Taoism - A Way of Life

A Taoist Priest

I am not a particularly religious person, although as young girls my sister and I enjoyed going to Church to sing the hymns. The sermons on those occasions were listened to and gave us something to think about.

Religion is not always encouraged as a topic of conversation and is rather kept to a minimum in a gathering but I hope this small insight into the principles of Taoism will be of some interest.

I have read a book named Tao Te Ching (DaoDe Jing) which is an ancient Chinese book written by Lao Tzu, the legendary father of Taoism. Tao means path or way. To live life in accord with Tao

is to be in harmony with all others, with the environment and with one's self. A book that can be read by people of any religion or no religion where something can be learned. I have found this book and others of the same nature to have a very interesting understanding of being mindful of others, learning about one's inner self and to live in the moment, but a few observations.

A very good book to read is the Tao of Pooh  written by Benjamin Hoff in which he reveals the principles of Taoism through Winnie -the -Pooh and shows that Taoism is not simply an ancient and remote philosophy but a very useful thing to know here and now. It can be quite an endearing read, however, I am told that there are differing meanings to the actions and antics of Pooh Bear.

I have barely scratched the surface of reading about this way of life and there are many years of learning to becoming close to understanding Taoism, if at all. Peace, love and tranquillity are some of the qualities we seek in life and where we have a better understanding of ourselves will help us better understand others.

An extract from Tao of Pooh

I am me,

And you are you,

As you can see,

But when you do,

The things that you can do,

You will find the way,

And the way will follow you.

Wishing you all a thoughtful day