gilstrap@swbatl.sbc.com (3929) (03/16/90)
>From what I know of Taoism, it does not take the position that (for example)
Hinduism does. Namely, Hinduism (apparently) considers life as we commonly
know it to be an illusion which we must overcome in order to reach nirvana
(please correct my misunderstandings). On the other hand, Taoism seems to
aim for the same end point ("one-ness" with the universe) but seems to take a
more positive attitude towards the experiences we may have on the journey.
Perhaps this is all semantics.... :-).
Now that I've probably gotten it all wrong, I'm looking forward to the
responses... :-)
Just as a side note: I am *extremely* glad that this news group was formed,
and I am also glad that it is moderated (since the unmoderated groups are
so flame-infested and religious issues are particularly touchy for many people).
Thanks,
Brian R. Gilstrap
uucibg@swbatl.uucp OR ...!{ texbell, uunet }!swbatl!uucibg
mick@vaxa.isi.edu (Mick ODonnell) (03/17/90)
In article <14589@phoenix.Princeton.EDU> gilstrap@swbatl.sbc.com (3929) writes: >From what I know of Taoism, it does not take the position that (for example) >Hinduism does. Namely, Hinduism (apparently) considers life as we commonly >know it to be an illusion which we must overcome in order to reach nirvana >(please correct my misunderstandings). On the other hand, Taoism seems to >aim for the same end point ("one-ness" with the universe) but seems to take a >more positive attitude towards the experiences we may have on the journey. Yes, Hinduism does seem to see life as something to be endured, rather than enjoyed. Tao, though, has nothing to do with illusion - this life is real - we eat, shit and sleep. Life is not a journey to become one, but rather to realise that we already are part of the oneness. If we deny this oneness (for instance, by polluting our environment), we only pollute ourselves. My goal in life is to learn exactly how my organism is part of the planet organism, and thus how I can help myself by helping the whole. Michael.
aarti%pollux.usc.edu@usc.edu (Aarti Kumar) (03/20/90)
> Yes, Hinduism does seem to see life as something to be endured, >rather than enjoyed. Tao, though, has nothing to do with illusion - >this life is real - we eat, shit and sleep. Life is not a journey to >become one, but rather to realise that we already are part of the >oneness. If we deny this oneness (for instance, by polluting our >environment), we only pollute ourselves. My goal in life is to learn >exactly how my organism is part of the planet organism, and thus how I >can help myself by helping the whole. >Michael. I don't think this is true. Hinduism believes that Life as we see it is "Maya", because, we go through births and deaths, again and again, so the emotions that we are caught up in, in any one lifetime, although COMPLETELY VALID for that period, have to be seen in perspective with the whole. The big deal we make about our one life has to be seen as a repetitious cycle of events. That's why it is considered an illusion, not because it denies that we "eat, sleep etc. " But still, it does'nt really negate the emotions. Being passive about life in general, won't make the emotions go away and reach you any closer to enlightenment. I think, one has to understand one's motivations and desires and face that they exist and cut through a lot of mental stupidity and thus become more aware of what is driving you inside and deal with it better, rather than just be like an animal, totally driven by passions, with no control on their minds. Only a really alert and dynamic mind, totally free from misconceptions and images brought in from society, and having the courage to accept facts and follow them can really reach the goal. Believe me, all the enlightened souls are far from passive. They just have genuinely different interests having worked through their more worldly desires in their previous lifetimes. In Taoism, the path is different. The stress is more on an intuitive way of living which opens the inner eye, or something like that, and not to be bothered with arbitrary ideas of right and wrong. But I guess it depends on each person. I find the ideas enjoyable but very difficult to keep up as I think one may refuse to face one's greed and anger and envy, and be falsely pleased that one is reaching somewhere, because it gets so esoteric. Aarti