as part of my ongoing search of a spiritual practice that suits me. Having revisited my texts from when I took a Chinese history class in college, finding additional texts in English with Chinese historians at the helm vs Western ones, and reading older Chinese poetry, led me to be more interested in learning about the I Ching. When I was taught about the I Ching before college, it was labeled as a divination tool/magical practice only with very little context, so I've kinda ignored its existence since then.
Yes! I have read these three, admittedly my Sister bought me a Book on I Ching divination but I couldn't understand how to do the I Ching method! But when I read the Tao Te Ching I was absolutely floored, just the wisdom and insight in every page gave me ruminations to chew on that I would go around quoting it so much! One of my favorite passages goes like this....not verbatim but essentially like this " Everything takes place in its own time, it's beginning and end. To rush anything prematurely is to simultaneously rush to its own end." Mind completely blown 😮
I & Tao & to a much lesser extent The Zhuangzi How do they relate to the Sidereal Zodiac ? How do they relate to the Tropical Zodiac ? Integrate Dark & Light
Modern astrologers in Asia have come up with fun, innovative intersectional approaches to I Ching and the Western zodiac systems, so that might be something you're interested in.
Poll answer. The Tao Te Ching. I read in my 30s (om in my 50s now). I love it.❤ Ive read it in translation of course. But i used to keep a copy in my purse and read the chapters like some people read Bible verses. And of course after also reading tve Tao of Pooh...the characters in the 100 Acre Woods will never be the same.❤
I am an Australian who found the Tao Te Ching in an art gallery gift shop and it changed my life, I later joined the Church of the Latter Day Dude as I don’t live in China (There is a Taoist Academy in my Chatswood area but I don’t know their address I just follow their Instagram). I have the Zhuangzi and I Ching as well but I haven’t studied those as much as the Lao Tzu. Because my area has a lot of Chinese people there’s a few Taoism books at the local library. I can only hope I’m doing Taoism right and am not just another Guailo meddling in a faith he barely understands and bungling what is meant to be done proper.
The surangama sutra is the Sri Vidya and the I-Ching becoming dharma. The path of surangama is the mother, the child and well the one that is and the one that becomes all. Where is the storm? In the wind, where is the fire in the forest. Then if the ocean is water, what is space?
Hey, Im going to buy your book, but I have no money at the moment, and I have questions. You know how there are letters that you can count for numerological meaning, like a Tao Te Ching bible code? Do you think they divided them into 80 scrolls for a similar reason, or did he just need more paper?
I haven't really dived into the research of what we know exactly about how the Tao Te Ching was written, initially intended to be printed, etc. I do know that often when we say chapters, it was because they were written on separate scrolls.
I’ve heard of all three books but have only read the Dao De Ching. It has brought me a sense of comfort for a long time and I find myself reading several translations to find new perspectives in the way others interpret it. I have your copy of the I Ching sitting next to me as I watch this!
@@BenebellWen Thank you for writing it!! And for all these great supplemental videos. I’m going through the book slowly but very excited to be reading it ❤️❤️
The Tao De Ching alters my consciousness when I listen to it. I don't understand it but it affects my state of mind. Nothing has ever affected me like it does. I heard somewhere that you should listen to these texts as you would listen to poetry, and I do.
Familiar with all three, still working on my understanding. Your excellent I Ching is the 7th translation in my library.
I enjoyed your exposition. I use all three texts. I started reading them more than 40 years ago. I have three translations of the Zhuangzi (Watson, Cleary, Chan), several translations of the Daodejing (Mair, Feng & English, Cleary, Ames, Wu, Lau), and three of the Yijing (Wilhelm, Deng Ming Dao, Hua Ching Ni). I practice TCM and earned my first master's degree in philosophy with a thesis on Buddhist epistemology, logic and metaphysics and their implications for political economy so I am putting your Yijing translation on my reading list.
Hmm, I Ching was first. My grandma gave me the workbook version by RL Wing when I was about 10 - which I still have and use. I sought out the Tao de Ching when I was a teenager and again in my 20s. I've had several copies over the years. I only heard of The Zhuangzi relatively recently. I've never read it and really don't know anything about it. It's definitely the most mysterious of the three to me.
Tao Te Ching is one of greatest books ever
Just yesterday I was giving the Dao De Jing a first reading before sitting down to really chew on it and studying it! It and the I Ching are the main daoist texts I have acquaintance with.
I was familiar with all three! When I was in middle school a Daoist teacher shared his books with me and I was lucky to have read 2/3 by the time I was 14, the I Ching came later through my mom picking up a copy when I was almost graduated high school.
I never did wrap my head around the I Ching but I have returned again and again to the thought provoking and smile inducing words of both the Dao De Jing and the Zhuangzhi, always keen to read a new (or just unfamiliar to me) translation of either!
The "Tao Te Ching" have been considered to be the wisest book ever written by some. There's another book which I can't recall at this moment, that talks about how Lao Tzu or whomever wrote the Tao Te Ching was a Qi Gong master. Therefore the roots of the Tao Te Ching/Philosophical Taoism is Qi Gong.
The best Dao De Jing translation I have read was by the university of theosophy Charles Johnston. It is very comparative to Vedic and western teachings which was nice since I study all teachings.
I’ve read the Taoist IChing by Thomas Cleary which has very good insightful commentary as he usually does. I have also read Alfred Huangs translation which is also good as he breaks down the traditional characters but not to much insightful commentary.
I have also read The Duke of Zhou Changes by Stephen L Field which is also insightful describing the traditional characters. I still use them all for reference and read the Dao De Jing daily for further insights. The IChing I feel is very hard to get a full grasp of for some reason but I am compelled to continue to attempt to being proficient in it. The book of ZhuangZi I have read is the penguin classic which is rather dry with not much insightful commentary. I love Zhuangzi’s way of thinking and find myself to have many similarities. I am looking for a more in-depth innnerstanding commentary on his works if you know of any.
I am a martial artist that started with shaolin Chan after departing from the USMC in 2005 which took me to India to go more in depth on the origins of Buddhism and Sanskrit. I have been more committed to Daoist teachings for the past 7 years also focusing on internal alchemy through the internal arts of China. I was born in Los Angeles being Chinese/Taiwanese and Tigua I am gravitated towards shamanic spiritual practices. It’s hard to find any masters willing to teach so I am glad I found you I have just purchased two of your works so I hope it can take my practice to the next levels without having to travel to Taiwan or China. I am great full that I found a practitioner such as yourself that is well versed in the esoteric and occult and able to break it down Barney style. I look forward to delving into your works in hopes to be apart of transmuting the energies for the betterment of all!
I have read these three books and this may be my favorite video you have shared. Thank you so much for sharing your insights about these texts!
I'm reading the I Ching now with your book (and enjoying it). I've heard about the Tao Te Ching but haven’t read it. I've read one story in ZhuangZi and thought this is going to take time to get through. I need to be in a contemplative mood. So, to approach Taoism, I'm reading biographies to understand how it's practiced and how people understand and practice the scriptures. Hopefully it will make approaching the scriptures easier??
With the I Ching alone, I already see there is a lot I need to wrap my head around. A lot of basic building blocks I need to get a feel for. I get the sense that there is a certain way Taoists view the world and man's relationship with heaven and earth. And that I need to understand that to understand how Taoists work and develop themselves (as well as how they interpret the scriptures).
I've read the 道德经 in Hebrew when I was really young, i remember the seller at the book store saying to my mom: "ain't this for adults", i was weirded out by that statement, but i still don't know, is it, can a child understand it? I recently got me a 易经 but here I really can't understand it even though it is in my native language, i can't wait to get your new book. In the mean time I'm reading the amazing tao of craft ❤
I got started on the texts fairly young as well and historically there are always these accounts of legendary or famous philosophical figures who are prodigies and mastered these texts in their youth.
But I do think there is a grain of truth to it. Getting weathered by life experience does help with deepening one's relationship to these texts. ❤
Time?
How is it's duration measured?
Surely not by perception!
What could be more corrupt?
4:23, I love the way you put that "they are paradoxes to reveal your own values", I often think about how there is a lot of truth hidden in apparent paradoxes and that there are often simultaneous truths. Truth is beyond, or precedent to normal logic
No! The gongs are not too much, thank you very much! 🤨 🤣
Without mastery the beginner cannot take a single correct step 😉
I've read several times the "Tao Te Chin", "Chuan Zu", and the "I Ching"; but it was over 30 years ago, and spanish translations of german translations...
I am again trying to walk the path to enlightenment. Thank you for the good work you do.
I know of and own all 3 of these texts. I've only fully read the Tao Te Ching though. I've read various sections of the Yi Ching, in accordance to divination and meditating on Hexagrams. Haven't touched the Zhuang Zi yet, some I'm curious about its place in the mysteries.
When i read the Dao de Ching (spelling?) I got the strong impression it was describing the Holy Spirit. What do you think? Two different ways of describing the same thing, from two different cultures... I really like it.
To begin with, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude for your great channel; trully enlightening.
Regarding your discussion on the Wood-Geese passage, could you (or anyone on this thread who is "in the know") possibly point the chapter-passage reference of it in the Zhuangzi? I don't seem to remember it and don't entirely trust the Hebrew translation that I have. Many thanks🙏!
I have read English translatons of each of these revered texts, and while i have reverence and respect for each, i love the narrative sfyle of Chuang - Tzu, as i keep being drawn back to him by merit of his sense of humor. I'm harvesting yarrow this summer. Would you like some yarrow stalks?
The first time I encountered words from the Tao Te Ching they were used in a song by the German industrial punk band KMFDM. Never thought of Taoism as punk, but this song made me rethink that opinion!
"What there is to be shrunken is first stretched out, what there is to be weakened is first made strong.
"What will be withdrawn is first bestowed, what will be thrown over is first raised up..."
That's so punk!
Those are my favorite taoist texts though I will not pretend to grasp them. I would love an updated translation from you. I tried to read Zuangzi to help me understand the Dao De Jing. It only deepened the mystery for me. I then tried reading some neidan texts for fun and well lets just say these texts are fascinating and possibly harder to get any idea what is going on, especially from translations. Loved this and would like more content like this.
These days I am content practicing neijia and reading your latest wonderful book. 🙏☯️
(Edited for auto correct.) ;)
There is a translation from Hackett Classics that includes commentary that helps. But yes would love a version of the Zhuangzi and Dao Di Jing by Benebell Wen
Most of the neidan texts I was referring to are translations from Fabrizio Pregadio. I did start with CJ Jung's commentary on the secret of the golden flower. As that was the easiest to find for a long time.
I've also turned out to be a big fan of Eva Wong, Isabelle Robinet and all Charles Luk's (Lu K'uang Yu) books. Also a bunch of others that don't come to mind right now. Most of my books are in boxes right now and not easily accessible.
Lastly wengu has been wonderful over the years as well and I love how it has the Chinese characters all hyperlinked to their different meanings. That changed the Dao De Jing 1:1 reading for me amongst other things.
Still one book or video by Benebell always manages to blow my mind and I don't know how she manages to pack so much information into such short videos and paragraphs or chapters. It's astounding. And a blessing (even if I frequently need to take breaks and rewind or pause.) Thank you so much.
I'd rather drink the clear waters than read The Tao of Pooh. Although I always loved the vinegar tasters painting. I believe I read about it in D.C. Lau's translation of Lao Tzu.
I've read the Tao Te Ching. The first half seemed directionless, so I probably read it over too long a time. The second half made a lot of sense.
I've read the Zhuangzi. I enjoyed it, though it got abstract at times.
I know of I Ching, but haven't read it.
I stumbled on your videos a couple weeks ago and bought your books. Would you recommend a starting point for your books. Example Franz Brandon's initiation to hermetics are not meant to be read cover to cover. I have only a cursory knowledge of I ching and tao the ching
The ichin only, just got your book and am so happy to have it. My first copy was an old printing from the "Wilhelm translation" which felt like running my head into a wall to first read. Youre printable was so helpful
i am somewhat familiar with all three. most familiar with Dao De Jing and least probably with the I Ching. Enjoying your version quite a bit.
Love you videos- you are a gifted teacher- it also reminds me of tai chi, bagua, swimming dragon, Master Yuan forms that use gentleness to. Uild strength, or conscious movement
Just a curiosity..who are Kuan Yin and Green Tara in Taoist perspective/how are they see? 🙏
Thx Miss Benebell
I too was perplexed by your pronunciation of Zhuangzi. It must be my ear which is tuned to cantonese. I really struggle with Mandarin dialects too
🙏🌻🐝❤️
Since my study into the I ching I have noticed a lot of the same type of references that are in the I Ching that corollate to the Christian bible. Especially in Jesus messages. There was a lot of controversy that Jesus actually visited India and I'm betting it could be possible if he went that far that he would have gone into China as well. After all they aren't that far in distance. There is also a controversy that Jesus is actually a group of people rather than a singular person. If that were the case then it could be that he falls under the category of the Rosicrucian's or even the Budda. Mostly because a lot of his miracles correlate to the stories of those regions. It is also thought that the Rosicrucian's were the original occultists because they went to every place of religion and brought back from masters their teachings no matter how corrupt they were and decided to put it all together. Most people know this type of thinking as the new age phenomena which I call 'old age rebranded'. Plus, not to long ago a group of bishops decided to put aside all politics and religious propaganda to find out the truth. They too come to the same conclusion after years of truthful study. They said there was indeed a man who was named Jesus but he was actually the product of a roman soldier which is why his father Joseph felt like putting Mary away even though that happened all the time back then. I find it interesting that Jesus himself spoke only in parables to the gentiles even though he knew that only those who would ponder on his words day and night would find any real value in his messages. The I Ching almost feel like the same language Jesus used in his teachings. Most of his parables actually seemed to contradict each other as well. Even his apostles asked him about it saying he tells them to do something then he pushes them away and they didn't know what to do. He in a roundabout way told them only they would know what to actually do when the moment mattered and left to heaven.
I don't know, you tell me; that is the essence of Beginner's Mind 🙏
I've read all three & purchased your books since I'm still interested, but unsure I comprehend their contents.
Would love to know your favorite English translation of the Tao Te Ching
I only know the I Ching from The Man In The High Castle. 😂
I have read and studied all 3 text. Dao De Ching was first and IChing was last. After studying IChing I did behin to see Dao De Ching in a more metaphysical light.
Awesome! I need more please! ❤😊
I'm so happy that I found your channel. Thank you
The gongs were appropriate, singled a change, end.
🙏🩵💛💜🤍🕊 Tao Te Ching and I Ching
Sending gratitude from within a Longmen Daoist monastery near Seattle (USA)!
감사합니다.
사랑합니다.
💜🐚🐉🦋🦜🙏
We must know each other. This video came out a few hours after I finished the Hua Hu Ching. The 81 9x9 is an interesting combination like the Hua Hu Ching. I trying to figure out if palindromes. After watching Mask Girl, I realized God somehow functions in palindromes.
I’m familiar with all three.
I Ching, dao de ching the third was new to me
Thank you for your work, I am very pleased to discover it recently!! I really appreciate the bilingual approach with both 漢字 and pinyin, as somebody half Taiwanese/Chinese & half caucasian American who is studying Chinese as an adult - 謝謝！Also, do you recommend a specific translation of the 道德經?
Great video
❤
I always thought the wood = longevity response was pointing out that while Mu may manifest as long-lived trees, that is only ONE of MANY forms Mu can take, with only some having much to do with longevity at all and others even acting AGAINST it
A microcosm, in a way
love your book!
I read them all (or parts of them) in my Chinese Literature in Translation class. (Which only counted toward my Engineering degree as a "humanities." We were required to have 8 units -- they only came in 3-unit classes. I'd taken 4 semesters of Chinese language before deciding on my major.
I've studied all three, finishing only with the I-Ching now...how can we compare three jewels? Some of it is alchemy, some morality, some of it spiritual. "To those who first hear , laugh" and it wouldn't be the Dao without that laugh echoing through out eternity~
I love your critic of the Wood/ Gease analogy and where there could be a lapse in logic cause/effect there. This reminded me of the scene in Holy Grail where they poke fun an acane science and the logical falaciy of proving if someone is a witch by weighing her against a Duck, strangely similar because in the scene to get the duck to weigh the same as the woman they stack Wood. Lol! ruclips.net/video/X2xlQaimsGg/видео.html "So if she weighs the same as Duck/(Wood), she's a witch!" (monty python Holy Grail)
I bought you book
would😂
12:57
Miami fl
I can't wait for my copy! It should arrive tomorrow. I also signed up for the Audilbe cooy😂😊😊❤
I ching and Tao de jing
To provide a different perspective here, it's always beneficial and wise to aspire toward the simplicity that the Tao Te Ching mentions and to always work toward being a good person, improving oneself, and doing what is good. Esotericism and occultism are often unnecessary for reaching those goals, and can even be dangerous. Esotericism and the occult might even begin to obscure the truth or overcomplicate things, not to mention pose dangers to the practitioner and those whom he/she engages in their life. They're not always beneficial. Keep these things in mind. With that said, thanks Benebell, for doing the work you have done to spread knowledge and elucidate others regarding authentic Chinese culture, history, and philosophy.
Yes
Yes
Here
Your vids are great and your books are in my queue. I've got to recover financially from all the taoist meditation books I bought, first.
I have read passages from each of the three books. I enjoy how down to earth all of the books are in the sense that they are practical and unpretentious. I love the humor of the Zhuangzi. As a former lifelong Christian in my sixties, I am hungry for finding a way to understand life. I am attracted to these works because of their simplicity, humbleness and focus on benevolence.
This is so direct and wonderfully stated. The new edition of the I Ching is incredible. The words hop of the page. I am delighted to see an edition of the work translated by a woman and on from the Chinese point of view. I have been waiting for this forever. Thank you, Ken, editor of Red Pine, Bill Porter.
太玄了....
I have read them, i listen to audio book versions of Tao Te Ching frequently, I find it pleasant to have more understanding each time, it is like hearing it for the first time again and again.
Hi- Poll Answer: I have read Tao Te Ching and own several copies of it. I have not read the others, yet.
I used and read and still use the I Ching i have studied and use the Tao De Jing in every day life and have since the 1990s but i dont remember reading ,but i have heard of The Zhuangzi which actually surprises me.
cloe to the end of this video you are speaking of student receiving meaning he is ready has understood . most people that i have met are definitely not even close to being ready which is ok because the world is distraction and as for myself i dont think am ready things juts click when they are ready and i have learn through the last 30 yrs of my life to not try or do thigns to hard it will come naturally , analogy is like when i used to go fishing I would rarely get a bite while fishing if i was thinking of fishing but if I enjoyed the area be it I am on a boat or on the shore I take in all the natures this is when the fish started to bite just like in my life if try to do something to hard i receive friction so if i just notice and then being like water and just there naturally it comes into place and clicks , I am not sure if anyone will understand what I am saying because I have been told all my life I see things differently then most people
This is a different kind of gong show. I like it better. Thanks again for the fine presentation, teach! I studied only one of the three so far. I'm about to delve into the second.
I have all of them and am laboring to understand them.
If it is any consolation, it's not you. It's them. 🤣🤣
B. You are such a breath of fresh air during these times.🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️☯️🕉️☸️
Regarding the I Cheng, I enjoy the challenge of being open to something I have eschewed in the past. It is exciting to anticipate attaining a new perspective
Boy, you are like a precious flower. Your understanding and energy are appreciated 😊
I'm not familiar with either. Thanks for the explanation!
I have the dao de jing, translated by Ursula K. le Guin and i love it.
Before watching the video: I'm a huge Dao De Jing fan since my college days and would put it in my top 10 favorite books! Enjoying learning about the others 👍
Same! I kind of have half a mind to hunker down and do my own translations and annotations of it. After all, it's "only" 5,000 words, which isn't so bad. 🤣🤷
This is a lot of food for thought. Thanks for sharing all this info. I just got your I Ching book and am finding it very interesting. Also I love the gongs!
Yay, thank you so much!! I love so much that you are interested in these cultural traditions! 💖
Wowzy yowzy you have done it again! What a woman! I am a fan of yours.
Honestly I love your books and your academic approach to esoteric studies. I am using Holistic Tarot as a textbook along with the study guide right now and it is incredibly authentic. Much better than many of the fluff books you'll find on the subject. Next, I'm diving into I-Ching. ❤❤❤
All are familiar, read Tao Te Ching, and Chuang Tze
The gongs are not too much. They are perfect.
Faith to be , as I am not a traitor I shall be.
I've read all three, and own multiple copies of the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching. Never cared for Zhuang Zi, but I might have to take another run at it.
With respect to Zhuangzi, could be a translation issue. 🤷 A good English translation is hard to come by. Or at least a version that offers enough annotations and commentaries to give you a running start.
Any suggestions? Any plans to do a translation? @@BenebellWen
I am familiar with all three.
Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love this
Wow ! 😮
☯👌Thank You
Toa te ching
I have read multiple translations of the Tao te Ching both with and without commentary, which was heavily Western-centric. I've listened to the audio book of the Zuangxi first chapters at least twice. I have never read the I Ching.
Given the heavy Western influence on my readings of the Tao Te Ching, I didn't realize how important the I Ching was to the philosophy. I started reading more deeply into Tao philosophy during the pandemic as part of my ongoing search of a spiritual practice that suits me. Having revisited my texts from when I took a Chinese history class in college, finding additional texts in English with Chinese historians at the helm vs Western ones, and reading older Chinese poetry, led me to be more interested in learning about the I Ching. When I was taught about the I Ching before college, it was labeled as a divination tool/magical practice only with very little context, so I've kinda ignored its existence since then.
Here's to hoping you'll give the I Ching another chance. :-D
@@BenebellWencan you please do a reading for me?
Yes! I have read these three, admittedly my Sister bought me a Book on I Ching divination but I couldn't understand how to do the I Ching method!
But when I read the Tao Te Ching I was absolutely floored, just the wisdom and insight in every page gave me ruminations to chew on that I would go around quoting it so much!
One of my favorite passages goes like this....not verbatim but essentially like this
" Everything takes place in its own time, it's beginning and end. To rush anything prematurely is to simultaneously rush to its own end." Mind completely blown 😮
I & Tao & to a much lesser extent The Zhuangzi
How do they relate to the Sidereal Zodiac ?
How do they relate to the Tropical Zodiac ?
Integrate Dark & Light
They dont relate to western zodiac methods.
@@WiseFool888What’s your reasoning ?
@@161157gor western astrology is based on a totally different system of heaven and earth tracking. The zodiac constellations are not the same.
Modern astrologers in Asia have come up with fun, innovative intersectional approaches to I Ching and the Western zodiac systems, so that might be something you're interested in.
@@BenebellWen Gene Keys ?
Poll answer. The Tao Te Ching. I read in my 30s (om in my 50s now). I love it.❤ Ive read it in translation of course. But i used to keep a copy in my purse and read the chapters like some people read Bible verses. And of course after also reading tve Tao of Pooh...the characters in the 100 Acre Woods will never be the same.❤
I am an Australian who found the Tao Te Ching in an art gallery gift shop and it changed my life, I later joined the Church of the Latter Day Dude as I don’t live in China (There is a Taoist Academy in my Chatswood area but I don’t know their address I just follow their Instagram). I have the Zhuangzi and I Ching as well but I haven’t studied those as much as the Lao Tzu. Because my area has a lot of Chinese people there’s a few Taoism books at the local library. I can only hope I’m doing Taoism right and am not just another Guailo meddling in a faith he barely understands and bungling what is meant to be done proper.
Thanks for this very informative video!
The surangama sutra is the Sri Vidya and the I-Ching becoming dharma. The path of surangama is the mother, the child and well the one that is and the one that becomes all. Where is the storm? In the wind, where is the fire in the forest. Then if the ocean is water, what is space?
Hey, Im going to buy your book, but I have no money at the moment, and I have questions. You know how there are letters that you can count for numerological meaning, like a Tao Te Ching bible code? Do you think they divided them into 80 scrolls for a similar reason, or did he just need more paper?
I haven't really dived into the research of what we know exactly about how the Tao Te Ching was written, initially intended to be printed, etc. I do know that often when we say chapters, it was because they were written on separate scrolls.
@@BenebellWen Awesome :) thank you for answering my question.
As always it all above my head. Your sense of humor always makes me laugh. Thank you 😊 Benebell. Gongs
Hey, it's above my head too. If everybody is being honest, it is above all of our heads. 🤣
I really do love to twist my brain though. I Ching or Quantum Entanglement I love it all.
I’ve heard of all three books but have only read the Dao De Ching. It has brought me a sense of comfort for a long time and I find myself reading several translations to find new perspectives in the way others interpret it. I have your copy of the I Ching sitting next to me as I watch this!
Aw, thank you so much! That means a lot to me to hear! 😍
@@BenebellWen Thank you for writing it!! And for all these great supplemental videos. I’m going through the book slowly but very excited to be reading it ❤️❤️