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To: K-list
Recieved: 2001/09/01 20:49
Subject: [K-list] Tao and Zen
From: Xerxenca

On 2001/09/01 20:49, Xerxenca posted thus to the K-list:

OK - here's a stab at a 101 - first of all they aren't mutually exclusive
practices. From what I've heard and read, the average Chinese don't consider
themselves "Confucianist" or "Taoist" or "Buddhist". Buddhism is the most
formalized practice. Confucianism is a system of ethics. Taoism started as a
form of mysticism articulate by Lao Tsu - and it's pretty amazing to read
him. The Tao is "the way of nature" - it includes the balance of yin and
yang and everything contains both forces.

From the Tao Te Ching:
Man follows the way of earth;
Earth follows the laws of heaven;
Heaven follows the way of Tao;
Tao follows the laws of its own nature.

As it's now practiced in China it includes some spiritism and magic and has
also borrowed heavily from Buddhism. Th only specifically Taosit practice I
know of is Tai chi.

As far as Buddhism goes there are many, many, many different sects with
different emphases all over Asia (and also practiced elsewhere). Zen
Buddhism is the second largest form practiced in Japan. It's pretty
disciplined. Meditation is the way to enlightenment. Plain living,
simplicity, lots of meditation - everything one does is a meditation (tea
drinking, gardening, etc.) Zen is about simple concrete every living - the
oft quoted "before enlightenment chop wood carry water, after enlightenment
chop wood carry water". It also emphasizes self reliance - look within (but
with a master to help)

There's a beginning!


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