common misconceptions about Taoism (tradition, Buddhism, followers, experience, faith)

[lilithu]

Namaste Yall! I am helping to develop a workshop aimed at fostering greater understanding and respect between people of different faiths in the workplace. This issue is very important to me and I would like to do the best job I can. And I could use your help. My question to you is: what in your experience, are the most common and/or most harmful misconceptions about Taoism that you've encountered? Your responses will help me to focus the workshop more effectively.

Thanks!
-lilith

P.S.: Note to any moderators who might read this: The forum description needs to be changed. Followers of the Yin Yang??! It should be followers of the Tao or followers of the Way.

[Master Vigil]

Sorry I haven't seen this. But better late then never right?

For me, it's been the misconception that Taoism is cold, and unattached. Also, that we are lazy procrastinators.

[lilithu]

Namaste MV, good to see you!

Perhaps you can help me with this. As part of my presentation, in order to simplify things to something that can be more easily understood, I'm explaining how each religion attempts to answer the following questions:

Who are we (what is the nature of humanity)?
What's wrong with our current situation?
What do we want/desire?
How do we get there?

I can easily answer these questions for Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism, but I stumbled with Taoism. Especially the first question - who does Taoism say we are? For example, Christianity would say that we are created beings originally made in the image of God. Buddhism would say that we are empty/no-self, and exist as a part of the interependant net of existence. What does Taoism say? And what, ultimately is our goal?

Can ya help me out? Thanks.

[Green Gaia]

Originally Posted by lilithu

P.S.: Note to any moderators who might read this: The forum description needs to be changed. Followers of the Yin Yang??! It should be followers of the Tao or followers of the Way.

Done. Thanks for that.

[Master Vigil]

Let's see...

For the first question, I would have to say that we are expressions of Tao.

What's wrong with our current situation? Some may say nothing, we just think there's something wrong. Other's may say we are "against Tao."

What do we want/desire? To become at peace with the universe, and perhaps one with Tao. (Depending on if the taoist is philosophical or religious).

How do we get there? By living spontaneously and close to nature, by following the natural way of the universe, and understanding and implementing the nature of chi in the universe.

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by Master Vigil

Let's see...

For the first question, I would have to say that we are expressions of Tao.

What's wrong with our current situation? Some may say nothing, we just think there's something wrong. Other's may say we are "against Tao."

What do we want/desire? To become at peace with the universe, and perhaps one with Tao. (Depending on if the taoist is philosophical or religious).

How do we get there? By living spontaneously and close to nature, by following the natural way of the universe, and understanding and implementing the nature of chi in the universe.

Thanks MV. I had given similar answers but they seemed "simple" compared to the answers from other traditions and I didn't know whether that was because Taoism is a simple tradition, ie - not a lot of theologizing (which is not a bad thing), or my understanding was incomplete. It's great to get some confirmation from someone I trust.

[Master Vigil]

Originally Posted by lilithu

Thanks MV. I had given similar answers but they seemed "simple" compared to the answers from other traditions and I didn't know whether that was because Taoism is a simple tradition, ie - not a lot of theologizing (which is not a bad thing), or my understanding was incomplete. It's great to get some confirmation from someone I trust.

I think that it being because Taoism is a simple tradition is a perfect explanation.

[Pardus]

Does Taosim seek converts?
Does a proper follower seek to teach others about the way?