The similarities and differences between the perspectives of Aristotle and Lao Tzu on the nature of happiness and how this relates to the ways in which we might navigate our precarious times. Inspired by Tao Te Ching chapter 72. We also spend some time discussing how this is all related to the Zen parable about the Master of Tea Ceremonies and a Ronin.
Read MoreDrawing from Tao Te Ching 71, we discuss the ways in which dogmatism can lead to madness but recognizing truths, even the truth that we do not know things with certainty, can bring us to a place of sanity. We talk about a poet named Theodore Beza who traded in his love of classical poetry and creating new versions of it himself to concocting a contorted and arguably monstrous dogmatism known as hyper-Calvinism (and the weird dogma of supralapsarianism). If you are in need of letting go of unhealthy ideologies and allegiances, this may be just the episode for you.
Read MoreWe discuss why the Sage doesn't seem to be a winner in the minds of many "successful" people. But we also find that the Sage can have better quality items and quality of life by following the way of minimalism, compassion, and non-domination.
After we discuss the meaning of Tao Te Ching chapter 70, we list about 15 of our favorite purchases over the last decade, since we discovered the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching. Is it a bit bougie? Sure, but we are trying to convey that minimalism with some major investments can lead to some much needed joy in our dangerous times. Remember, as Emma Goldman one said, if there isn't dancing and wine in the revolution, it's not my revolution (or something like that).
Read MoreDrawing from Tao Te Ching chapter 69, we discuss the history and philosophy of restraint. Jeff provides three historical examples when not acting led to catastrophe and three where it just might have saved the world from nuclear annihilation. How does all this relate to the ways in which we deal with verbally abusive relatives at family gatherings?
Read MoreInspired by Tao Te Ching chapter 68, and drawing from our work with sport stadium security, elementary students, comedy show door work, and event lead roles with concerts, we discuss the idea that the best warrior is not warlike. Even if you don't usually vibe with this, consider listening to this show to learn a bit about the art of de-escalation. We also discuss an interesting candidate for "Tao Surfer Ranch 2.0" that we checked out in the desert windy roads of historic Route 66.
Read MoreWe explore the ways in which New Age spiritualities and gurus might lead to disengagement from issues that matter in the world. Using chapter 67 of the Tao Te Ching, we contrast folks like Deepak Chopra with an engaged spirituality based on minimalism, compassion, and the way of non-domination. We also mention the potential problems with karmic thinking in Ram Dass and the value of a non-dogmatic inspiration from Jesus and his brother James on the importance of concern for the poor and downtrodden.
Read MoreWe attempt to weave together the history of Route 66 (The Mother Road) and Tao Te Ching chapter 66 in order to answer a listener question. Whether we pull it off or not, we at least address a few key ways in which the Tao Te Ching can shed light on global issues of our day, especially the ways in which economic injustice globally can bring insecurity and chaos to our local communities. There's a discussion also of whether a libertarian socialist society is even possible in our age.
Read MoreWe aren't sure what this chapter is saying. We think we might disagree with what it's saying. This week, we discuss how we read the Tao Te Ching differently than we read the Bible during our youth in Evangelical youth groups and why indoctrination of even something we think is true is not helpful in the long run. Come experience the interpretive discomfort with us and consider the ways in which education plays into the emancipation of all minds, yet sometimes confuses minds.
Read MoreWe discuss Tao Te Ching 63, which encourages us to tackle major projects by focusing on one component part at a time. Applied to our lives and community building projects, instead of focusing on grand ideological constructs, it might be best for us to ask whether each small action we take serves our overall plan. We cross reference a similar teaching from Jesus in Luke 14, where he encourages us to count the cost before setting off on a spiritual or material quest. This is the chapter with the famous line: A thousand mile trek starts with a single step.
Read MoreAlongside our discussion of Tao Te Ching Chapter 62, we contrast New Age interpretations of the yin-yang symbol that is so familiar today. It turns out to be more about the ebbs and flows of existence and less about fining symmetry, balance, or moderation. Surfing the Tao also provides a perspective from which we can view our own failures compassionately and in a way that helps bring healing and freedom.
Read MoreFriend of the pod, poet and rapper Micah Bournes is back at it with another powerful protest album. On it, he challenges us to consider seeking the freedom of even those who've committed crimes against humanity. This is a challenging but timely conversation, given our recent discussions of parts of the Tao Te Ching that encourage us to draw former enemies into the virtuous community (this of course, for Micah is inspired by Jesus' teachings on reconciliation, repentence and restoration).
Read MoreLao Tzu explains how to cook a small fish and govern a great nation. A discussion of how the Tao Te Ching has been seen differently over the ages, due to different emphases throughout the commentary traditions. Regardless of whether one assumes that the ghosts of our ancestors and the demons of our human nature are literal or figurative (or somewhere in between) this chapter teaches warns against authoritarianism and aggressive governments.
Toward the end, there's a discussion of the ways in which Ancient Chinese shamanism might have conceived of spirits and demons.
Read MoreDrawing from Tao Te Ching 59, we critique the idea that cultures have a fixed life span. Surveying the longevity of various societies from the Indigenous Australians to the end of Imperial China in the twentieth century, we suggest that Lao Tzu was right that a deeply rooted, maternal, nurturing society that is adaptable
Read MoreDrawing from the second half of Tao Te Ching 58, Jeff and Stacie discuss their plan for surviving the economic challenges ahead. If you are serious about considering living a different lifestyle, in terms of your domicile, feel free to reach out and we will be glad to share what we've learned about living nonconfentionally. In the mean time, peace upon peace.
Read MoreJeff and Stacie share what’s been going on in their lives since their last episode. Then they launch into part one of a discussion of TTC 58 and it’s relevance these days. Sorry we’ve been out of touch friends. We hope to stay in conversation as we all help each other make sense of a rapidly changing world. Withthe crumbling of old its good to compare notes and promote ways in which we can keep our wits about us and our humanness vibrant.
Read MoreHow might working with the gig economy factor into the pursuit of happiness and freedom? What are the similarities and differences between the Aristotelian tradition on happiness and that of Lao Tzu?
Read MoreSinger and songwriter Jenna joins us to discuss finding one's voice and addressing life traumas with the healing medicine of music. We share her newly released single "Trigger" which is now available online.
Read MoreThe warrior archetype and why peace loving people might need to be ready to be more engaged on behalf of vulnerable groups in our precarious times. Part one is a general discussion of the theme and what the Tao Te Ching teaches about engagement with an enemy. Part two surveys some current events that arguably require a warrior's perspective.
Read MoreStacie leads us through three chapters from the Tao Te Ching that discuss the mysterious mother. What does this archetype and symbol say about our perspectives on femininity, society and the sacred? How does this differ from traditional American evangelical views of women and feminine characteristics of the divine? Is there a difference between being a source and being a creator? How can we let children and the things we cultivate grow spontaneously rather than through our constant control?
Read MoreA reflection on the power of receptivity as illustrated by the valley, which is an important symbol throughout the Tao Te Ching and philosophical Taoism. This is also an episode about the power of yin, and the concept of the mother goddess.
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