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Yearly Archives: 2014
Review of the top Taoism stories for 2014
2014, the year of the Yang Wood Horse has proven to be everything one would expect from this type of year. This year we left two years characterized by inward searching energy (water dragon and water snake) and entered a year dominated by an element (wood) known for growth, new beginnings; think of a small plant or tree just beginning to grow/sprout. The horse is known as a noble animal and is associated with being: strong, disciplined, regal, elegant, travel, adventure, also capable of great speed and endurance/perseverance.
When combined a Wood Horse year has the potential for fast growth. In a Yang year this effect can be compounded even further. Those versed in even a rudimentary understanding of Taoist philosophy, know that fast uncontrolled growth often does not have a good outcome, nor is it long lasting.
Surely, there were quite a few incidents this past year that occurred very quickly, and picked up momentum almost “out of nowhere”. Ah, the year of the horse indeed.
In this review, however, we will focus on some of the positive events this past year.
Nine faults a master or teacher must avoid January 23, 2014
Being a master or teacher should be one of the most respected and appreciated positions in society, to a lesser extent coaching as well. Since people in these positions have close personal contact with people from various levels of society…
Nine things that will lead any student to failure January 26, 2014
In a prior article we listed 9 faults or traits masters and teachers of any subject or system must avoid in order to be successful and to help ensure the success of their students. This article is going to shift…
China shares over 5,000 years of scripts with the United Nations February 12, 2014
A major event occurred at the United Nations in New York City, not surprisingly the event was not covered on any of the major Western news networks.The Chinese Ethnic Scripts Exhibition made its debut and was organized by Liu…
Annals of Internal Medicine agrees with Taoism: multivitamins should not be used February 28, 2014
For the last several decades (at least the last four), multivitamins have been promoted as the perfect solution for improper nutrition. Many reports and stories, mainly in the form of advertising and marketing, have portrayed vitamins as preventing various diseases…
World unites against Monsanto and GM food May 15, 2014
Recently, Vermont became the first state in the U.S. To pass a GMO labeling law. This law requires all food that contains any Genetically Modified ingredients to be clearly labeled as such. For instance, if your corn chowder contains…
Unraveling the mysterious and misunderstood concept of P’u July 14, 2014
Many people who study or casually read about Taoism will at some point come across several principles and concepts which are considered important to the Taoist system.Some of the more popular principles are: Wu-wei, Tao and Te, Lao…
Chuang tzu’s advice on recognizing the true nature of things July 27, 2014
In a recent article “Unraveling the mysterious and misunderstood concept of P’u”, we examined how the true meaning of P’u is not the uncarved block, rather it is the ideal of remaining or…
Harvard study proves meditation can hinder the onset of Alzheimer’s September 26, 2014
If you ask most adults who are middle age or older, what their greatest fear is in regards to aging, many will say they do not want to “lose their mind”. They want to be able to…
The unnatural state of natural food in the US November 21, 2014
When you browse the shelves at your local grocery store, you may have noticed that more and more products contain the dubious label “Natural” or “Natural food”, or contains “Natural ingredients”.Morning and evening…
Who were the three kings/wise men of the Orient? December 26, 2014
Many of you may be familiar with the classic Christmas carol “We Three Kings of Orient Are”, some may be listening to it now, and yes, some may be tired of hearing it.Let’s re-examine…
There were many examples of positive things that occurred this past year, most of which, ironically never made it into the mainstream news or the 24 hour infotainment stations.
Let us all commit to making 2015, the Year of the Sheep, a year where we focus on the inner development/cultivation of our body-mind and spirit.
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Who were the three kings/wise men of the Orient?
Many of you may be familiar with the classic Christmas carol “We Three Kings of Orient Are”, some may be listening to it now, and yes, some may be tired of hearing it.
Let’s re-examine a mystery that has never been fully addressed or adequately answered: Who are these three wise men, and where did they come from?
Many people assume the wise men traveled from Persia (Iran), Jordan, Arabia, or some other location not too far from Bethlehem, but just far enough to be considered a distant travel. This of course, has more to do with the ethnocentric views of most of the religious beliefs in the Judeo/Christian ethos. Anything of importance, came from a particular region and only that region. Therefore, the three wise men must have been from the greater “holy land” region or at least within the “Middle East”.
There are a few sources of information that show us, in all likelihood, where the men came from , and who they were. We will use the following sources to delve into the matter: Lyrics to the Christmas carol “We three kings of Orient are”, King James bible, and knowledge of Taoism and ancient Chinese history.
The first verse of the song states: “We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.” It is interesting to note that the Orient always referred to the Middle East and China, in particular China. When one thinks of the terms Orient and Oriental, the images that come to mind are distinctly “Asian” and most likely Chinese. This verse also mentions traveling a great distance; past mountains, fields, fountains and moors. Literally, traveling through different climates and vast terrains. This could also be a description of the “Silk Road”, which went from China to Palestine and on to Europe, and other routes, both sea and land.
The second verse “O star of wonder, star of night…”, shows that these wise men had expert celestial and astronomical knowledge. Yes, Persia did contain great scientists, however, to this day, no-one has matched the detail and precision of the ancient Chinese/Taoist star charts. Even our modern day GPS and star maps are based on the ancient Chinese charts and the Taoist system. “Star with royal beauty bright”, the Taoists observed that every time a “great person” was born, there would be a corresponding unusual celestial activity, usually a very bright star would appear, over the location of the birth. The ancient Chinese records, are filled with these recordings, not only of Imperial concerns, but also of births of other “great people”. According to Dr. Stephen Chang in “The Great Tao”:
“During the Han Dynasty …Astronomers were assigned to watch the skies twenty four hours a day. The star that appeared upon Jesus’ birth would have been looked upon as a birth of a great man.” He goes on to recount a story “…recorded by the Han Dynasty historians…of the indisputable accuracy of the observations made by those astronomers. One night, an astronomer sat watching the stars of the Emperor Kuang Wu and his visiting friend Yan Tse-Ling, who was sleeping with the Emperor that night. The astronomer was shocked to find that the brightness of Yan Tse-Ling’s star covered that of the Emperor’s. Suspecting that Yan Tse-Ling was an assassin, the astronomer ran through the halls of the palace in a panic to report that the Emperor was in danger. Just then another astronomer who had taken over the vigil of the heavens observed that the stars had separated and the brightness of Yan’s star had diminished, and he reported this. When the Emperor arose from sleep…the incidence of the stars was relayed to him. The Emperor laughed and said that Yan Tse-Ling, while asleep, had accidentally placed his leg over him.”
“Westward leading, still proceeding…”, clearly shows the wise men came from the East and traveled West, through a well defined course or road.
The song also features the gifts of the wise men: Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Many cultures used these three items for different purposes, however, only one used all three, and (according to Dr. Stephen Chang’s research) only one used all three for healing purposes! China and the Taoists. The verse regarding Myrrh, “…breathes of life of gathering gloom, sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying…” is a very poetic way of listing the healing qualities of this herb. It can be used to restore life, reverse bleeding, heal wounds, take away sorrow, sighing etc… as well as many other uses. There is also an ancient Taoist formula called Royal Jade Cream which contains these healing herbs, one such use is after child birth to help the mother heal, among many more.
Let’s jump forward to the verse “…Earth and Heaven replies”, throughout China’s history they have always been regarded as the “Middle Kingdom”, and both the Chinese Emperors and the Taoists saw it as their duty to maintain the balance between the three dimensions of Heaven, Earth and Humanity. Thus a well trained Taoist could elicit a response from both Heaven and Earth, or help restore balance between the realms.
There a few other important facts we will examine in this article, we only have room for a few as a detailed investigation would easily fill an entire volume.
Given their role as the maintainers of balance in the Middle Kingdom, the Chinese Emperors would frequently send emissaries and ambassadors throughout the lands (and seas), to announce new policies, procedures and more often to announce a new Emperor. It was important for other countries to know this, as it would be very disrespectful, to send your tribute in the name of the wrong Emperor, and most of the world at one time or another always paid tribute to China.
If we use the modern dating system to attempt to locate the actual year of Jesus’ birth, we arrive at a very interesting crossroad. His birth occurs around the exact time China was transitioning from one Emperor to another. Emperor Ai (Han Dynasty) ruled from approx. 7 BCE-1 BCE, and Emperor Ping (Han Dynasty) reigned from 1 BCE – 5 CE. Emperor Ai died childless and passed the throne over to his cousin. The fact that one Emperor died and a new Emperor was enthroned, would have caused China to send delegations far and wide to announce this “news of most importance”. The Silk Road would have been one of many routes chosen.
Let’s examine what the Bible says regarding the three wise men. First, in all actuality, there were more than three people, this number is given as an estimate since the story mentions three gifts, therefore, three men must have given them.
An interesting fact arises, when we examine the Bible verses, it becomes apparent that it was impossible for the “wise men” to arrive at or shortly after his birth, but definitely not in the “manger scene”. Luke 2: 22-39, shows that Jesus was brought to Jerusalem to be dedicated at the temple and at this time he was glorified by several people, including Simeon and Anna, this occurs after the traditional manger story. Matthew 2: 11: “And when they [wise men] were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother…” Clearly they found Jesus in his home, not in a manger or stable, and he was a child not a baby. Matthew 2: 16: “Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.” Herod ordered the murder of every child under the age of two, because the wise men estimated his age to between 1-2 years old. Thus the wise men traveled for approximately 2 years before arriving in Judea. Surely King Herod would have been informed of the new Emperor of the Middle Kingdom as well as the “great birth” in his own land.
This is most interesting, as the journey from China to Palestine (in ancient times), was approximately two years! Therefore it is most plausible that the wise men/Taoists departed China shortly after Jesus’ birth and arrived when he was approximately two years old. Also, consider the fact that another name for the wise men, were Magi, and another name for the Taoists with regards to western observers, were Magi.
Given this information let’s review why the three wise men were most likely Taoists from China:
- Only the Taoists used (and still use), Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh in a combination for healing purposes.
- Taoists had the awareness and scientific discoveries to understand the correlation between celestial/astronomical occurrences coinciding with the birth or death of “great people”.
- Taoists had the celestial and terrestrial maps required for determining the exact location of the star over its earthly location.
- Taoists and China had an established trade route and had expertise traveling great distances farther than any other civilization.
- Jesus’ birth coincides with the death of a Chinese Emperor and the delegations sent to announce the new Emperor.
- The three wise men met first with King Herod, whom he learned of Jesus’ birth from, this initial meeting with the King is consistent with an official Imperial visit from China.
- Palestine, Judea, Rome, Arabia, Egypt etc… had well established trade with China.
- As mentioned in a previous article, Jesus’ teachings were more similar to Taoist understanding and principles than they were to teachings from his native born area.
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Are you dissatisfied with being special or with not being special?
https://youtu.be/2DodhyJiV6U
As we continue towards the end of the year, many news outlets (print, radio and TV) will begin to tabulate and report various statistics for criteria they have determined as important for us to know.
Many of these statistics will be in the form of a percentage polled with regards to being satisfied or dissatisfied towards a particular topic or area of concern.
For instance, according to the Gallup Poll in 2013: 24% of Americans were satisfied with the way things were going in the U.S.. 79% of Americans were satisfied with the direction of their personal lives. The overall level of satisfaction with the direction of the U.S. over the past 35 years has ranged from 12% in 1979, 21% 1992, 70% in 2002, 10% in 2009 and 24% for 2013. In contrast the lowest level of satisfaction in ones personal life was 73% in 1979.
According to Dr. Frank Newport, Gallup Poll Editor in Chief, “…overall, Americans are more satisfied with their personal lives than the overall direction of the U.S. as a whole.”
CBS news published a poll in July 2013 which showed that 61% of Americans rated the economy as bad. Forbes published a study in May 2012 involving respondents from the U.S. and Canada. The study revealed that only 19% were satisfied with their jobs, 16% were somewhat satisfied, 21% were somewhat unsatisfied and 44% were completely unsatisfied.
According to a Mercer study from 2011 involving over 30,000 workers worldwide:
“…between 28% and 56% of employees in 17 spots around the globe wanted to leave their jobs. In the U.S., 32% said they wanted to find new work. That’s about half of the 65% of respondents to the Right Management survey, who said they were either somewhat or totally unsatisfied.”
The results of these reports are very interesting. Indeed, several questions are raised, which will not be addressed in this article, however, are posed for the reader to stimulate a future dialog.
If the vast majority of Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs, the direction of the economy and the direction of the U.S. in general, then how are the majority also overwhelmingly satisfied with the direction of their personal lives? Surely, an individuals job, the overall economy and the overall direction of the country plays a large part in the perception of ones own life. Yet, as the studies reveal, it is not reflected or at least felt on the individual level.
Are Americans basing their happiness on the ability to consume and acquire physical/tangible belongings, or are they being led to believe they are happy by the pursuit of those items? Is it possible that Americans perception of happiness is actually a byproduct of consumerism and the invention of advertisers?
This level of dissatisfaction is quite reminiscent of an old Chinese fable called “The Stonecutter”.
Once upon a time, there was a stonecutter who at one time was very happy with his life, however, one day he passed by the home of a very wealthy man, on his way to delivering a gravestone. He was able to see inside the house through the open curtains, and observed all of the fine and expensive items inside, and admired not only his belongings but also his apparent power. At this time he became discouraged with his life and his daily work became harder and harder. As he chipped away at the stone for his next project he began to wish and dream of how much happier he would be if he were a rich merchant.
He instantly became a rich merchant and was surrounded by and enjoying more luxuries then he ever imagined. The regular townspeople also despised him for his riches and power.
The next day was very hot and the sun was so bright and intense that he had to return home and rest from the oppressive heat. He was awakened from his nap by the sound of excited people in the street. When he peered through the window he observed a carriage passing, drawn by servants in fine clothes. The occupant was surely the prince with his golden umbrella protecting him from the sun and intense heat.
The stonecutter thought for a moment, ‘Oh, if only I were a prince and had servants to tend to my every need, and could ride in a carriage with a golden umbrella, surely then I would be happy.’
He became the prince, had the servants and the golden umbrella. He was also hated and feared by the local people because they had to bow down before him whenever he passed by.
On this particularly hot day, the prince was very uncomfortable, even in his custom carriage with the golden umbrella. He began to peer up at the sun and noticed how strong the sun was, when he poured water on the grass the sun still scorched the grass turning it brown, the sun did not bow down to him, rather, on a hot day, he had to bow down (partially) to the sun to shield himself from the intense rays.
Oh, how powerful, the sun is, he began to wonder, if only I could be the sun.
Then he became the sun, shining brightly on all those below him, scorching the fields, being cursed by farmers, he shot his beams of light above, below and all around. Powerful indeed was the stonecutter who became the sun. While he was basking in his own glory, suddenly his light became dull, and his power began to diminish. He pondered, what incredible power could this be, what force could block my rays and defy my glory!
Then to his amazement, he was no longer happy being the sun, and dreamed of being the storm cloud that now blocked his light.
And a storm cloud he did become. He was able to catch the suns beams and block them from hitting the earth, flooded the fields with rain that lasted for days on end. He noticed a particular field that was not flooded and wanted to pour rain on the field. Know matter how hard he tried he could not move over the field and continued traveling in the wrong direction. What force is this that can move the mighty storm cloud, he began to wonder.
‘Oh, the wind, how I long to be the wind, surely nothing is stronger than this’.
When he became the wind, he blew the clouds with such force, caused buildings to collapse, ripped the trees out from their roots and caused massive waves on the water.
All of sudden he hit a force with incredible pressure, but the object would not budge. Hit it again and again, and still the defiant object stood strong.
‘Oh this mountain, if only I could become the mountain which withstood the sun, rain and wind, towers over the people including the princes and causes all to bow down to it.’ Such power he would have if he could become the mountain.
A mountain he became, and while standing strong enjoying the view as he towered over the surroundings, he began to hear the sound of a hammer and chisel pounding the side of the mountain near the base. Slowly he felt himself being changed. He began to wonder, what could be more powerful than the mighty mountain? Suddenly a large piece of the mountain broke off and fell on the ground. Then he cried out: ‘Is a little child of the earth more powerful than a mountain, Oh if only I were a stonecutter!’
He awoke a stonecutter again, and though his work was hard, and he toiled in the sun all day long, he did so to the best of his ability, made many fine items of great skill, and never again desired to be greater or mightier than other people. He learned to be content with what he had and who he was, and he was finally happy!
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The unnatural state of natural food in the US
When you browse the shelves at your local grocery store, you may have noticed that more and more products contain the dubious label “Natural” or “Natural food”, or contains “Natural ingredients”.
Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images
Morning and evening news programs are loaded with stories about the latest natural food craze, best natural foods for weight loss, making sure you consume those natural vitamins etc… This raises a good question, that seems to never be sufficiently answered:
What is Natural Food?
According to the Oxford dictionary, Natural is: “existing in or caused by nature, not artificial, uncultivated; wild (existing in its natural state), in the course of nature; not exceptional or miraculous…”
The same dictionary defines Food as: “a nutritious substance, esp. solid in form, that can be taken into an animal or a plant to maintain life and growth…”
It is safe to assume then that combining these together would create a plausible definition that most people could agree on, therefore, Natural Food would be: ‘a nutritious substance that exists in its natural state, as found in nature (wild), created by natural processes which can be consumed for the purpose of maintaining life and growth’.
Here lies our problem: the USDA and FDA do not have a clear definition, or any definition for that matter, of what the term Natural or Natural food is, nor do they have any laws that pertain to food labeled as Natural or Natural food, or any other Natural label…
Thus, the system in the United States relies on companies to be “honest” with their labels, which in effect means if they lie or are caught lying, there is nothing the Government can do about it, and we the consumers must trust that the companies are being honest!
Recently, Consumer Reports completed a study that involved more than 80 different processed foods containing corn and soy, and found that: “Almost all products with corn or soy and labeled as natural actually contained GMO ingredients. These processed foods included: cereals, chips and infant formula. (rt.com)”
This may come as a surprise to many, as most people believe that “Natural” means non-Genetically Modified Organisms/ingredients.
Consumer Reports also stated that:
“In more than 60 countries, manufacturers must label foods that contain genetically modified ingredients. But GMO labeling isn’t required in the U.S. Yet our survey found that 92 percent of Americans want genetically modified foods to be labeled. And concerns about the potential health and environmental risks of GMOs coupled with an unwillingness on the part of the federal government to mandate labeling are leading many states to take action on their own.”
If you are asking why is the US not one of these 60 countries, the answer is Monsanto, Dupont and Dow to name a few! These mega corporations have spent billions of dollars fighting labeling laws in all 50 states, with television, radio and print advertisements with the same message “Say No to GMO labeling laws”. Look at the funding for your states politicians and you may find sizable donations to their election/re-election fund from these same companies!
For now, the only way to be sure that you are not consuming these dangerous and UNNATURAL GMO ingredients is to buy, as much as possible, food labeled USDA Organic. Another option is to purchase from a local farmer that uses organic farming practices but may not be able to afford the outrageously expensive Organic certifications. You can also, purchase Trader Joe’s private label products which they guarantee/claim does not contain any GMO ingredients. Unfortunately, some of the ingredients in Whole Foods 365 label have been found to contain GMO, however, they have set a goal to be GMO free by 2018.
As always, your first line of defense begins with what you buy and eat, second, support your local farmers markets, befriend local farmers, grow some of your own food, and keep the pressure on your representatives to require GMO labeling laws along with adopting a proper definition of “Natural”.
Don’t miss another National Taoism Examiner article. Receive e-mail alerts when new articles are available. Just click on the “Subscribe” button below; also make sure you click all of those social network buttons and share the article with your friends and family as well. You can also follow the Qi Institutes Taoism blog.
Do you have a story, photo or video from your area that would be of interest to Taoists? Feel free to email (TJ@theQiInstitute.com) and they may be included or featured in a National Taoism Examiner article.
Are you cold, that’s because Winter 2014 arrived on November 7, 2014
Over the last few weeks the United States has been experiencing what the meteorologists are calling “unseasonably cold” weather. ABC News featured an article “Early Season Snow, Cold Shocks the Southeast”, which goes on to describe the snow storm which blanketed much of the region between the Great Lakes down through South Carolina.
Temperatures on Sunday, November 2, ranged between 34 degrees (F) in Memphis, TN to 52 degrees in Miami, FL.
The weather “experts” seem to be at a loss for why this early season arctic air is pushing so far south and so soon. Given that this is still fall/autumn after all, shouldn’t the weather be cool but not winter cold!
There is one point the experts are missing. Contrary to what modern science thinks, the universe and nature does not follow a strict man made calendar which states that fall occurs every September 22 (give or take a day or so), nor does winter wait for December 21st.
Nature follows a different set of laws, Universal Laws, that modern man and his modern sciences has become increasingly disconnected. If you were a keen observer you may have noticed the animals making their seasonal adjustments (migrations, eating extra food, preparing for hibernation etc…) occurring earlier this year than last. For instance, in some parts of the southern United States, bald eagles returned for their winter retreat the end of August, not October as they often do. Various northern birds, including Canadian Geese, began their winter migrations earlier as well.
This does not make sense viewed through the filter of western/modern science, which states the animals should not act this way until the experts announce the seasonal change.
Viewed through the ancient science and philosophy of Taoism, however, this makes perfect sense. Fall actually arrived on August 7th and winter arrived on (wait for it…) November 7, 2014! This means that come December 21st, the Northern Hemisphere will actually be half way through winter, unless we experience a prolonged winter which is likely.
According to Master Zhongxian Wu “…Compared with last winter, in most parts of northern hemisphere it will be much colder this year. Unlike last year, I do not expect that we will experience a mild winter here in the Stockholm [Sweden] area. Like many places, we will encounter some heavy snowstorms and experience the Dry Metal and Cold Water…This Dry Metal and Cold Water Qi [energy] will generate more physical and mental challenges to those who have health issues related with skin, lung, large intestines, heart, gallbladder, and/or kidney.”
This winter will be very cold combined with cold water and has the potential to produce major snowstorms, perhaps even record breaking. Of more concern, however, is the effect on ones health. As Master Wu pointed out, a wise person will pay extra attention to strengthening and preserving his lungs, large intestine, heart, gallbladder and kidneys. Of course, we can strengthen all of our systems, and this is good advice no matter what time of year, however, if someone has a weakness or problem with the areas mentioned, then they should pay particular attention to those areas this winter!
Now is the time to strengthen your internal energy and organs through proper internal exercise, diet and by utilizing the Forgotten Foods/Taoist Teas.
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What are you really so busy doing?
Occasionally, your National Taoism Examiner encounters a person who is (to say the least) overburdened with their constant activity-work and general “busy-ness”. We all know someone like this; the type of person who is constantly busy; going here, going there, multi-tasking, on a conference call while driving, networking when they take their child to see the doctor, etc…
Many people scoff at the person who has their phone permanently attached to their face, and forever updating their contacts on their comings and goings. Perhaps, you or someone close to you is this person!
Curiosity may cause one to ponder, what are they so busy doing? If you ask them, how or what they are doing, or if you can have a moment of their time, they will surely reply with “sorry, busy-so very busy, I will be back-soon”. Of course, when they are back, they are often quickly engaged in another activity.
This type of person is always working; “… [they] work when they are working, works when he exercises and more often than not, works when he plays. (The Tao of Pooh)” Mr. Hoff could have easily added, that this type of person even turns a vacation into work. When this person is at Disney World for example, they are busy scheduling fast passes and then running around the park to be at each precise location by a certain time—open the park, close the park, next morning start all over again. You say to them, wait let’s slow down a little, and they respond, “sorry, I can’t I am on vacation, got things to do and see, I am so busy, not enough time to rest”. When they return home they need a vacation from their vacation, but no rest for them, because then they are busy at work and with their life, don’t you know.
For this person, exercise becomes a grueling activity (workout); where the benefits are achieved with excessive, harsh movements that are repeated over and over again, never stopping, always in pursuit of the ever unachievable goal.
When is enough enough, for the person that is always busy? When a person says, “Carpe Diem, do they really mean seize the day, live life to the fullest?” What if Carpe Diem leads one to a different type of seizing, as in the heart stopping? What if living life to the fullest, causes one to die early or become ravaged with illness and disease? Was it worth it? Is the constant stress of being busy, worth the “reward” that is fleeting and will not last anyway? What is the point of being the top CEO in your prime only to have your memory and mind taken away from you when you are still in your 60’s?
How would they feel if they are told that a more literal translation of Carpe Diem actually means to “enjoy the day, to enjoy the moment”?
In the Tao of Pooh, Benjamin Hoff quotes Chuang-tse:
“There was a man who disliked seeing his footprints and his shadow. He decided to escape from them, and began to run. But as he ran along, more footprints appeared, while his shadow easily kept up with him. Thinking he was going too slowly, he ran faster and faster without stopping, until he finally collapsed from exhaustion and died. If he had stood still, there would have been no footprints. If he had rested in the shade, his shadow would have disappeared.”
Let us all pause for a moment, breathe deeply and sip some tea. Then take out your schedule book or open that calendar app, and make time in your schedule first thing each morning, once in the afternoon and then again before bedtime—to breathe deeply, stretch, practice the internal exercises, go for a walk in the park, smell the flowers, watch the birds or close your eyes and listen to the birds sing, etc… Schedule time for tea instead of coffee and cigarettes.
Don’t miss another National Taoism Examiner article. Receive e-mail alerts when new articles are available. Just click on the “Subscribe” button below; also make sure you click all of those social network buttons and share the article with your friends and family as well. You can also follow the Qi Institutes Taoism blog.
Do you have a story, photo or video from your area that would be of interest to Taoists? Feel free to email (TJ@theQiInstitute.com) and they may be included or featured in a National Taoism Examiner article.
Harvard study proves meditation can hinder the onset of Alzheimer’s
If you ask most adults who are middle age or older, what their greatest fear is in regards to aging, many will say they do not want to “lose their mind”. They want to be able to age and still have their mental capacity and wits about them.
Many people who claim they do not want to live for too long, actually dread the thought of a long life if you cannot enjoy it, or even worse cannot recall your fondest memories, or even not recall who you are or where you are. Is it 1918 and you are fighting in the great war, stuck in the trenches all over again? Perhaps, as you look out the window, hours pass by and you cannot recall why you were looking out the window to begin with. The thought of this life becoming a reality is something that many people are afraid to face until it is often too late.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org):
- more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s
- Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States alone
- Approximately 500,000 people are dying each year from Alzheimer’s
- 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia
- Alzheimer’s costs the economy approx. $220 billion per year
- by the time you finish this article approx. 10 people will have just found out they have Alzheimer’s, that’s almost one person every 67 seconds
Oxford dictionary defines dementia as: “a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes marked by memory disorders, personality changes, impaired reasoning etc. due to brain disease or injury”. Alzheimer’s is only one type of dementia, however, it is also the most common and one of the leading causes of premature senility.
There is good news in the fight against this terrible disease that causes much hardship on those afflicted and their loved ones, as well as the often silent warriors—the caregivers!
The study was conducted by Rebecca Erwin Wells, MD, MPH, in association with Harvard Medical School and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Wells was led towards this study as a result of there currently being no FDA approved medications that can help stop or slow the progression of mild cognitive impairment or more serious forms of cognitive deterioration. According to Wells:
“We also know that as people age, there’s a high correlation between perceived stress and Alzheimer’s disease, so we wanted to know if stress reduction through meditation might improve cognitive reserve. (Science Daily)”
The study involved only 14 adults but showed extremely promising results that will lead to further research. The participants ranging in age from 55-90, were split into two groups consisting of mindfulness meditation and standard care. The mediation group met for two hours per week, were encouraged to practice for 15-30 minutes on their own time, and participated in a mindfulness mediation retreat.
After eight weeks the groups results were compared to prior tests and revealed that:
“…the results of MRI imaging showed that the group engaged in MBSR [meditation] had significantly improved functional connectivity in the areas of the default mode network. Additionally, as expected, both groups experienced atrophy of the hippocampus, but those who practiced MBSR [meditation] experienced less atrophy.( Science Daily)”
The meditation participants also reported better cognition and improved well-being.
An interesting side note to this story is that once again, a modern or current study is only confirming what the ancient Taoists and Chinese Medicine has known for thousands of years. Meditation in one form or another (sitting, standing, moving or even sleeping) has often been recommended as a preventative exercise for problems with the body and mind.
Meditation is an exercise that allows the practitioner to focus on a task with almost single mindedness, it is not, as often described by modern teachers, as “letting go, or just being in the moment, thinking of nothing” etc…
Meditation is work and work can be meditation, actually, anything can be a form of meditation, and at its highest level, eventually everything becomes a form of meditation. Whether ironing your clothes, preparing a meal, walking in the garden etc…
First, however, we must start somewhere, and there is no greater and simpler form of meditation than “Crane Breathing”. To practice, one sits comfortably with the back straight, or lies flat on the back, and inhales and exhales as slowly as possible through the nose, when you inhale gently push the abdomen out as if you are filling a balloon with air, when you exhale, gently pull the abdomen in, when you inhale again just allow the belly to come out and fill with air again. Perform this exercise a few times at first and focus on the slow movement of the belly and slowly inhaling and exhaling, ideally your breath should be so slow that you would not move a feather if it were placed under your nose.
Other forms of meditation include the Taoist Internal Self Healing exercises, properly taught Tai Chi and Qigong etc…
Let’s all do ourselves a favor and start a simple practice of meditation today or tonight, actually every morning and evening is a great time to practice the Crane Breathing exercise.
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Wu Wei: The meaning of doing without doing
Taoism has been misunderstood by many throughout its vast and ancient history. The misunderstandings are common among those that consider themselves Taoists and even more among those who have no training in the system, yet however, choose to write about and teach isolated principles.
Wu Wei is one principle that, similar to P’u, is almost always mistranslated and rarely understood. The concept/principle of Wu Wei is one of Taoism’s core principles, and establishes a particular mental, physical and spiritual attitude that a cultivated or trained Taoist has; it is something that enables one to recognize a Taoist by his/her actions.
It is not uncommon for people to think that Taoism advocates an almost lazy outlook on life, the ultimate pacifists, those who do nothing, let life just be, the ideal “hippie” from the 1960’s.
This belief is grounded in the misunderstanding and misapplication of Wu Wei, often translated as not doing or doing without doing or non-action.
The true definition of Wu Wei could not be further from the truth and if one looks at the vast accomplishments of the Taoists over the last 6,000 years one would have a great visual of just how much the Taoists actually “did”.
A better definition of Wu Wei is doing “…without meddlesome, combative, or egotistical effort. It seems rather significant that the character Wei developed from the symbols for a clawing hand and a monkey, since the term Wu Wei means not going against the nature of things; no clever tampering; no Monkeying Around. (The Tao of Pooh)”
If you do something without being clever, and without the ego, while being rooted in the concept of Pu then this is “Wu Wei” and this is one of the principles that led to the tremendous Taoist inventions and discoveries.
Think of all the problems in the world, how many of them are the result of people trying to do something while at the same time being clever, deceitful, tampering, monkeying around, making a name for themselves etc… Lao tzu said his way is easy and simple, yet no-one can follow it. This is because we are too busy being led by a monkey mind and ego, we are no longer natural and pure. Many people are the opposite of Wu Wei!
“Carrying body and soul and embracing the one,
Can you avoid separation?
Attending fully and becoming supple,
Can you be as a newborn babe?
Washing and cleansing the primal vision,
Can you be without stain?
Loving all men and ruling the country,
Can you be without cleverness?
Opening and closing the gates of heaven,
Can you play the role of woman?
Understanding and being open to all things,
Are you able to do nothing?
Giving birth and nourishing,
Bearing yet not possessing,
Working yet not taking credit,
Leading yet not dominating,
This is the Primal Virtue. (Lao tzu)”
“When we learn to work with our own Inner Nature, and with the natural laws operating around us, we reach the level of Wu Wei. Then we work with the natural order of things and operate on the principle of minimal effort. Since the natural world follows that principle, it does not make mistakes. Mistakes are made—or imagined—by man…who separates himself from the supporting network of natural laws by interfering and trying too hard. (Tao of Pooh)”
What in our own lives are we trying too hard to change, what are we not accepting, is their difficulty in your life that may be the result of interfering too much, are you trying to do too much?
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Chuang tzu’s advice on recognizing the true nature of things
In a recent article “Unraveling the mysterious and misunderstood concept of P’u”, we examined how the true meaning of P’u is not the uncarved block, rather it is the ideal of remaining or returning to a state of untouched naturalness. The trees of an uncut forest.
Now we will reflect on what Chuang tzu had to say about the true nature of things, and how to observe things as they are. For lack of a better name lets call this the story of “the ugly tree or the tree on the mountain”:
“Hui-tse [a woodcutter/lumberjack] said to [Chuang tzu], ‘I have a large tree which no carpenter can cut into lumber. Its branches and trunk are crooked and tough, covered with bumps and depressions. No builder would turn his head to look at it. Your teachings are the same—useless, without value. Therefore, no one pays attention to them.’
‘As you know,’ [Chuang tzu] replied, ‘a cat is very skilled at capturing its prey. Crouching low, it can leap in any direction, pursuing whatever it is after. But when its attention is focused on such things, it can be easily caught with a net. On the other hand, a huge yak it not easily caught or overcome. It stands like a stone, or a cloud in the sky. But for all its strength, it cannot catch a mouse.’
‘You complain that your tree is not valuable as lumber. But you could make use of the shade it provides, rest under its sheltering branches, admiring its sheltering branches, and stroll beneath it, admiring its character and appearance. Since it would not be endangered by an ax, what could threaten its existence? It is useless to you only because you want to make it into something else and do not use it in its proper way. (The Tao of Pooh)”
After this incident Chuang tzu left the mountain and spent the night at a friends house. The friend, honored by his visit, asks one of the servants to cook a goose. The servant wanted to know if he should kill the goose that cackles or the one that cannot, the friend responded with “the one that cannot cackle”.
Later on Chuang tzu’s students were perplexed by this apparent paradox and asked their teacher, “yesterday you said the tree in the mountains would live out its years because it was useless. Now the goose in your friends house was killed because it was useless. Which would you prefer, to be useful or to be useless?
“[Chuang tzu] laughed and said, ‘If I were to say that I would prefer to be in the intermediate position between being useful and being useless, that might seem to the right position. But it is not, for we will not be able to avoid difficulties. One who follows the virtue of the dao [Tao] is free of difficulties. He is above praise or condemnation, moves like a dragon or a snake, and is transformed with the ongoing changes of the times without being fixed upon on thing. Now high and now low, he is in harmony with all and with the origin of all things. He presides over all things while nothing can preside over him. How could there be then any difficulties? This is the path of Shennong and the Yellow Emperor. But it is different in the world of things and varying practices of human relations. Union brings separation; becoming, passing away; sharp corners, the use of a file; honour, disparagement; activity, failure; knowledge, plotting; inability, contempt. Where is constancy to be found?…in the dao [Tao] and its virtue. (Zhuangzi)”
What things are we trying to make into something else and not use in its proper way? Are you the useless tree or the useless goose? If you think you are useful, the higher question is useful to whom, or to what?
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Unraveling the mysterious and misunderstood concept of P’u
Many people who study or casually read about Taoism will at some point come across several principles and concepts which are considered important to the Taoist system.
Some of the more popular principles are: Wu-wei, Tao and Te, Lao Tzu’s three treasures, and P’u, to name just a few. As mentioned in prior articles, more often than not these concepts are presented to the world by people who lack a full understanding of the Taoist philosophy and the many meanings of the Chinese characters, especially ancient Taoist characters. This is one of the reasons that direct literal translations of ancient Chinese texts will not reveal the true or even partial meaning and message. As a result, many of the well known principles of Taoism are misunderstood, even by practitioners, perhaps especially by practitioners.
This article will explore the concept of P’u (朴, simplified Chinese and 樸, traditional Chinese). P’u lends itself as a great example of why a complete understanding of Taoism is important when, not only translating texts, but even more important when discussing and teaching the varied disciplines of Taoism.
P’u is often translated as the “uncarved block”, and has appeared in many variations in its own right. Many people have discussed the concept of the uncarved block in great length and breadth, especially in Academia, where there is no shortage for exhaustive discussions of misunderstood information. Most people will tell you that the uncarved block means to leave things in their natural state, or for people to return to their natural state. People will poetically describe how children are born as uncarved blocks and that P’u is the eastern concept of Tabula Rasa (blank slate) or vice versa.
They are correct that P’u is one of the highest principles of Taoism and that it is referring to a state that everything had, should have and can return to. The problem arises with the translation of P’u as the “uncarved block”. The intention of the translators is to convey a state of naturalness-simplicity, honesty-plainness etc…, a state of being that exists before any form of unnaturalness is applied or learned. The principle applies to all existence and not just the domain of humans.
And therein lies the problem. If the intention is to convey a state of naturalness, then clearly an uncarved block cannot be the appropriate visual aid, as even an uncarved block came from somewhere and by its very nature is not in its natural state!
If we examine the characters for P’u more closely we will see that they represent not an uncarved block, rather an untouched forest or more precisely…many uncut trees in the forest. Imagine a forest that exists without any alteration and without any influence other than nature. Clearly, the uncarved block is already a piece of wood cut from a tree that is no longer in its natural state, and thereby unqualified to represent P’u.
With this understanding people can now properly analyze scenarios, life questions and existence itself through the visual aid of the untouched trees in the forest. Try to imagine a state of being before learning the many cultural aspects that we consider the meaning of life and living, before we were altered, shaped and molded into everything but our natural state. What would humans and humanity look like if things were left in their natural state, what would governments look like if politicians left things alone, what would the world be like if we did less, spoke less and simply were P’u, etc…?
P’u is the principle of achieving that state of naturalness that exists before one is defiled or altered from their original nature, it is a state that can be achieved and restored.
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