Our handout for this discussion:
Tao Te Ching
The Tao Te Ching was written by Lao Tsu 2600 years ago. The Tao is the complete explanation of space and time. Te is the use of Tao by all living things. The purpose of the Tao Te Ching is to teach the world to live harmoniously can open us you a higher wisdom and happiness. This is because understanding of Tao bring us closer to our innermost source a place of balance and peace within and without.
Taoism's roots, like much of its visible manifestations, are buried in shamanic prehistoric China. Sometime around 500 B.C.E., a shadowy figure who is called Lao Tsu set down the philosophical principles of a Taoist way of life in a collection of teachings we know as the "Tao Te Ching." It has been pondered, studied and used as a guide for living ever since. Gradually, some of the trappings of religion grew around the essential philosophy. There are Taoist priests who perform the complex prayer rituals, temple protocol and scripture memorization, which functions as a kind of prayer. But Taoists do not pray in the way Christians do, for example. They regard gods as embodiments of the principles of the Tao. The essence of the Tao is a personal journey to "Practice not-doing, and everything will fall into place."
The four cardinal virtues are found in the Tao.
1. Gentleness
2. Natural Sincerity
3. Reverence for all Life
4. Supportiveness
Tao will answer 8 questions:
1. Where do we come from and where are we going?
2. Can the opposite of a profound truth also be true?
3. What is the invisible action of Tao or the Way?
4. What happens when we reach total silence?
5. Are we born as enlightened beings?
6. Is there Cosmic Justice?
7. What is enough?
8. Are we altruistic in nature?
Tao can be grouped into 8 principles:
1. Tao
2. Oneness
3. Action
4. Silence
5. Life
6. Peace
7. Contentment
8. Love
Tao can be universally applied to: Religion, science, politics, commence, medicine, education, arts and Kung fu just to name a few. To be a warrior in the inner-outer life you have to be a warrior on the inner life.