Welcome to The Path of Water

This site is dedicated to exploring the Tao and Philosophical Taoism; and how it relates to everyday modern life in the 21st Century. It also includes posts relating to how I feel Taoism can provide insights for dealing with the problems of everyday living.

The process of writing out my thoughts helps me to explore what I believe and why, so these posts will probably develop over time. I hope that you'll find this site interesting and, for those of you new to the Tao and Taoism, I hope that it can provide you with a first step on the path to a rich spiritual life. If you want to post comments relating to a post or the site as a whole I'd be grateful as all feedback is helpful.

Enjoy your visit - In Tao - Woody



Who would follow the Way must go beyond words.
Who would know the world must go beyond names. *

No man ever steps in the same river twice,
for it's not the same river and he's not the same man. **


Wednesday 23 January 2008

The Tao & Reform Taoism

I am a Taoist and a member of the Reform Taoist Congregation. The concept of Tao is the Reform Taoists most deeply held belief, and the foundation of our religion. The definition of Tao listed on the Reform Taoism website say that the Chinese word "Tao" roughly translates as "Way" and for Reform Taoists it refers to, amongst other things, a non-sentient, impersonal power that surrounds and flows through all things, living and non-living.

The Tao regulates Natural processes and nourishes balance in the Universe. Lao-tse, the ancient Chinese philosopher widely regarded as the founder of Taoism, taught that the Tao simply defies description and that the only true way to seek it is through personal spiritual exploration and dedication.

Reform Taoists believe that Death is not a loss, but a transformation, and that what we knew as a living person moves on in Death to participate in the endless dance of manifestation and change that is the Tao.

4 comments:

PR said...

I was introduced to Taoism in college, as a philosophy minor, I was hooked. My professor was fantastic. Since then, any further learning or practicing had to be done on my own.

I wish there was a group where I live that I could join. Seems like there is everything but.
VWD

Woody said...

If you follow the links to the Reform Taoist Congregation you might find something of what you are looking for.

Anonymous said...

The Reform Taoist Congregation website seems not to have been updated since 2007. I applied to join the forum several months ago, but got no reply. I am very interested in joining though. Is there a different way for me to get involved?

Anonymous said...

I too have applied for membership. The Reform Taoist Congregation seems to be an answer to those of us who walk this path alone. I am pleased to get to know you!
Dan

 
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