Tao ... Taoism
Sometimes spelt Dao ... Daoism

What are they? Let's discuss here.
1. Your understanding of what Tao and Taoism are
2. Your experiences of Tao and Taoism
3. What you heard from others / read from somewhere .. about Tao and Taoism
4. Various Taoism practices worldwide
5. Is Taoism a religion?

First off, something from Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism

definitely a religion

here we practice a mix of buddhism and taoism..

but i always consider buddhism to be non-religion..

An experience from Vietnam
https://taobabe.wordpress.com/2014/07/12/de...e-taoist-magic/

Definitely, the Chinese here mix up both.

Off topic here a bit.

I went China last week and I went hiking on a mountain sacred to Taoist believers. Along the way, a small kid handed me a book which contains some Taoist scriptures.

I have no use of this and it's a bit disrespectful to toss away stuff like these. So if anyone wants it, ping me I can give it to you.

Interesting. Which mountain is this?
TQ

wudang mountain?

I think Tao almost similar to Shinto japan, both side having same gods like Seven Gods of Fortune 七福神

Huashan Mountain

Come to think of it, there used to be some great swordsman movies regarding Taoist Wudang and Huashan warriors.

A memorable book I read when I was in my late teens, one of my first excursions into the exotic bridge between the physical and spiritual world

https://www.amazon.com/Tao-Physics-Explorat...m/dp/1590308352

Quote from the review,
But the big picture is enough to see the value in them of experiential knowledge, the limits of objectivity, the absence of foundational matter, the interrelation of all things and events, and the fact that process is primary, not things. Capra finds the same notions in modern physics. Those approaching Eastern thought from a background of Western science will find reliable introductions here to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism and learn how commonalities among these systems of thought can offer a sort of philosophical underpinning for modern science. And those approaching modern physics from a background in Eastern mysticism will find precise yet comprehensible descriptions of a Western science that may reinvigorate a hope in the positive potential of scientific knowledge.

If Tao is correct, then it is d end game of modern physics.

Ehh, your opinion is the complete opposite of @SpikeMarlene's

Au contraire, ma pren, au contraire...

What language is the book in, may I know?

The Three Stars - Fu Luk Shou - how many of you pray to these deities, or have their figurines in your house?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanxing_(deities)

from above wiki

The three gods, their stars and their attributes

Fuxing

The star of Fu (福), Fuxing 福星, refers to the planet Jupiter. In traditional astrology, the planet Jupiter was believed to be auspicious. Alternatively, according to a Taoist myth of the Ming dynasty, the Fu star is associated with Yang Cheng, a governor of Daozhou in Western Han (206 BC - 24 AD). Yang Cheng risked his life by writing a memorial to the emperor to save the people from presenting dwarf slaves as the special tribute to the imperial court. After his death, the people built a temple to commemorate him, and over time he came to be considered the personification of good fortune.

He is generally depicted in scholar's dress, holding a scroll, on which is sometimes written the character "Fu". He may also be seen holding a child, or surrounded by children. He is sometimes conflated with Caishen, the "Wealth God".


Luxing

The star of Lu (禄), Luxing 禄星, is ζ Ursa Majoris, or, in traditional Chinese astronomy, the sixth star in the Wenchang cluster, and like the Fu star came to be personified. The Lu star is believed to be Zhang Xian who lived during the Later Shu dynasty. The word lu specifically refers to the salary of a government official. As such, the Lu star is the star of prosperity, rank, and influence.

The Lu star was also worshipped separately from the other two as the deity dictating one's success in the imperial examinations, and therefore success in the imperial bureaucracy. The Lu star is usually depicted in the dress of a mandarin.


Shouxing

The star of Shou (壽), Shouxing 寿星, is α Carinae (Canopus), the star of the south pole in Chinese astronomy, and is believed to control the life spans of mortals. According to legend, he was carried in his mother's womb for ten years before being born, and was already an old man when delivered. He is recognized by his high, domed forehead and the peach which he carries as a symbol of immortality. The longevity god is usually shown smiling and friendly, and he may sometimes be carrying a gourd filled with the elixir of life. He is sometimes conflated with Laozi and corresponding gods of Taoist theology.

@JasonAubama

Master Jason, hope you dun mind give us some Tao knowledge here. TQVM

Thx for invitation!
My late dad is ZhengYi Grand Master 正一道長 for 60 years in service. I’m a freethinker & a professional Cantonese Taoist 廣府喃嘸。
Chinese Government took power in 1949 and banned all religious practices, traditional Chinese Characters, where Commonism is the Supreme Power after all.
The continuity of Tao lies on Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore & some other countries.
As China is influential now & temples located in mainland, they claimed that they are the genuine under all kind of “Entertainment Establishments 娛樂公司”.
I would like to share from Cultural perspective which is neutral in nature & discourage for superstitious.

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Sep 22 2017, 10:00 PM

Tao & Quantum Physic complementing each other. Before we understand the science behind, we called it supernatural. I would like to look at it simultaneously 😅

True. Up to the 16th century, science and magic were indistinguishable. Science at that time was called "natural magic".

From my understanding, Tao is the Way of Natural.

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Sep 23 2017, 12:18 PM

Yr question terbalik... wat does modern physics say about d Tao...

From Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hocking to Quantum Physics, there are many discoveries that benefited to mankind. From unknown to known, the Natural exists & new frontier kept expanding. When Lao Tzu 老子 wrote the Tao De Jing 道德經，he just use the Tao 道 to discribe as the Natural way. The recent Gravitational Wave discovery of LIGO project used extensive TaiQi 太極 concept. Is that your question?

55% or 4 billion of human being belongs to Abrahamic religions 亞伯拉罕諸教 believed their only God made every things. Most of the top scientists do not believe in God & Oriental philosophy inclusive Tao is their favorite leads.

Taoism presently is pseudo Tao created by Zhang Tian-Shi
Wiki source

That is religion organization, ZhengYi 正一道教，their top reference is Lao Tzu Tao De Jing 老子道德經。
My dad is the student of 63th Celestial Master Zhang 第六十三代天師張恩溥 in Southeast Asia.

https://zh.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/張恩溥

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Sep 23 2017, 02:18 PM

There is no such thing as a mix of Buddhism and Taoism.

What you are encountering is actually a third religion known at Shenism or Chinese folk religion, which predates both Buddhism and Taoism but incorporates some elements of both, interpreting them in its own unique way that both religions often find heretical.

Taoism is a religion that is often mistaken for the religion that I practice.

People need to realise that not all non Buddhist Chinese religious practices are Taoist practices, and that Taoism actually rejects the existence of many commonly prayed to Chinese gods.

Donno haha

But Niels Bohr, one of modern physics founders, adopted d Tao Yin Yang symbol as his personal symbol. That says a lot...

According to the big bang theory, all the matter in the universe erupted from a singularity. Time, Space, Matter, Energy all begins at this single point.
Back in 2,700years ago, human technology & knowledge so much immature but yet, Lao Tzu clearly described the Tao & where he acquired his knowledge?
The shining stars we see could be millions light years away where we are looking at “history”?
From my point of view, spacetime & Quantum Physics of Entanglement could help us better understand Tao soon.

My uncle in-law was in USA for decades & we have totally lost contact for years. Out of sudden, his friend managed to call us & we had a video conferencing where he was in hospital for years. I knew that is our bon voyage & encouraged to leave the world bravely. Within half a day, he rested in peace.
My wife asked to organize a Tao Ritual to salvage him where all my Taoist seniors felt uncomfortable as the body in USA.
I took the full responsibility as the Ritual Leader & organise the ceremony as normal. As soon as our ritual begun, his soul arrived without boundary of space & one of my public company’s CFO relative told my wife where he is. Both my son & daughter already sensed it (inherited from my family) where the Ritual run smoothly with peace of mind. Thanks to all the relevant officers beyond conctributed to the suscessful event 😅

I tends to explore Tao at philosophy height instead of religion level which is rather strict forward. As a junior Taoist at mainstream (63th Celestial Master Zhang is my Grand Guru 張恩溥是我的師公), I would like to learn from each of you to expand insightful knowledge with open mind.

Oh wow, so many family members have the ability to sense. Great !!!

Do you have a temple or meeting place where one can learn more?

Furthermore, does one need to be able to read Chinese?

Thanks.

Sigh... is it my England bad or yours...?...

We have no temple & I have temporary on leave for service led to severe lungs infection.
Traditional Chinese Characters is a must.

There are 1,000+ Professional Cantonese Taoist Master scattered in Hong Kong, Macao, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore. We have close coordination in the past 60 years for mutual improvement & upholding the continuity of Tao Practice. We are providing service in major Temple Ceremonies, ZhongYuan PuDu, Feneral Service & others.

Zzz. U watch too much C-drama.

The Way of Tao.

Elixir of Life!

Understanding of Yin/Yang is vital, just like in Physics +/- equal forces Co-exist for equilibrium balance or harmony.

sun wu kong is Taoism?

Journey to the West is a story based on Buddhism.

According to Wikipedia, Sun Wukong acquires his powers thru Taoist practices, then takes part in a Buddhist journey. So, he is a bit of both.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Wukong

Wow, the Supreme Power of Buddha imported from the West is so much powerful!? Just GuanYin PuSa could rope the Tao Character!?

In ancient China, Taoism very much like a University focusing on Cosmology & Geology 天文地理, Health & Medication 醫療保健, Metal Extraction & QiGong 治金煉丹, & many others well known contributions. The last piece is Talisman 符籙 remains least open that related to communication beyond!

Taoism dismisses him as a fictional character and does not acknowledge his existence.

IChing, the Probability & Binary Computing systems!

wow Sun Wukong staff weights about 7,960 kilograms.

Journey to the West is one epic story.

@lshsl tqvm for the enlightenment.

i like to think taoism as the agnostic religion.. just belip theres something there but suka hati lu mau do anything about it or not. how my thinking?

where can learn maushan style...

Good understanding.
If LaoZi not knowing what is Tao, so do I.
It is up to your own interpretation & need not sticking to any hard/rigid teachings. Be an open minder, trying to understand/observe the nature & focus in your best fit option.

"The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao" sums it up. Some things cannot be taught, only experienced.

But that shouldn't stop us from discussing it here

At once, 5 of us (top tier pro Taoist) chitchatting about bone chocking charms 化骨咒，surprisingly all of us using different scrip but all proven effective when applied.
In my opinion, the key points:
1. We’re confident & truly believed
2. We mastered the Energy Resonance (炁 Qi)
3. The Reciever Fully Trusted in our practice, calm down with muscles relax, ...
4. Our Spiritual Guide coordinates with appropriate Officer-in-charge beyond

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 1 2017, 01:53 PM

The Celestial Master Zhang was conferred by the Chinese Emperors as part of the Political Administration Leadership until the 63th Celestial. The end of the Monarchy marked the discontinued of 1,820years ZhengYi Tao that recognized globally.
Right now there are some 7 family members of Zhang claimed that they are the 64th or 65th Celestial Master Zhang & dispute in both Taiwan & China Courts. As usual, China Communist Government appointed a person not carrying family name of Zhang as the 65th Celestial Master Zhang for influence in Religion just like Catholic system.
It is a critical turning point & opportunity for transformation just like Buddhism originated from India (Nepal now) but less that 1% of India population is Buddhist & yet 8% of world population became the next largest religion after Abrahamic Religion (Christian, Muslim, ...).

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 2 2017, 09:47 AM

Btw, if any CH forummers wanna discuss anything, we can start a new thread here too. Just drop a note in this thread first. TQ

Ehh Jason sifu, any Taoist god can give wealth?

Very sian if we need to depend on Grab for a living.

Can explain what is bone chocking charm? Sounds so interesting ...

Top of the list is our ancestors.
The next question is we are asking for something at an unknown price or we are offering our respect from bottom of our heart?

Grab is reasonable rewarded with set of challenges associated. We have the liberty to look at bright side or other at the same situation. Find some value out of the process in oder to divert our focus!

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 9 2017, 11:29 AM

I don’t encourage supernatural power 神通 but sharing that there is a will, there are ways. The flip side is we don’t know the price we are paying in return. Try our best effort & reward may come naturally. Trying to refrain from unnecessary spiritual power utilization.

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 9 2017, 11:47 AM

As a driver, we need petrol to move our vehicle. Identical concept in spiritual mode, the fuel is our energy 炁.
Assuming we have RM10million quota of Energy 炁 in lifetime, after we have spent all but life is still continue says until 70 years old, we may live like a walking dead.
In Quantum era, scientists debating what is Consciousness 意識 & is like a databank that exists after our physical death. This is what Tao saying Immortal 仙.

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 9 2017, 12:00 PM

"The 61-year-old Johorean had placed bets in the Toto4D Jackpot 1 on lucky numbers — 1651 and 7288 — which he "obtained" from a temple he frequented."

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017...s-toto-jackpot/

Temple no free things? There is no free things in life?

You can advanced your wealth at an unspecified price. Please observe what could possibly happening in last 2 years of one’s life, it could be multiple generations as well.

http://www.epochtimes.com/b5/16/9/25/n8335648.htm

I can’t find English version.
The news reported the Hong Kong Top FengShui Master who was serving all famous celebrities in China.

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 9 2017, 11:09 PM

Come, we go visit some Johore temples

If you got no money to eat, a Sikh temple will feed you for free.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langar_(Sikhism)



This post has been edited by conxtion: Oct 10 2017, 08:37 PM

That has nothing to do with Taoism.

There is no clear boundaries for Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism or Shenism (Folk Practices) in Traditional Folk Religion. On broad base, people generally parked it as Taoism where I’m neutral as we respect all.

When a Spiritual Entity claimed that it is so & so, convinced that they are so powerful with promising rewards in the sky, many people buying in without question.

It is up to individual but I’m skeptical as I can’t verifying god, evil,...

Generally speaking, Chinese kind of "cover all bases", and mix everything up, so the lines are generally blurred.

This "Mao Shan" people in China - are they considered Taoist?

Are there "light" and "dark" Taoists?

Any sifu here know anything about "Theen Seen Ng Seen See" (Cantonese pronunciation) or in short "Lo See"? Powerful?

This post has been edited by haklung: Oct 17 2017, 12:47 AM

Mao Shan 茅山 is a typical Tao, popular in China now.
All Taoist acquired some extend of Authority in beyond Dimensions, it could be interpreted as Light or Dark by individual perception. Just like a Gun is a killing weapon, use wisely to save life.
The prime intention is vital as no one knows, except the Practitioner & there is a stern ruling in beyond Dimensions regulating the harmony. In addition, there is an unspecified price to be paid.
As the challenge in Ethicality, many Guru take long time to access a person before enrolling as their Disciple 徒弟 who carrying their reputation.
I’m lucky that my Guru is the top figure in Malaysia & officially only one disciple. I’m not his disciple but he is coaching me on my dad’s behalf.

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 17 2017, 11:19 AM

道可道　非常道
天道地道　人道劍道
黑道白道黃道赤道乜道物道道道都道自己個道係非常道
我呸呸呸呸呸 胡說八道
呢度個度　邊度係路　呵呵
花道茶道　呵　陰道陽道　呵
零度密度鹹度淡度光度熱度雷射角度鬼哭神號旁門左道狗上瓦坑必然有路你度佢度豺狼當道　唏
我自求我道　我自求我道


道可道　非常道
天道地道　人道劍道
黑道白道黃道赤道乜道物道道道都道自己個道係非常道
NO NO NO NO NO 胡說八道
呢度個度　邊度係路　呵呵
花道茶道　呵　陰道陽道　呵
海底隧道天後廟道皇后大道羅便臣道馬頭圍道牛頭角道金馬倫道銅鑼灣道條條大道條條係路　哈
我自求我道　我自求我道


道可道　非常道
天道地道　人道劍道
一道二道三道四道東道南道西道北道左道右道前路後路
都都都都都　係胡說八道
呢度個度　邊度係路　哈哈
花道茶道　呵　陰道陽道　呵
零度密度鹹度淡度光度熱度雷射角度鬼哭神號旁門左道狗上瓦坑必然有路你度佢度豺狼當道　唏
各自求各道　各自求各道

visit this

https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/3453160/+2300

Thx bro 😀
That is cool as led by a professional medium 乩童 which is beyond my scope.
Before I run through the interesting thread, I’m still puzzling the Entity beyond. I can recognize or differentiate Mr A or B but could not verify if Mr A told me he/she is xxx.
My Dad was a Medium too where we had lots of discussions over the subject. He discouraged me to pickup as a medium where we might give up our full control over our consciousness. His advice is be wise & not superstitious blindly 😳

Read some 10 pages that coincide with my understanding mostly, good command in English, a genuine & informative leads. I would recommend take your free time to read & may raise a debate here.

When I was conducting a grand service in a Temple in KL, the Person-in-Charge 廟祝 told me that some 30+ medium from the temple performed the parade earlier. I was impressed each deity/medium is so powerful & ....

The PiC turn me down & replied me that I’m at next level in different role. Focus on my role & seek for their service when needed as they are full of midiums but Not a Taoist Master 😳

Technically not belongs to formal Tao & more towards folklore practice.
In my opinion, Tao appreciate immortality but the folklore practices actually shortened in exchange of something. That is what I kept emphasizing the unspecified price!!!

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 18 2017, 12:23 PM

Last year, I have participated tens of Ghost Month Salvation Service from Penang, Ipoh, Klang, KL.
Tao believed the DaShiYe 大仕爺 is the Agent to TaiYu Salvation Officer 太乙救苦真人 where we met at every ceremony venues. Let’s call him/her A. This year, every function I went, we met everywhere but is B.?
I doubt DaShiYe might be an annual Officer In Charge in regulating the Harmony beyonds.

Considering Abrahamic Religions consist of 55% world population with 4 billion Adherent. Just Christianity alone there are >41,000 Denomination 派系, Islam & Judaism not included as yet.
Taoism could have >1,000 Denomination as a conservative comparison.

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 18 2017, 11:37 PM

in Malaysia today u can't find any "purity" Chinese religion because the history of Chinese travel all the way to here , after so many decade all are mixed up , u see many Buddhist families house with " Guan yu" it is not legit a Buddhist all are mixed with folk religion and many Taoism, yes some small praying societies or group still practice origin Taoism, and Taoism has many branches or practice, Confucian is one of it, funeral ceremony are common to see Chinese use Taoism or Buddhist.

Feng Shui suppose are one of the ancient knowledge that was done by long term observing the sky star and analyze the environment that are easy and able to learn by normal ppl, nowdays mostly the Feng Shui sifu relate it to Tao tools like " Ba Gua", Chrystal or statue or even some will sell amulet for add on income



below are Federation Of Taoist Associations Malaysia - FTAM website

http://taoismmalaysia.gbs2u.com/bd/index3....14536852&idno=1

This post has been edited by bereev: Oct 19 2017, 08:22 AM

My dad was one of the founders but sad that was not named in the Federation.
There are at least 3 Taoist Associations in Malaysia & more on the way.

To me the Tao is a type of philosophy that teaches one to be do good, become one with the flow, understand and apply moderate life practices.

Like Buddhism, i dont think it is a form of deity, god or omnipresent figure worship.

The images of the various Buddha and Tao deities are for the follower\student to remember the teachings of the originator and to apply the teachings positively in life.

There is a subtle difference between Buddhism\Tao Teachings and Deity\Shamanistic\Animistic\Folk worship.

One is actually guided by teachings while the other is by culture and way of life.
In addition one is able to adopt the teachings into their culture and way of life but not the other way round.

That thread has NOTHING to do with Taoism.

Da Shi Ye could not be more at odds with Lord Tai Yi.

Lord Tai Yi is a compassionate being whose mission is the salvation of suffering souls.

Da Shi Ye is a bloodthirsty and sadistic being whose mission is to ensure that those in Hell suffer.

To me, DaShiYe or King of Ghosts 鬼王 is the Leader of Ghosts administering wellbeing affairs.
In its present, kind of discipline in proper order & those needy could enjoy the offerings equally.
We are chanting TaiYu Salvation Script when inviting.

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 19 2017, 09:50 PM

When we chant, there is no space constraint at synchronized time 時間同步, this is commonly referring to 4th dimension.

In very rare occasion, when Past, Present, Future coexistence where time is a variable that commonly referring to 5th Dimension. This is the scope that interest me very much where I think prophets could be connected at this level.

From Space-Time in Relativity and Wave-Particle Duality in Quantum Physics that coincide with my quest in Tao. I believed with Quantum Computer launching soon would further enhancing my Tao-Physics Duality learning path.

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 19 2017, 11:37 PM

5. As far as I know, I think Taoism is more of chinese culture than a religion. I don't follow 100%, but sometimes I will pray for good health and good luck.

To me, it is an ancient encyclopedia recording the 5,000 years of HuangHe Civilization. The least common to our knowledge is the spiritual dimension where not proven scientifically thus far.

i thought tao is the god medium

Nine Emperor Gods festival starts today, right? Vegetarian fasts, etc.
Is this a Taoist practice / belief?

Nine Emperors 九王爺 is popular In Thailand & Malaysia.
ChenWangYe 城隍爺 is popular in Korea & China referring to similar role.

Today is 丁酉年九月初一 Lunar 1st of 9th Month.

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 20 2017, 09:51 PM

From the legend of PanGu Creating Sky & Earth 盤古開天闢地, NuGuo creating mankind and repairing the pillar of heaven 女媧補天造人, the latest Archaeology discovery 考古發現 reverted that could be the pre-historical civilization in oriental.

PanGu & NuGuo could be the Leaders at that time, is not a person but many people for many generations.
From Religion perspective, they are the Lord of Mankind, kind of educational purpose.

I’m a freethinker allowing me to explore from Scientific approach while a Pro Taoist access to many Tao Scrips from the Region.

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 20 2017, 09:26 PM

Deja vu - a strange phenomenon to many people & many scientific explanations. Could that be a time travel or overlapping of Future & Present?

Consciousness has no mass that could travel instantly without space boundaries (Proven in Quantum Physics). However physical body could not travel at the speed of light to distort the space (Sepific Relativity by Albert Einstein). If we travel within our physical body (no mass transfer), say 2017/10/20 to 2018/10/20 or 2016/10/26, that could be possible (teleporting & hypotheses in Quantum Physics)?

Sorry, not Tao but I had many experience or psychology illusion in such with timespan of 50years apart. Still in the process of verifying.

This post has been edited by JasonAubama: Oct 20 2017, 10:31 PM

Would you be referring to OBE (Out of Body Experience) or astral travel?

Nope, OBE I term it at 4th Dimension where we can enter with meditation process.

Can you enter into the near future to see 4D Jackpot or Toto Jackpot winning numbers?

I wish but I have no control over 5th Dimension where Time is variable.

If you ever achieve it, kindly do share with me.

1. When I was 5 years old, I used to have nightmares that continued next 10~15min after awaken. My parents standard will carry me, go toilet, open the bombshell refrigerator, drinking cool water. My feeling is I’m in the body of an old man, a superimposed image be it my hands (5y & 50y old), 2 images of Toilet, Refrigerator, even the Room & House. No recurrence after age of 8 & at least some 50 rounds of attack.
2. When I was 50y old, the same event happened except a 5y old body superimposed in me & I did the same, go toilet, cool drink. By the 3rd attack, my wife asking why I’m standing at toilet door side but not entering. I realize that on my left is toilet now, on my right is toilet 5y old. Then same for refrigerator & room.

I told my parents & they remembered clearly of my awaken dreams. This could be merely illusion & I should have next 47 attacks if is real. My guess is 5y & 50y consciousnesses connected accidentally & I would like test if I could control my 5y old physical movements.