Originally Posted by
NikolaiI
Here is a Vaisnava who is deeply rooted in Buddhism and also has studied a bit of Daoism. I've only read a couple books, such as
Daoist Body Cultivation, which I found remarkable and some ideas similar to philosophers such as Sri Aurobindo and Alan Watts. One idea in that book was a process of subtlising one's energy and form; similar to purifying one's existence in Hinduism. The end result of this was to go to live with the gods at the end of this life.
I've also read the Tao Te Ching and also find it is very deep, thought-provoking, and enlightening. One of my favorite parts is about the Tao being the source of infinite worlds, and also when Laozi mentions being one with the universe. I find it interestingly paralleled in Black Elk and Swami Vivekananda, as well as Alan Watts, etc., many others. I've also had such experiences, and I believe it is a truth that we are one with the universe.
Anyway I thank you very much for creating this thread.
Hello, I have seen you posting before, your posts usually are an interesting read.
What strikes me, is the subtle similarities to some of the philosophers, such as and especially Nietzsche, it has. Not exactly of course, but there are some points of similarity. Largely because, Nietzsche was influenced by Schopenhauer who was known as the "Buddha of Frankfurt" ; Nietzsche praised Buddhism ; "Buddhism is a hundred times more realistic than Christianity: posing problems objectively and coolly is part of its inheritance, for Buddhism comes after a philosophic movement which spanned centuries. ....it no longer says "struggle against sin" but, duly respectful of reality, "struggle against suffering."
I know I quote Herr Nietzsche a lot, but his philosophy has been a profound influence on my ever changing and adapting outlook on life.
Two of my favorite parts of the Tao Te Ching (Stephen Mitchell adaptation)
Poem 57
"If you want to be a great leader
you must learn to follow the Tao.
Stop trying to control.
Let go of fixed plans and concepts
and the world will govern itself
The more prohibitions you have,
the less virtuous people will be.
The more weapons you have,
the less secure people will be.
The more subsidies you have,
the less self reliant people will be.
Therefore the master says:
I let go of the law
and people become honest
I let go of economics
and people become prosperous
I let go of religion
and people become serene
I let go of all desire for the common good
and the good becomes common as grass.
Poem 58
If a Country is governed with tolerance
The people are comfortable and honest
If a country is governed with repression,
the people are depressed and crafty.
When the will to power is in charge;
the higher the ideals, the lower the results.
Try to make people happy,
and you lay the groundwork for misery.
Try to make a people moral,
and you lay the groundwork for vice.
Thus the master is content
to serve as an example
and not to impose her will.
She is pointed, but does'nt pierce.
Straightforward, but supple.
Radiant, but easy on the eyes.
Poem 60
Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking. Center your country in the Tao, and evil will have no power. Not that it isn't there, but you''ll be able to step out of its way. Give evil nothing to oppose, and it will dissipate by itself.
How do you think these poems apply to modern American politics?I believe this poem to be critical of big government, the government should stay out of peoples lives and let things be. What do you think? Do you believe a government meddling in people's moral and financial affairs is good or bad? Remember, respect others. I do not intend this to become a debate, merely your interpretation of the poem. Much of this book seems to be a critic of large government and a handbook for leaders. Would the world not be a tenfold better, if the politicians practiced the Daoist concepts in their policy?