Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

Taoism


Guest Andrea_Heilotes

Recommended Posts

Guest Andrea_Heilotes

I just kind of started stumbling into this belief set and was pleased to find that it makes sense to me asnd I don't have to believe any wacky things like old guy in the sky knocked up a 14 year old and the minor gave birth to thew same guy who knocked her up in the first place. And that all this is true because some dudes got together 05 years after the fact and said it was true.

I just really dislike Christianity and further dislike Catholicism more. I was raised to be a good little Catholic soldier boy. I even was an altar boy in my elementary school years. But to be fair I only did it because everyone else was doing it and you got to skip out of class.

But Catholicism isn't making sense any more. So I started to dabble with being an Atheist.

But Atheism didn't feel right. Something in my mind was telling me that there was order and meaning to the Universe. But I wanted a "faith" that had some kind of allowance for future scientific discoveries.

Apparently, Taoism has that allowance. A trans friend of mine told me she had come to be a Taoist because it made more sense than the fundamental Protestant Christianity she was raised in. So I started looking into it and figuring out what the basic beliefs of a Taoist were and whether they made sense to me.

Turns out the Taoist principles do make sense to me, at least they do as I understand them. I could be way off in my understanding but as far as I understand it: Taoism says that the world just is the way it is, accept it and don't try to control it. The more you try to control it, the more it will slip through your fingers. So a follower of Tao will just relax and let things do what they do. If one wants to be happy they need to understand how to fit in the flow of things rather than try to go against them. For me it's about suppressing your ego and just accepting your own insignificance. Things are what they are and as a person you just need to accept the fact that it's all out of your control.

I like that Taoism has no apparent morality. Nobody is in the business of telling others how to do things. There's no way to sin against the Tao. There is no great evil "anti-Tao" out there in endless combat against the forces of Tao. Destruction and "evil" are just part of the process of creation and "good" Neither is superior to the other, both are unstoppable forces of the universe. People die because that's the way things are. It's unfortunate, but it's inevitable, it's part of the way life is. Just accept it.

Part of my path out of Christianity involved a suspicion I had that maybe evil wasn't a real thing, perhaps to a god like deity evil is somehow good. What if evil was only a perception of humans but in reality it was just part of good. That would certainly explain why "evil"exists. So then eventually I moved on and forgot about the thought, when I started getting interested in Taoism, the thought returned to me and it all made sense.

I don't know if my perception of Taoism is correct or even remotely close. I read a lot of the Tao te Ching and that's the impression I got. We all just need to let go of this futile human need to cling to power.

So my point is that I'm looking for any other Taoists out there to discuss these things. You know, just in case I'm way off the mark here.

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Finding ones beliefs is a very personal thing. I studied religion in college and spent many evenings (until dawn) drinking tea and talking about the Tao. I must admit much has escaped me as shortly afterwards i started to sit Zen. I then didn't approach religion of any kind for years. At this point giving up myself to a higher power is something i try to understand daily. Perhaps that is an understanding that relates to the Tao. I'm not qualified to discuss your interpretation, but i think your search is well worth the effort and thank you for sharing it.

Hugs,

Charlie

Link to comment

I'm not into Taoism, I'm a Spiritual Christian, but that is light years away from religion. If that is your path to your inner peace, run with it girl!

If you want to get the bad taste of Christian religion out of your mouth, read the book The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. I am not trying to change your path, but it may lay to rest some of the bad history. I hope you find your way. Hug. JodyAnn

Link to comment

i feel that the Christian message is basically about love and compassion - which is the basis of most religions as far as i can see - its just that people can interpret religions in many different ways to suit their criteria. They commit the most dreadful attrosities against their fellow men in the name of their religion - no wonder they say "Jesus wept"..............and Mohamed..............etc. .i dont follow a religion, though Buddhist helped me a lot along my way - and the Buddha was reputed to have said something like "dont listen to me - find out for yourself"...............so i have always an open mind. I feel truth is inside us all - when we think too much it can get distorted which is why i like that passage in the bible which reads "Be still and know that i am god" - i dont necessarily believe in a god - but dont deny the possibility - but being still, looking inside, as in meditation - letting all the stuff in the head go and listening to the heart i have found a good way, so far as we can, to see whats truth and where we are at. I feel we are all at different stages of our spiritual evolution which is why some people seem to "get it" and others struggle so much but its that journey which makes us what we are and helps us find our way towards truth..............i have only touched briefly on Taoism but it does seem to make sense to me - i feel its like Buddhism, not actually a religion but a way of understanding the way things are.............

Link to comment

I haven't heard of Tao personally, and you're the only person I've met that follows it, but it makes sense to me your thoughts on it. Perhaps you can find a Tao board with like-minded people? It can be hard to talk about your spiritual following in diverse boards.

Link to comment
Guest Andrea_Heilotes

I'm trying to find a Taoist board. But I just happened to notice that there was a spirituality board here and thought I'd share. to see if there was anyone out there who was a practicing Taoist.

Honestly I like following Taoism, it's just a more laid back belief set. I've always been the type to let things do what they'll do, no need to get all in a huff about stuff. Just let people live their lives and work on living your own. Do what makes you happy.

Yep, that's something I can support. I don't know if I'm lazy or just a bit laissez-faire, but it works for me.

Link to comment
Guest Kendra K

I'll have to check out Taoism.

Right now I'm not certain I can call myself a Christian. Just to many things don't add up. Yet, it could be the Christian guilt talking, I can't say I'm an athiest because I can't dismiss the whole I had an experience when I temporarily died thing - which isn't just a Christian thing.

I've looked at Buddhism and I consider them to be higher morally then others I've looked at.

Definitely need to look up Taoism.

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...
Guest Astrosmurf

Can't say I really practice Toaism but if you read the Book of Changes you'll see that 'the flow' it talks about can't really be formalised anyway. I understand the Toaist religion/practice has its own gods and meditations etc. but I don't know much about that. I do however use the I Ching quite regularly: http://www.ichingonline.net/index.php and sometimes do some basic Tai Chi. I'm also a 'spiritual Christian' but personally I don't see Toaist thinking necessarily contradicting Christianity in any way.

i feel that the Christian message is basically about love and compassion - which is the basis of most religions as far as i can see - its just that people can interpret religions in many different ways to suit their criteria.

I'll second that. Another thing you might enjoy related to Toaism is Dr. Wayne Dyer's talks on You Tube. Good luck in your spiritual search Andrea :)

Link to comment
Guest Rebecca A

Kendra Buddhism is a way of life not a religion that is exclusive to itself. I know Buddhist Christians, and I know Buddhists who believe all sorts of things that happen in the after life, the path of the Buddha is more about what we do when we are here on this plane than what happens after.

This site has a lot of great information if you dig a little bit for it, and they also have live online worship on Sundays, which I have been thinking of checking out, still learning of the path myself, but maybe it will help: http://www.taoism.net/

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   7 Members, 0 Anonymous, 111 Guests (See full list)

    • Abigail Genevieve
    • Ashley0616
    • Ivy
    • Karen Carey
    • LucyF
    • SamC
    • Mmindy
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.7k
    • Total Posts
      768.4k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      12,029
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Selkimur
    Newest Member
    Selkimur
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. Anyatimenow
      Anyatimenow
      (23 years old)
    2. Aria00
      Aria00
    3. Ava B.
      Ava B.
      (24 years old)
    4. Claire Heshi
      Claire Heshi
    5. CrystalMatthews0426
      CrystalMatthews0426
      (41 years old)
  • Posts

    • LucyF
      I've got Spironolactone 100mg and Evorel 50mcg Patches (2 a week) going up to 100mg after 4 weeks 
    • Ivy
      Got a new Granddaughter this morning.  Mother and child (and father) are doing fine. This makes 7 granddaughters and one grandson.  I have 2 sons and 6 daughters myself.  And then I  switched teams.  I think this stuff runs in the family. Another hard day for the patriarchy.
    • Ivy
      Like @MaeBe pointed out, Trump won't do these things personally.  I doubt that he actually gives a rat's a$$ himself.  But he is the foot in the door for the others.   I don't really see this.  Personally, I am all in favor of "traditional" families.  I raised my own kids this way and it can work fine.  But I think we need to allow for other variations as well.   One thing working against this now is how hard it is for a single breadwinner to support a family.  Many people (I know some) would prefer "traditional" if they could actually afford it.  Like I mentioned, we raised our family with this model, but we were always right at the poverty level.   I was a "conservative evangelical" for most of my life, actually.  So I do understand this.  Admittedly, I no longer consider myself one. I have family members still in this camp.  Some tolerate me, one actually rejects me.  I assure you the rejection is on her side, not mine.  But, I understand she believes what she is doing is right - 'sa pity though. I mean no insult toward anyone on this forum.  You're free to disagree with me.  Many people do.   This is a pretty complex one.  Socialism takes many forms, many of which we accept without even realizing it.  "Classism" does exist, for what it's worth.  Always has, probably always will.  But I don't feel like that is a subject for this forum.   As for the election, it's shaping up to be another one of those "hold your nose" deals.
    • Ivy
      Just some exerts regarding subjects of interest to me.
    • Ivy
      Yeah.  In my early teens I trained myself out of a few things that I now wish I hadn't.
    • Abigail Genevieve
      I was thinking in particular of BLM, who years ago had a 'What We Believe' section that sounded like they were at war with the nuclear family.   I tried to find it. Nope.  Of interest https://www.politifact.com/article/2020/aug/28/ask-politifact-does-black-lives-matter-aim-destroy/   My time is limited and I will try to answer as I can.
    • Ivy
      Well, I suppose it is possible that they don't actually plan on doing what they say.  I'm not too sure I want to take that chance.  But I kinda expect to find out.  Yet, perhaps you're right and it's all just talk.  And anyway, my state GOP is giving me enough to worry about anyway. I remember a time when being "woke" just meant you were paying attention.  Now it means you are the antichrist. I just don't want the government "protecting" me from my personal "delusions."
    • MaeBe
      1.  I think there are some legitimate concern.   2. Thoroughly discussing this will consume many threads.   3. I disagree partially with @MaeBe but there is partial agreement.   4. The context includes what is happening in society that the authors are observing.  It is not an isolated document.   The observation is through a certain lens, because people do things differently doesn't mean they're doing it wrong. Honestly, a lot of the conservative rhetoric is morphing desires of people to be treated with respect and social equity to be tantamount to the absolution of the family, heterosexuality, etc. Also, being quiet and trying to blend in doesn't change anything. Show me a social change that benefits a minority or marginalized group that didn't need to be loud.   5. Trump, if elected, is as likely to spend his energies going after political opponents as he is to implementing something like this.   Trump will appoint people to do this, like Roger Severino (who was appointed before, who has a record of anti-LGBTQ+ actions), he need not do anything beyond this. His people are ready to push this agenda forward. While the conservative right rails about bureaucracy, they intend to weaponize it. There is no question. They don't want to simplify government, they simply want to fire everyone and bring in conservative "warriors" (their rhetoric). Does America survive 4 year cycles of purge/cronyism?   6. I reject critical theory, which is based on Marxism.  Marxism has never worked and never will.  Critical theory has problems which would need time to go into, which I do not have.   OK, but this seems like every other time CRT comes up with conservatives...completely out of the blue. I think it's reference is mostly just to spark outrage from the base. Definitely food thought for a different thread, though.   7. There are groups who have declared war on the nuclear family as problematically patriarchal, and a lot of other terms. They are easy to find on the internet.  This document is reacting to that (see #4 above).   What is the war on the nuclear family? I searched online and couldn't find much other than reasons why people aren't getting married as much or having kids (that wasn't a propaganda from Heritage or opinions pieces from the right that paint with really broad strokes). Easy things to see: the upward mobility and agency of women, the massive cost of rearing children, general negative attitudes about the future, male insecurity, etc. None of this equates to a war on the nuclear family, but I guess if you look at it as "men should be breadwinners and women must get married for financial support and extend the male family line (and to promote "National Greatness") I could see the decline of marriage as a sign of the collapse of a titled system and, if I was a beneficiary of that system or believe that to NOT be tilted, be aggrieved.   8.  Much of this would have to be legislated, and this is a policy documented.  Implementation would  be most likely different, but that does not mean criticism is unwarranted.   "It might be different if you just give it a chance", unlike all the other legislation that's out there targeting LGBTQ+ from the right, these are going to be different? First it will be trans rights, then it will be gay marriage, and then what? Women's suffrage?   I get it, we may have different compasses, but it's not hard to see that there's no place for queer people in the conservative worldview. There seems to be a consistent insistence that "America was and is no longer Great", as if the 1950s were the pinnacle of society, completely ignoring how great America still is and can continue to be--without having to regress society to the low standards of its patriarchal yesteryears.    
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      Cadillac parts are pretty expensive, so repairing them costs more.  But they don't seem to break down more than other makes.  Lots of Lincoln models use Ford cars as a base, so you can get parts that aren't much more expensive.    My family has had good luck with "Panther platform" cars.  Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Marquis, Lincoln Towncar or Continental.  4.6 V8 and 5.0 V8.  Reasonable fuel economy, and fairly durable.  Our county sheriff's office was running Chargers and SUV's for a while, but has gone back to older Crown Victorias for ease of maintenance.  GF rebuilds them here.  But they are getting more scarce, since the newest ones were made in 2011.    1992-1997 years were different than the later years.  1998-2001 they did some changes, and apparently the best years are 2003 to 2011.  Check Craigslist, and also government auctions.  GF has gotten a lot of them at auction, and they can be had in rough-but-running shape for around $1,000.  Ones in great shape can be found in the $5,000+ range.  Good for 200,000 miles without significant rebuilding.  Go through engine and transmission and electrical systems, and they go half a million.    Some Chrysler models are OK.  The 300 mostly has the same engines as the Charger and Challenger, so parts availability is pretty good.  But they tend to get timing issues.  The older Chrysler Sebring convertibles were pretty reliable, sometimes going 200,000 miles without tons of problems, although after that they were pretty much worn out. 
    • Abigail Genevieve
      I think I have read everything the Southern Baptists have to say on transgender, and it helped convince me they are dead wrong on these issues.  They can be nice people.  I would never join an SBC church.
    • Abigail Genevieve
      You come across as a thoughtful, sweet, interesting and pleasant person.    There are parts of this country, and more so the world, where evangelicals experience a great deal of finger wagging.
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      It has been an interesting experience being in a marriage in a Christian faith community, yet being intersex/trans.  I stay pretty quiet, and most have kind of accepted that I'm just the strange, harmless exception.  "Oh, that's just Jen.  Jen is...different."  I define success as being a person most folks just overlook. 
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      Well, I live in an area with a lot of Southern Baptists, Evangelicals, etc...  We've experienced our share of finger-wagging, as the "standard interpretation" of Scripture in the USA is that the Bible only approves of "one man, one woman" marriage.  My faith community is mostly accepted here, but that has taken time and effort.  It can be tough at times to continue to engage with culture and the broader population, and avoid the temptation to huddle up behind walls like a cult.    Tolerance only goes so far.  At one point, my husband was asked to run for sheriff.  He declined, partly because an elected official with four wives would have a REALLY tough time.  (Of course, making way less than his current salary wasn't an option either). 
    • Abigail Genevieve
      My bone structure is far more female than male.  I can't throw like a guy, which has been observed by guys numerous times, and moving like a woman is more natural.  It just is.  I'm not going out of my way to act in a fem. way, as you say, but I am letting go of some of the 'I am not going to move like that because I am a guy' stuff I have defensively developed.  The other breaks through anyway - there were numerous looks from people at work when I would use gestures that are forbidden to men, or say something spontaneously no guy would ever say.   At one point, maybe a year or more ago, I said it was unfair for people to think they were dealing with a man when they were actually dealing with a woman.    Girl here.  'What is a woman' is a topic for another day.
    • Willow
      Mom, I’m home!  What’s for lunch?   Leftover pizza .   ok.    Not exactly our conversation but there is truth in the answer.     @KymmieLsorry you are sick. Feel better soon.   Girl mode, boy mode no mode, not us. Nothing functional for either of us.   anyone here have or had a 10 year old (plus or minus) Caddy, Lincoln or Chrysler?  How was it?  Lots of repairs?  Comfortable seats? Anything positive or negative about it?  I need to replace my 2004 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer, it’s eating $100 dollar bills and needs a couple of thousand dollars worth of work and that doesn’t even fix the check engine code.  Obviously, it isn’t worth putting that kind of money into a 20 year old car with a 174 thousand miles.   Willow
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...