TAOISM | Tap into nature's power with Deng Ming Dao (Te)

The host introduces the guest, a prominent writer and teacher of Taoist philosophy, expressing excitement for the conversation. The guest shares his journey of self-discovery through Taoism, beginning with an interest in Zen Buddhism and the I Ching. The discussion emphasizes the holistic approach of Taoism to understanding oneself and nature, and the guest's personal connection to the philosophy, including the significance of his given name 'Dao'. The conversation sets the stage for exploring the power of nature and the teachings of Taoism.

The conversation delves into the holistic nature of Taoism, which addresses the flourishing of mind, body, and spirit, as well as one's relationship with the environment. The guest contrasts Western views of the body as a mere vehicle for the brain with the Taoist perspective of the body as a sanctuary for the mind. The dialogue highlights the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in today's world and the selflessness of ancient sages like Laozi, who left teachings as signposts for future generations.

The guest narrates his personal journey to Taoism, starting with an interest in Eastern philosophy as a teenager. He discusses the physical aspect of Taoism, which posits that physical movement can lead to spiritual realization, as evidenced by practices like Tai Chi. The guest's encounter with his Taoist master, Guan Sai Hong, in the early 80s, solidified his belief in a step-by-step approach to spiritual enlightenment, beginning with warm-ups and culminating in meditation.

The dialogue explores the concept of 'Dao' as movement and the cyclical nature of life according to Taoism. The guest explains the Taoist view of synchronizing personal movement with universal movement and the importance of recognizing the cycles of life, including the inevitable transition from good to bad and vice versa. The conversation emphasizes the Taoist principle of preparation during good times to withstand future hardships.

The guest discusses the concept of 'De' in Taoism, often translated as virtue, and its dual meaning related to moral quality and inherent power or ability. The conversation highlights the natural virtue of all things in nature, which act spontaneously and correctly without the need for persuasion, in contrast to human beings who have the unique ability to choose against virtue. The dialogue underscores the importance of aligning one's character with one's actions to embody true virtue.

The conversation examines the relationship between Tao and virtue, with the guest explaining that Tao gives life and virtue fosters it, suggesting a unified process rather than a two-step one. The discussion emphasizes the inherent goodness and virtue of nature, which provides for all living beings without condition. The guest contrasts this with human-made economic systems based on scarcity and competition, advocating for a return to the natural state of abundance and provision.

The dialogue addresses the false dichotomies perpetuated by modern society, such as the division of people into enemies and goodies, and the emulation of scarcity by organized religion. The guest criticizes the deception and divisiveness in society, highlighting the need for critical thinking to discern true meaning from lies. The conversation underscores the importance of unity and the shared origin of all beings from the Dao.

The guest discusses the Taoist view of life as a series of paired opposites, such as life and non-being, action and instability, which together form a unified whole. The conversation explores the concept of 'mysterious virtue' and how Tao unifies these pairs, emphasizing the profound and inherent ability of Tao to nurture life. The dialogue encourages embracing the natural world's balance and the interconnectedness of all things.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of trusting oneself and the Dao, with the guest emphasizing the value of being present and authentic in all situations. The dialogue highlights the Taoist principle of 'Wu Wei' or non-action, which is misunderstood as inaction but actually refers to acting in accordance with one's natural virtue without the pursuit of a specific outcome. The guest encourages embracing one's true nature and trusting the spontaneous wisdom that arises from it.

In the final paragraph, the guest reflects on the power of presence and the importance of accepting life's highs and lows with humility and compassion. The conversation touches on the beauty of simply being there for others, whether in joy or sorrow, and the liberation that comes from accepting oneself as enough. The guest leaves the audience with the message that our presence is a gift and that we are all part of an incredible intelligence, encouraging continued exploration of Taoism for personal growth.