The question of religious identity is interesting. I've noticed that Chinese language, both classical and modern, tends not to dwell on what things are but on what things do. So when I ask how do you say "I am a Buddhist," what I hear is "I believe Buddhism" (我信佛) or "I practice Buddhism" (我修佛門), not 我是一'個佛教徒. When I ask how to say "I am a vegetarian," what I hear is "I eat a [Buddhis] vegetarian diet" (我吃素). When one attains a religious goal, one does not speak in terms of achieving a transformation into something else or crossing a finish line, but of "attaining the Way" (得道), i.e., getting on the right path and moving in the right direction. It's more about action than identity, and that makes it hard to explain in English, which dwells more on identity.
I like that there’s no solid answer for what Taoism exactly is. It seems very similar to Paganism here in the West - non centralized, slightly taboo, full of superstition and fraud. I dig it.
. . . Which highlights the importance of being careful (and as precise as possible) about the terms and concepts that we use whenever we attempt to think about and communicate ideas to one another, especially ideas about worldviews. For instance, while there is indeed no contradiction involved in the idea of being both a Witch and a Christian (Christianity is a "religion", whereas "Witchcraft" is a "practice"), (or even in the idea of being both a Christian and a Pagan, depending on the way those terms are interpreted), saying that each can be both "true", might be problematic on certain interpretations of those terms. For example, I (being fundamentally a Christian who uses Omnist assumptions about the relationships among worldviews as a "template" for their investigation), "understand" the meaning of the statement "all religions and worldviews are true", to be, "there are truths to be ascertained in each religion and worldview, when they are appropriately interpreted", but not to be, "every religion and worldview presupposes a unique set of propositions that is true". That latter (quoted) statement, (interpreted as a universal claim about worldviews) is logically inconsistent because some religions and (non-religious) worldviews presuppose propositions that contradict propositions that are presupposed by other worldviews. Moreover, individual presuppositions within individual worldviews can (by themselves) be "perfomatively inconsistent" or "ontologically self-refuting", again, depending on interpretation. For instance, the (unqualified) claim that "a worldview can 'Transcend Logic' by being maximally inclusive of all propositions", might not be inconsistent, if it is interpreted as meaning e.g., that "a worldview can "Transcend" our conventional way(s) of knowing or ascertaining truths by being maximally inclusive of all perspectives as mutually complementary rather than mutually inconsistent". However, the same (unqualified) claim that "a worldview can 'Transcend Logic' by being maximally inclusive of all propositions", could (on alternative interpretations) be self-refuting, since the very act of communicating any meaningful statement (itself) presupposes fundamental principles of Logic, such as the principles of "Identity", "Excluded Middle", and "Non-Contradiction". With that being said however, I'm still very much an enthusiastic student in the topics discussed in these videos. JPB
I love this. Thank you so much for this. Reclaiming a Taoist path is part of my own reclamation of my ancestral heritage, which, from my current understanding, has Yue roots. I will be totally honest, you sharing these videos, your sharing of your own path and writing these books have been a bridge for me to be able to reconnect, especially since I do not know the languages and am just starting to dip my toes in to learning Cantonese as a reclaiming project. So a thousand times, THANK YOU for all that you do! I am so grateful beyond words.
Thankyou very much, Benebell. This unattachment to labels has become profoundly important to me. While not 'Asian', I took the Buddhist Precepts through a Taiwanese rrder in Australia, and ran a library temple library, exposing me to translations of many Chinese texts. This deepened my fascination in Taoist reflection. My linear Western mind was certainly challenged, shaken, yet has found benefit, dissolved?, with the Taoist Water Meditation. This follow years living in India taking people to some Buddhist sacred sites and meditating in 1300 year old meditation caves. Ironically, I now can appreciate Western mysticism with a more open heart as well as expanded my Buddhist thought practicing with followers of the Larung Ga monastery among others. Sadly, in my Buddhist experience, ritual, and the desire to build an imposing temple, seemed to be more important to some practitioners than the need to reflect and meditate. With my admittedly limited Taoist understanding I am better able to connect without seeking an end goal
"... and maybe, secondary, assume you're into martial arts." 😆 I very much enjoyed your clarification and explanation. I love this series and am looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Thank you
thank you for posting this. for me, a non-asian westerner, it is fascinating. by chance have you read ‘the tao of zen’ by grigg? it is basically a study of the similarities and differences of taoism and chan buddhism. always happy to hear your thoughts on these things.
It seems like a paradox, like not claiming this aspect of your identity might lend to it its erasure, while the inherent Tao-ness of it makes it almost unclaimable. I think you did a great job illuminating how it can be part of one's identity, and in fact, one's heritage and ancestral history, while not quite fitting the language of identity/geopolitics. I can also see how it's important to study this aspect of one's history, because the present isn't shaped in a vacuum and the past gives context to all the ways identity is shaped today. I wonder if there is a word for this layer of identity? Like how Judaism is called an "ethnoreligion" to distinguish itself from the universalizing religions that shape the cultural norms of what defines a belief system. I learned that Hinduism is a misnomer for the more accurate Sanatana Dharma, which I guess would make someone a follower of Sanatana Dharma, in the their specific linneage. I wonder if it's like that, where someone is considered a follower of the Tao within their specific linneage? Actually... you clearly explained it's living the virtues of the Tao and it becoming a form of Self knowing. It's really interesting how being Taoist isn't mutually exclusive with identifying as Buddhist, but also they're frenemies. Also interesting to learn about the stereotypes about Taoism in Asian cultures. My biggest takeaway is how the western lens affects my perception of belief systems. Navigating cultural pluralism is mind stretching, and I'm grateful to learn more- thank you!
There is so much value in fact it is priceless that you honor who you are and you’re open and willing to share with common folk like me I couldn’t thank you enough
I'm really enjoying these new series of videos, and I think when a title such as Taoist which is not a vague noun but is actually one with a specific time and place with specific teachings, it's still so hard to conclude and sum up something which has such a large history, and diverse philosophy and practices as well as it being intertwined with geopolitics and the history of nations. Simply summing all of that up and identifying with all of that can seem like jumping into this series of ongoing conversations that we may not want to concern ourselves with, rather it may just makes it more accessible to live that way, more authentically close to the teachings and practices as well
Wow Benebell, very helpful for a white, hetero, cis, male. From a deeply spiritual and mystical Christian background, through difficulties in life I went through a spiritual transformation with psychedelics and exploring thinkers like Jordan Peterson, Sam Harris and Joe Rogan, yes Joe Rogan. That journey awakened in me a new outlook that I think would best be discribed as a Taoist mindset. I was awakened to the deep reality of the Great Mother Nature, terrible, awesome and loving. And in this I also caught a glimpse of the near eternal diality of yin and Yang, specifically of the dance between femininity and masculinity, both symbolically, archetypically and naturally. You helped clarify some things and give that Asian perspective that was missing. I wonder how this was awakened in me, being of Caucasian ancestry. Oh well, I am thankful.
Don't be so hard on your caucasian ancestry. Most ancient philosophies, including ancient European ones, have this concept of masculine and feminine in duality. It's Christianity and Islam that suppressed it, not anything racial.
Thanks for the encouragement but I am not aware that I was being hard on my ancestry, I’m not self denigrating like that. But when we’re talking about something that seems to be specifically Taoist then yes I wonder how it might arise spontanisly in a Caucasian from the standpoint of genetic memory. Not to say that is the only factor at play. Certainly it is not. @@mastermichaeldunchok
@@AA-gw6wd For sympathetic traditions, look at ancient Platonism and Neoplatonism. Not only is there an emanationist universe like the I Ching describes, but their concept of "eucrasia" or harmonious homeostasis between two dualities in Hippocratic medicine is congruent with yinyang theory in TCM
@mastermichaeldunchok, thank you for your reply (above). I am African American (and not Caucasian), but I am also interested in points of correspondence between the Taoist and Western philosophical traditions, although I'm more familiar with Gnosticism than Neo/Platonism. JPB
I love the philosophy of the Tao itself. I learned about Daoism in a religious study class in college. I was suprised to learn from some Daoist leaders that they believed that only those who followed the specific rites and rituals of Daoism would hake it to upper heaven and the rest of us were not Daoist or did the rituals were bound to continue as hungry ghosts. The dogmatic aspects suprised me because I thought of Daoism as a more open, fluid, and mystic religion before that. I had only read philosophy of the Tao but wasn't aware of the thought of the structure of heaven being composed of a governing structure similar to that of earthly governments.
Thank you for this. I call myself Daoist. I am white Anglo-Saxon. He used to teach that the Dao is Chinese. When he taught in Europe he changed to call Dao culture something which is beyond borders. I thought that's a nice way to put it.
Hi @devonthedivinesolarchild94. I'm African American. I have talked to IFA practitioners, and their views sound interesting. I have also listened to practitioners of Voodoo and Kemetic Spirituality. But I feel more of an affinity with the history and tradition of Hoodoo practice in the United States. JPB
I love this video and would be interested in hearing different point of views between western Taoist or westerners who come to learn of Taoism and Asian community's that grew up with it.
Beautiful interpretation! I have learned a lot from your videos and also appreciate being able to reconnect to my ancestral roots. Thank you for offering this portal of wisdom.
I had an early exposure to Korean culture while a teenager in Western Washington that led me to the Tao. I have since explored many Asian cultures and philosophy, with China saved for last...so it has been a deadly evolutionary return to the source like Japanese frog magic. Thank you for sharing, I will buy your books, but I am not about wildness in any way, and I attribute it to the cultural Marxist revolution of Mao and his red guards who destroyed Chinese history and culture. I will not use pronouns or labels thank you.
Thank you, Benebell. What struck me when I went to China a four years ago and visited the taoist Chenghuang and Baiyun temples in Shanghai was the plethora of deities - the 5 wealth gods, the deified governental officials such as Huo Guang and Qin Yubo, the celestial hierarchies. It was very different what I had imagined from only reading the Tao te Ching and Chuang Tsu. The confucian temple there seemed less ornate and more propitious to meditation. I wondered if Shanghai was the exception or if the deifications and celestial hierarchies in taoist temples are commonplace, and how they integrate with the meaning of being Taoist that you speak of in your fascinating video?
many of the taoist talismans require the summoning and the belief on a particular entity in the Taoist religion in order for the talisman to work. the talisman also require fasting or certain vows to be kept prior to the activation of the talisman. Everyone can copy the format of a talisman, however the activation mudras or spell words need to be written in a very very small format. Often this small format will appear as a dot on the actual talisman being done. Taoist also have certain forms of martial arts associated with it ie the taichi quan. taichi quan has many form. the forms which a taoist martial artist need to undertake is like a lot and a lot hard work often the practioner must remain in a stance and stand there for hours in order to improve his balance as well as his posture. In addition to this there are also practice of breathing exercises in the form of a martial art which is the 八段锦. it serves as a form of stretching exercise as well. Taoist meditation involves breath work as well as sometimes visualisation and also then again transcending understanding of the universes around us. Channeling of various spirits are also practised by some temples and by some practioner. The importance of proper learning starts with the correct teachers. Hence finding teachers with lineage of taoism will aid in development of the above skills.
Benebell, what you said about reclamation and gnosis through your blood and bones shook me; ive been using that very same language to reclaim my Wu indigeneity and my 陰陽 3rd gender identity, which is deeply bound to my shamanic craft. Truly, this channel is a blessing upon blessings. ♥️🪻
It seems as if Taoism has had as much influence on Asia as Platonism has had on the Western world. I'm very grateful to be influenced by both. I sometimes wonder what would be said at the dinber table if i could host a dinner party with Chuang-tzu and Socrates as guests of honor. Love your videos! 🙏 🌹 🙏
Could I ask about your views on Professor Thomas Cleary and his suggestion that Daoism is much older than first assumed i.e., he suggests Daoism is around 12,000yrs old, do you agree?
Taoism is about learning, cultivation and practice, that is, learning about the ways of the Tao, self-cultivation to achieve Tao and practicing the teachings of Taoism. Its origins could be traced back to the time of the Yellow Emperor (Huang Di, 黄帝), thereafter it was promoted by the philosophical writing of Lao Zi (老子), and finally organized as a formal religion by Zhang Dao Ling (张道陵), the religion's Celestial Master. Taoism is the only indigenous religion of China. It embodies forms of Chinese beliefs and traditions practiced from the early days of Chinese civilization. Thus, as the great Chinese writer Lu Xun put it, "The root of the Chinese people is Taoism." It is commonly said that to understand Chinese culture, one has to understand the Taoist religion as Chinese culture lies in Taoism. Taoism draws its philosophy and teachings from Lao Zi's "Tao Te Ching" but it has never developed a dogmatic belief system. Instead Taoism wholeheartedly adopted the philosophy and principles of the "TAO". Taoism emphasizes the paramount importance of understanding the natural order of things, because only by knowing the principles of the Tao people then can live in harmony. Taoism views the universe and all its manifestations as operating according to a set of unchanging natural laws. Human beings can gain knowledge of these laws and become attuned to them. It is these natural laws that constitute the core principles of Taoism. Aligning ourselves with these principles provides a universal perspective and understanding that allows life to be lived in harmony with the Tao. Hence, Taoism may be defined as the Chinese philosophic-religious tradition dedicated to achieving harmony with the transcendent Tao. Taoists dedicate Lao Zi's birthday, 15th day of the 2nd Lunar Month to offer homage. All Taoist temples conduct prayers to mark the Supreme Patriarch of Taoism and keep this day as TAOIST DAY. Singapore 'Yu Huang Gong' (SYHG) is a Taoist Temple. The rites and worship follows the traditions of Taoism and Chinese beliefs. Annual activities of SYHG include both Chinese and Taoist religion like the Spring Festival, Taoist Day, Festival of the Middle Season (“Zhong Yuan jie”), Nine Emperors Festival, Year-end thanksgiving worship, as well as celebrations during the feast days of various divinities.
The worship of Taoist Deities in SYHG includes:
1. The Three Pristine Ones (San Qing Dao Zu): The highest Divinity of Taoism is the Three Pristine Ones whom include The Primeval Lord of Heaven (Yuan Shi Tian Zun) living at Qing Wei Heaven, The Heavenly Lord of Numinous Treasure (Ling Bao Tian Zun) living at Yu Yu Heaven and The Heavenly Lord of Tao and Virtue (Dao De Tian Zun) living at Da Chi Heaven. In folk belief, the Jade Emperor may be the highest divinity in command among all deities; however, in Taoist pantheon of deities, the Three Pristine Ones actually presides over Jade Emperor, as they represents the Wuji Realm (Infinity) and while the Jade Emperor represents the Taiji Realm (Ultimate) of the whole cosmos.
In Taoism, Innate One Qi (i.e. Ancient primitive Qi) forms the Three Pristine Ones. It is the mother of Cosmos and forms the highest divinities of Taoism, i.e. Tao transforms progressively from One, “Dao produces One (Unity), One produces Two (Duality: Yin & Yang), Two creates Three (Trinity) and Three produces All Things. (Extract from Chapter 42 of the Tao Te Ching) 2. Jade Emperor (Yu Huang Shang Di): Yu Huang Shang Di existed and recorded as Hao Tian Shang Di during the primitive period. In Taoism, the Jade Emperor is the very first deity in the supreme Taiji realm.
The Jade Emperor incarnated from the Three Pristine Ones. This is normally described as “Heaven (Tian)” by the Chinese and lives in the Tong Ming Heaven, Mi Luo Palace. He is the main authority which oversees all beings under the heaven. To the common folks, he is the “Father of Heaven" (Tian Gong).
3. Four Heavenly Ministers (Si Yu Da Di): In the Heaven, there are four great Ministers assisting the Three Pristine Ones and Jade Emperor, namely Lord Zi Wei of the Northern Polar (Bei Ji Zi Wei Da Di), Lord Chang Sheng of Southern Polar (Nan Ji Chang Sheng Da Di), Lord Tien Huang of Goucheng (Gou Cheng Tien Huang Da Di) and Lord Imperial Goddess of Earth (Hou Tu Huang Di Qi).
4. The Three Divine Officials （San Guan Da Di): The worship of Heaven, Earth and Water exists during the ancient time in China. The Three Divine Officials are early Taoist deities, namely: the Heaven Official whom bestow blessings, the Earth Official whom pardon sins and the Water Official whom dispel misfortunes.
The other deities include:
Mother Deity Dou Mu, Heavenly Lord Tai Yi of Salvation The Three Quanzhen Masters: Patriarch Lu Zu, Patriarch Chongyang, Patriarch Qiu Chang Chun, Heavenly General Wang Ling Guan The Nine Emperors of Bei Dou (North Dipper） Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heaven General Yin Jiao Tai Sui (Year Deity) 60 Tai Sui Deities Imperial Sovereign Wenchang Deity of Wealth General Zhao Gongming Deities of Wealth of the Five Directions Deity of Happiness (Xi Shen) of the Year
At the rear of the temple, the ancestral hall enshrined the tablet of 36 founding members of KTW.
@@BenebellWen I was wondering about Your approach to Dragon spirit, from Your perspective as both You and as a Taoist... Since as far as I can remember, I was spiritually and emotionally really connected to them, even before I consciously understood what They really are ❤ Despite being rised as a catholic, I have always had deep yearning in my soul to find and discover about these beautiful creatures. Their wisdom and strength, I greatily admire and I never ceased to do so ❤ But there are very few, that actually talk about the subject of the Lóng from an Eastern esoteric perspective. You seen like having an incredible knowledge in ancient Asian spirituality ❤ Would You mind making a video regarding this topic? It's ok if not ❤
I think a lot of the younger generation got put off due to the misunderstandings of the rituals - parents were very negative on it in my case and became Christian. I think tao will not go away, I see it in so many literary works eg shanhai jing is a he tu roadmap, or du fu poetry hints at iching tao or he tu/luoshu, too many to mention but it’s simply embedded deeply into the language and writings it self. Buddhism is really a subset of Sanatana Dharma (aka Hinduism)- which means eternal natural way. Which speaks for itself. We definitely neglected the trinity aspect of it though which is an important key, aka three pure ones in Taoism which is really a universal archetype of the way. Eg Triskelion, 3 jewels, trimurti, Christian trinity etc (I do suspect the personality aspect is also very important and rendering it impersonal can make it challenging to relate to, inspire and drive consistent practice. Eg the lady of the nine heavens in your case transmuted symbolism into action which is really the case for most parts of our lives where symbolism drives purpose and meaning for most of what we do anyways. Love your work btw ! Been on a binge !
When will Benebel go on a book tour like to Moorstown ,New Jersey Burlington county? To discuss the Fu Zi TIAN LIA. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR SOME DETAILS ABOUT THE LEGEND OF THE (FU) . THEIR IS A DISPLAY OF THE FU ZI TAIN LIA IN THE FORBIDDEN CITY AND THROUGH FAMILY TIES I HAVE CONNECTIONS AND YOUR BOOK ( THE TAO OF CRAFT) HAS A BRIEF DISCRIPTION...!🀄🀄☯☯🦇🦇☮☮
Enlightening commentary. Even though you speak of personal and culture specific philosophy, I continue to see the common threads in this universal human experience. Thank you for sharing.
When will Benebell, go on a book tour like Moorstown, New Jersey Burlington county; Barnes and Noble? I Must find a reference {questions} of( Fu Zi Tian Lia)..? So interested because of family connection to the Forbidden City where their is a display of the ("Fu") legend?🦇
Yes, the course is available here: benebellwen.com/2017/06/20/tarot-and-shadow-work-for-activating-dynamic-power-online-course/ There's also a free workbook you can download here: benebellwen.com/2016/09/09/shadow-work-with-a-tarot-or-oracle-deck-card-reading-magic-summit/
I never say, "I am a Taoist". Instead I say I study Taoism since the Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao. How can someone be a Taoist if the word Tao in not the true Tao?
Extreme taoist just to rectify your position, interesting to let it go at the end. The world its not into the idea of Buddhism and let it go i think. Taoism must be related to buddhism but related Martial arts only umm our western society always looking for conflicts🤔well this days its a fact.
The problem you have is that taoism is a philosophical teachings, its not spiritually focused. Its not better than smoking drugs. True self belief is not a feeling or conscious decision. But its spirit led. The Holy Spirit ignites the passion and desire to be like God. Humbleness is a beautiful quality which God admires and respects and supports. Personally.
Very interesting video, the Taoist principle of balance (and avoiding extremes) remind me a bit of the Ancient Egyptian goddess Ma’at… It’s a very important concept, as staying in balance (especially for those of us working the magic arts) is Important for both physical and psychological health, as well as providing a better foundation for our magic to manifest in a more healthy and desirable manner.
Buddha had Daoist influence. The poisons of the soul desire, hate and ignorance are the three corpses of the low, middle and high dantiens. And his path is the middle path, not too ascetic or hedonistic, looks for balance like Daoism.
The question of religious identity is interesting. I've noticed that Chinese language, both classical and modern, tends not to dwell on what things are but on what things do. So when I ask how do you say "I am a Buddhist," what I hear is "I believe Buddhism" (我信佛) or "I practice Buddhism" (我修佛門), not 我是一'個佛教徒. When I ask how to say "I am a vegetarian," what I hear is "I eat a [Buddhis] vegetarian diet" (我吃素). When one attains a religious goal, one does not speak in terms of achieving a transformation into something else or crossing a finish line, but of "attaining the Way" (得道), i.e., getting on the right path and moving in the right direction. It's more about action than identity, and that makes it hard to explain in English, which dwells more on identity.
I like that there’s no solid answer for what Taoism exactly is. It seems very similar to Paganism here in the West - non centralized, slightly taboo, full of superstition and fraud. I dig it.
That’s what I was thinking. Or witch. I am an animist, pagan witch. A Christian can be a witch also. Both are true❤
. . . Which highlights the importance of being careful (and as precise as possible) about the terms and concepts that we use whenever we attempt to think about and communicate ideas to one another, especially ideas about worldviews.
For instance, while there is indeed no contradiction involved in the idea of being both a Witch and a Christian (Christianity is a "religion", whereas "Witchcraft" is a "practice"), (or even in the idea of being both a Christian and a Pagan, depending on the way those terms are interpreted), saying that each can be both "true", might be problematic on certain interpretations of those terms. For example, I (being fundamentally a Christian who uses Omnist assumptions about the relationships among worldviews as a "template" for their investigation), "understand" the meaning of the statement "all religions and worldviews are true", to be, "there are truths to be ascertained in each religion and worldview, when they are appropriately interpreted", but not to be, "every religion and worldview presupposes a unique set of propositions that is true". That latter (quoted) statement, (interpreted as a universal claim about worldviews) is logically inconsistent because some religions and (non-religious) worldviews presuppose propositions that contradict propositions that are presupposed by other worldviews.
Moreover, individual presuppositions within individual worldviews can (by themselves) be "perfomatively inconsistent" or "ontologically self-refuting", again, depending on interpretation. For instance, the (unqualified) claim that "a worldview can 'Transcend Logic' by being maximally inclusive of all propositions", might not be inconsistent, if it is interpreted as meaning e.g., that "a worldview can "Transcend" our conventional way(s) of knowing or ascertaining truths by being maximally inclusive of all perspectives as mutually complementary rather than mutually inconsistent". However, the same (unqualified) claim that "a worldview can 'Transcend Logic' by being maximally inclusive of all propositions", could (on alternative interpretations) be self-refuting, since the very act of communicating any meaningful statement (itself) presupposes fundamental principles of Logic, such as the principles of "Identity", "Excluded Middle", and "Non-Contradiction".
With that being said however, I'm still very much an enthusiastic student in the topics discussed in these videos.
JPB
I love this. Thank you so much for this. Reclaiming a Taoist path is part of my own reclamation of my ancestral heritage, which, from my current understanding, has Yue roots. I will be totally honest, you sharing these videos, your sharing of your own path and writing these books have been a bridge for me to be able to reconnect, especially since I do not know the languages and am just starting to dip my toes in to learning Cantonese as a reclaiming project. So a thousand times, THANK YOU for all that you do! I am so grateful beyond words.
Yes! All of this.
Thankyou very much, Benebell. This unattachment to labels has become profoundly important to me. While not 'Asian', I took the Buddhist Precepts through a Taiwanese rrder in Australia, and ran a library temple library, exposing me to translations of many Chinese texts. This deepened my fascination in Taoist reflection. My linear Western mind was certainly challenged, shaken, yet has found benefit, dissolved?, with the Taoist Water Meditation.
This follow years living in India taking people to some Buddhist sacred sites and meditating in 1300 year old meditation caves. Ironically, I now can appreciate Western mysticism with a more open heart as well as expanded my Buddhist thought practicing with followers of the Larung Ga monastery among others.
Sadly, in my Buddhist experience, ritual, and the desire to build an imposing temple, seemed to be more important to some practitioners than the need to reflect and meditate.
With my admittedly limited Taoist understanding I am better able to connect without seeking an end goal
Looking forward to read your I Ching book !
"... and maybe, secondary, assume you're into martial arts." 😆 I very much enjoyed your clarification and explanation. I love this series and am looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Thank you
Benebell Wen, you are a good teacher. Thank you for being honest and truthful.
I have been identifying as Taoist to differentiate from the popularity of modern Buddhism.
All religions or philosophies are false In the end your human
thank you for posting this. for me, a non-asian westerner, it is fascinating. by chance have you read ‘the tao of zen’ by grigg? it is basically a study of the similarities and differences of taoism and chan buddhism. always happy to hear your thoughts on these things.
It seems like a paradox, like not claiming this aspect of your identity might lend to it its erasure, while the inherent Tao-ness of it makes it almost unclaimable. I think you did a great job illuminating how it can be part of one's identity, and in fact, one's heritage and ancestral history, while not quite fitting the language of identity/geopolitics. I can also see how it's important to study this aspect of one's history, because the present isn't shaped in a vacuum and the past gives context to all the ways identity is shaped today.
I wonder if there is a word for this layer of identity? Like how Judaism is called an "ethnoreligion" to distinguish itself from the universalizing religions that shape the cultural norms of what defines a belief system.
I learned that Hinduism is a misnomer for the more accurate Sanatana Dharma, which I guess would make someone a follower of Sanatana Dharma, in the their specific linneage. I wonder if it's like that, where someone is considered a follower of the Tao within their specific linneage? Actually... you clearly explained it's living the virtues of the Tao and it becoming a form of Self knowing.
It's really interesting how being Taoist isn't mutually exclusive with identifying as Buddhist, but also they're frenemies. Also interesting to learn about the stereotypes about Taoism in Asian cultures. My biggest takeaway is how the western lens affects my perception of belief systems. Navigating cultural pluralism is mind stretching, and I'm grateful to learn more- thank you!
There is so much value in fact it is priceless that you honor who you are and you’re open and willing to share with common folk like me I couldn’t thank you enough
Thank you. I just love how you explain this.
Thanks, appreciate hearing your thoughts and perspective. I am walking the path, one step at a time. ☯️ ☯️ ☯️
Thank you! Your explaination of how Asians living in Asia's relationship with Taoism was enlightening
Very beautifully said
I'm really enjoying these new series of videos, and I think when a title such as Taoist which is not a vague noun but is actually one with a specific time and place with specific teachings, it's still so hard to conclude and sum up something which has such a large history, and diverse philosophy and practices as well as it being intertwined with geopolitics and the history of nations. Simply summing all of that up and identifying with all of that can seem like jumping into this series of ongoing conversations that we may not want to concern ourselves with, rather it may just makes it more accessible to live that way, more authentically close to the teachings and practices as well
Wow Benebell, very helpful for a white, hetero, cis, male. From a deeply spiritual and mystical Christian background, through difficulties in life I went through a spiritual transformation with psychedelics and exploring thinkers like Jordan Peterson, Sam Harris and Joe Rogan, yes Joe Rogan. That journey awakened in me a new outlook that I think would best be discribed as a Taoist mindset. I was awakened to the deep reality of the Great Mother Nature, terrible, awesome and loving. And in this I also caught a glimpse of the near eternal diality of yin and Yang, specifically of the dance between femininity and masculinity, both symbolically, archetypically and naturally. You helped clarify some things and give that Asian perspective that was missing. I wonder how this was awakened in me, being of Caucasian ancestry. Oh well, I am thankful.
Don't be so hard on your caucasian ancestry. Most ancient philosophies, including ancient European ones, have this concept of masculine and feminine in duality. It's Christianity and Islam that suppressed it, not anything racial.
Thanks for the encouragement but I am not aware that I was being hard on my ancestry, I’m not self denigrating like that. But when we’re talking about something that seems to be specifically Taoist then yes I wonder how it might arise spontanisly in a Caucasian from the standpoint of genetic memory. Not to say that is the only factor at play. Certainly it is not. @@mastermichaeldunchok
@@AA-gw6wd For sympathetic traditions, look at ancient Platonism and Neoplatonism. Not only is there an emanationist universe like the I Ching describes, but their concept of "eucrasia" or harmonious homeostasis between two dualities in Hippocratic medicine is congruent with yinyang theory in TCM
@mastermichaeldunchok,
thank you for your reply (above). I am African American (and not Caucasian), but I am also interested in points of correspondence between the Taoist and Western philosophical traditions, although I'm more familiar with Gnosticism than Neo/Platonism.
JPB
I love the philosophy of the Tao itself.
I learned about Daoism in a religious study class in college. I was suprised to learn from some Daoist leaders that they believed that only those who followed the specific rites and rituals of Daoism would hake it to upper heaven and the rest of us were not Daoist or did the rituals were bound to continue as hungry ghosts. The dogmatic aspects suprised me because I thought of Daoism as a more open, fluid, and mystic religion before that. I had only read philosophy of the Tao but wasn't aware of the thought of the structure of heaven being composed of a governing structure similar to that of earthly governments.
Thank you for this. I call myself Daoist. I am white Anglo-Saxon. He used to teach that the Dao is Chinese. When he taught in Europe he changed to call Dao culture something which is beyond borders. I thought that's a nice way to put it.
Thank you for explaining this! 💜 So is it more like a path?
IFA is my way of life, The Mighty Orishas have blessed my lifetime, ASE. ♥️🖤💚
Hi @devonthedivinesolarchild94. I'm African American. I have talked to IFA practitioners, and their views sound interesting. I have also listened to practitioners of Voodoo and Kemetic Spirituality. But I feel more of an affinity with the history and tradition of Hoodoo practice in the United States.
JPB
I love this video and would be interested in hearing different point of views between western Taoist or westerners who come to learn of Taoism and Asian community's that grew up with it.
Beautiful interpretation! I have learned a lot from your videos and also appreciate being able to reconnect to my ancestral roots. Thank you for offering this portal of wisdom.
tao is the way of nature and is amazing how it flow with life we live in . Tao is not religion it is The Way
✨be here now do no harm help others be still close eyes listen to your breathing rest in present awareness✨
I had an early exposure to Korean culture while a teenager in Western Washington that led me to the Tao. I have since explored many Asian cultures and philosophy, with China saved for last...so it has been a deadly evolutionary return to the source like Japanese frog magic. Thank you for sharing, I will buy your books, but I am not about wildness in any way, and I attribute it to the cultural Marxist revolution of Mao and his red guards who destroyed Chinese history and culture. I will not use pronouns or labels thank you.
Thank you, Benebell.
What struck me when I went to China a four years ago and visited the taoist Chenghuang and Baiyun temples in Shanghai was the plethora of deities - the 5 wealth gods, the deified governental officials such as Huo Guang and Qin Yubo, the celestial hierarchies. It was very different what I had imagined from only reading the Tao te Ching and Chuang Tsu. The confucian temple there seemed less ornate and more propitious to meditation.
I wondered if Shanghai was the exception or if the deifications and celestial hierarchies in taoist temples are commonplace, and how they integrate with the meaning of being Taoist that you speak of in your fascinating video?
Great explanation, thank you.
many of the taoist talismans require the summoning and the belief on a particular entity in the Taoist religion in order for the talisman to work. the talisman also require fasting or certain vows to be kept prior to the activation of the talisman. Everyone can copy the format of a talisman, however the activation mudras or spell words need to be written in a very very small format. Often this small format will appear as a dot on the actual talisman being done.
Taoist also have certain forms of martial arts associated with it ie the taichi quan. taichi quan has many form. the forms which a taoist martial artist need to undertake is like a lot and a lot hard work often the practioner must remain in a stance and stand there for hours in order to improve his balance as well as his posture. In addition to this there are also practice of breathing exercises in the form of a martial art which is the 八段锦. it serves as a form of stretching exercise as well.
Taoist meditation involves breath work as well as sometimes visualisation and also then again transcending understanding of the universes around us.
Channeling of various spirits are also practised by some temples and by some practioner.
The importance of proper learning starts with the correct teachers. Hence finding teachers with lineage of taoism will aid in development of the above skills.
Benebell, what you said about reclamation and gnosis through your blood and bones shook me; ive been using that very same language to reclaim my Wu indigeneity and my 陰陽 3rd gender identity, which is deeply bound to my shamanic craft. Truly, this channel is a blessing upon blessings. ♥️🪻
It seems as if Taoism has had as much influence on Asia as Platonism has had on the Western world.
I'm very grateful to be influenced by both. I sometimes wonder what would be said at the dinber table if i could host a dinner party with Chuang-tzu and Socrates as guests of honor.
Love your videos! 🙏 🌹 🙏
Could I ask about your views on Professor Thomas Cleary and his suggestion that Daoism is much older than first assumed i.e., he suggests Daoism is around 12,000yrs old, do you agree?
Another lovely video! Namaskar 🙏🏽
Taoism is about learning, cultivation and practice, that is, learning about the ways of the Tao, self-cultivation to achieve Tao and practicing the teachings of Taoism. Its origins could be traced back to the time of the Yellow Emperor (Huang Di, 黄帝), thereafter it was promoted by the philosophical writing of Lao Zi (老子), and finally organized as a formal religion by Zhang Dao Ling (张道陵), the religion's Celestial Master.
Taoism is the only indigenous religion of China. It embodies forms of Chinese beliefs and traditions practiced from the early days of Chinese civilization. Thus, as the great Chinese writer Lu Xun put it, "The root of the Chinese people is Taoism." It is commonly said that to understand Chinese culture, one has to understand the Taoist religion as Chinese culture lies in Taoism.
Taoism draws its philosophy and teachings from Lao Zi's "Tao Te Ching" but it has never developed a dogmatic belief system. Instead Taoism wholeheartedly adopted the philosophy and principles of the "TAO". Taoism emphasizes the paramount importance of understanding the natural order of things, because only by knowing the principles of the Tao people then can live in harmony.
Taoism views the universe and all its manifestations as operating according to a set of unchanging natural laws. Human beings can gain knowledge of these laws and become attuned to them. It is these natural laws that constitute the core principles of Taoism. Aligning ourselves with these principles provides a universal perspective and understanding that allows life to be lived in harmony with the Tao. Hence, Taoism may be defined as the Chinese philosophic-religious tradition dedicated to achieving harmony with the transcendent Tao.
Taoists dedicate Lao Zi's birthday, 15th day of the 2nd Lunar Month to offer homage. All Taoist temples conduct prayers to mark the Supreme Patriarch of Taoism and keep this day as TAOIST DAY.
Singapore 'Yu Huang Gong' (SYHG) is a Taoist Temple. The rites and worship follows the traditions of Taoism and Chinese beliefs. Annual activities of SYHG include both Chinese and Taoist religion like the Spring Festival, Taoist Day, Festival of the Middle Season (“Zhong Yuan jie”), Nine Emperors Festival, Year-end thanksgiving worship, as well as celebrations during the feast days of various divinities.
The worship of Taoist Deities in SYHG includes:
1. The Three Pristine Ones (San Qing Dao Zu):
The highest Divinity of Taoism is the Three Pristine Ones whom include The Primeval Lord of Heaven (Yuan Shi Tian Zun) living at Qing Wei Heaven, The Heavenly Lord of Numinous Treasure (Ling Bao Tian Zun) living at Yu Yu Heaven and The Heavenly Lord of Tao and Virtue (Dao De Tian Zun) living at Da Chi Heaven. In folk belief, the Jade Emperor may be the highest divinity in command among all deities; however, in Taoist pantheon of deities, the Three Pristine Ones actually presides over Jade Emperor, as they represents the Wuji Realm (Infinity) and while the Jade Emperor represents the Taiji Realm (Ultimate) of the whole cosmos.
In Taoism, Innate One Qi (i.e. Ancient primitive Qi) forms the Three Pristine Ones. It is the mother of Cosmos and forms the highest divinities of Taoism, i.e. Tao transforms progressively from One, “Dao produces One (Unity), One produces Two (Duality: Yin & Yang), Two creates Three (Trinity) and Three produces All Things. (Extract from Chapter 42 of the Tao Te Ching)
2. Jade Emperor (Yu Huang Shang Di):
Yu Huang Shang Di existed and recorded as Hao Tian Shang Di during the primitive period. In Taoism, the Jade Emperor is the very first deity in the supreme Taiji realm.
The Jade Emperor incarnated from the Three Pristine Ones. This is normally described as “Heaven (Tian)” by the Chinese and lives in the Tong Ming Heaven, Mi Luo Palace. He is the main authority which oversees all beings under the heaven. To the common folks, he is the “Father of Heaven" (Tian Gong).
3. Four Heavenly Ministers (Si Yu Da Di):
In the Heaven, there are four great Ministers assisting the Three Pristine Ones and Jade Emperor, namely Lord Zi Wei of the Northern Polar (Bei Ji Zi Wei Da Di), Lord Chang Sheng of Southern Polar (Nan Ji Chang Sheng Da Di), Lord Tien Huang of Goucheng (Gou Cheng Tien Huang Da Di) and Lord Imperial Goddess of Earth (Hou Tu Huang Di Qi).
4. The Three Divine Officials （San Guan Da Di):
The worship of Heaven, Earth and Water exists during the ancient time in China. The Three Divine Officials are early Taoist deities, namely: the Heaven Official whom bestow blessings, the Earth Official whom pardon sins and the Water Official whom dispel misfortunes.
The other deities include:
Mother Deity Dou Mu,
Heavenly Lord Tai Yi of Salvation
The Three Quanzhen Masters:
Patriarch Lu Zu, Patriarch Chongyang, Patriarch Qiu Chang Chun,
Heavenly General Wang Ling Guan
The Nine Emperors of Bei Dou (North Dipper）
Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heaven
General Yin Jiao Tai Sui (Year Deity)
60 Tai Sui Deities
Imperial Sovereign Wenchang
Deity of Wealth General Zhao Gongming
Deities of Wealth of the Five Directions
Deity of Happiness (Xi Shen) of the Year
At the rear of the temple, the ancestral hall enshrined the tablet of 36 founding members of KTW.
This was very helpful especially about the self-identification
Beautifully explained, thank You ❤ Can I have a request, please?
And what would that request be?
@@BenebellWen I was wondering about Your approach to Dragon spirit, from Your perspective as both You and as a Taoist... Since as far as I can remember, I was spiritually and emotionally really connected to them, even before I consciously understood what They really are ❤ Despite being rised as a catholic, I have always had deep yearning in my soul to find and discover about these beautiful creatures. Their wisdom and strength, I greatily admire and I never ceased to do so ❤ But there are very few, that actually talk about the subject of the Lóng from an Eastern esoteric perspective. You seen like having an incredible knowledge in ancient Asian spirituality ❤ Would You mind making a video regarding this topic? It's ok if not ❤
I think a lot of the younger generation got put off due to the misunderstandings of the rituals - parents were very negative on it in my case and became Christian.
I think tao will not go away, I see it in so many literary works eg shanhai jing is a he tu roadmap, or du fu poetry hints at iching tao or he tu/luoshu, too many to mention but it’s simply embedded deeply into the language and writings it self.
Buddhism is really a subset of Sanatana Dharma (aka Hinduism)- which means eternal natural way. Which speaks for itself. We definitely neglected the trinity aspect of it though which is an important key, aka three pure ones in Taoism which is really a universal archetype of the way. Eg Triskelion, 3 jewels, trimurti, Christian trinity etc
(I do suspect the personality aspect is also very important and rendering it impersonal can make it challenging to relate to, inspire and drive consistent practice. Eg the lady of the nine heavens in your case transmuted symbolism into action which is really the case for most parts of our lives where symbolism drives purpose and meaning for most of what we do anyways.
Love your work btw ! Been on a binge !
This very much reminds me of how Ngakpas are treated in Tibet at certain times.
Basically the message is "Show don't tell" right
In Dzogchen there is a famous saying " work with circumstances".
I'm Celtic and I feel Taoist but call myself Buddhist.
I thought Taoist is similar to stoicism, like living in accordance with nature.
When will Benebel go on a book tour like to Moorstown ,New Jersey Burlington county? To discuss the Fu Zi TIAN LIA. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR SOME DETAILS ABOUT THE LEGEND OF THE (FU) . THEIR IS A DISPLAY OF THE FU ZI TAIN LIA IN THE FORBIDDEN CITY AND THROUGH FAMILY TIES I HAVE CONNECTIONS AND YOUR BOOK ( THE TAO OF CRAFT) HAS A BRIEF DISCRIPTION...!🀄🀄☯☯🦇🦇☮☮
I hear some kind of ringing, or chiming, or some kind of audio interference in this...am I hearing things?
Enlightening commentary. Even though you speak of personal and culture specific philosophy, I continue to see the common threads in this universal human experience. Thank you for sharing.
Ah! Now I understand! (No, I don’t…) 😂 Actually, this was very informative and explained a few things I didn’t quite grasp. Thank you! 🙏
Does the taoist gets elements from Chinese Shamanistic practices like Manchu Qiang Hmong what is your thought about it?
Yes, a great many incredible Chinese historians and scholars talk about the shamanic origins of the I Ching and Taoist mysticism.
@@BenebellWen Thank you for the quick reply keep up the hard work you are incredible! Do you recommend any book related to this subject?
When will Benebell, go on a book tour like Moorstown, New Jersey Burlington county; Barnes and Noble? I Must find a reference {questions} of( Fu Zi Tian Lia)..? So interested because of family connection to the Forbidden City where their is a display of the ("Fu") legend?🦇
Have you read any books written by Xi Van Fleet?
Both here
🙏
Hi, off subject but I just found out about your Shadow work course. How can I pay for it to have access to it please?
Yes, the course is available here: benebellwen.com/2017/06/20/tarot-and-shadow-work-for-activating-dynamic-power-online-course/
There's also a free workbook you can download here: benebellwen.com/2016/09/09/shadow-work-with-a-tarot-or-oracle-deck-card-reading-magic-summit/
@@BenebellWen Thank You!!
@@BenebellWenis this with the Waite tator cards?
Also how times a week can we do this?
I never say, "I am a Taoist". Instead I say I study Taoism since the Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao. How can someone be a Taoist if the word Tao in not the true Tao?
So saying you're a "Daoist" is essentially equivalent to calling yourself a wizard.
♡
I'm not Chinese and therefore don't have the DNA but I do consider myself a Taoist convert.
Extreme taoist just to rectify your position, interesting to let it go at the end.
The world its not into the idea of Buddhism and let it go i think.
Taoism must be related to buddhism but related Martial arts only umm our western society always looking for conflicts🤔well this days its a fact.
❤️❤️❤️🦉🦄
The problem you have is that taoism is a philosophical teachings, its not spiritually focused. Its not better than smoking drugs. True self belief is not a feeling or conscious decision. But its spirit led. The Holy Spirit ignites the passion and desire to be like God. Humbleness is a beautiful quality which God admires and respects and supports. Personally.
Very interesting video, the Taoist principle of balance (and avoiding extremes) remind me a bit of the Ancient Egyptian goddess Ma’at… It’s a very important concept, as staying in balance (especially for those of us working the magic arts) is Important for both physical and psychological health, as well as providing a better foundation for our magic to manifest in a more healthy and desirable manner.
Buddha had Daoist influence. The poisons of the soul desire, hate and ignorance are the three corpses of the low, middle and high dantiens. And his path is the middle path, not too ascetic or hedonistic, looks for balance like Daoism.
假如您在等幾十年而後重新再讀道德經您會明知其費bullshit矣。
I want to share my life with you. I feel you are a good friend. Please help me make your dreams come true. I am more YOU than one of THEM.