Translations (hell, faith, interpretaion, Article, taoism)

[ChrisP]

Originally Posted by gnostic

I am interested in creation myth from various civilisations, cultures and religions. I am wondering if Taoism would have their own Creation myth, and where would I find it.

Are there any good translation on this particular subject?

Negatory. No myths I've read. Chinese culture might.

[Jaymes]

As far as I know, ChrisP is right. Chapter 4 of the Tao Te Ching says 'I do not know who created it [the Tao]/It is older than God.' You can't create something that's always been around.

[Scarlett Wampus]

Originally Posted by gnostic

I am interested in creation myth from various civilisations, cultures and religions. I am wondering if Taoism would have their own Creation myth, and where would I find it.

Are there any good translation on this particular subject?

There is a book called 'Chinese Myths' by Anne Birrell. It gives accounts of many creation myths and they are absolutely fascinating. Have a look there.

As people have already mentioned the Tao doesn't have an origin as such, its just the mother of all creation! Lao Tzu barely mentions anything that could be deemed a creation myth but Chuang Tzu has one in the strange Hun Tun myth. If you looked into the Taoist/Chinese metaphysical cosmology connected with the I Ching you would find some info that could be regarded as creation myth, but its kinda technical and I think it'd be only be worth it if you have a thing about Chinese culture & history and/or were already interested in the I Ching, Taoist internal alchemy, Feng Shui, etc.

[gnostic]

Drat! I was hoping to find something in Taoism. Thank you, ChrisP, Jensa and Scarlett Wampus.

But perhaps, it is not all at loss. I am interested in cosmology too. So I guess I will look up the I Ching.

Is there a good English translation of I Ching that you can recommend?

I am not familiar with Hun Tun myth. Is that within I Ching?

Sorry, but I am an novice in Taoism, so I don't have much of any knowledge in this area. But if someone can direct me to good translation, I would be most grateful.

[ChrisP]

You're welcome gnostic. The Greek concept of non-Christian Gnosis is not so far from Tao.

The I Ching is definitely a Cosmological playground. I'm just starting out there myself (see thread in this forum.)