Taoism's CRITICAL View of Opinions and the Illusion of Good and Evil

In this podcast, we will explain Taoism's critical view of opinions and the illusion of good and evil. This is the forty-ninth episode of the 81 Meditations of the Tao Te Ching, a series where we explore each chapter of the Tao Te Ching. We will dissect chapter forty-nine of the Tao Te Ching to give you ultimate clarity on the meaning of this chapter.
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[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

New to the channel? Click here -> jasongregory.org/about/. To get exclusive content and livestream replays, become a member on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jasongregory. You can also support me on Paypal: www.paypal.me/JasonGregoryAuthor. Merchandise available at: teespring.com/stores/jason-gregory. Please hit the thumbs up, subscribe, and comment. Your support is deeply appreciated. Only love for all. Shanti! Shanti! Shanti!

[@philipmariposa3067]

Absolutely right; in my experience, people with less material or outward wealth are orders of magnitude more pleasant than the rich, far more human and far more generous. Thanks for another great podcast.

[@Richard-gz5fu]

Really resonate with what you're saying at the end, about how people feel like others are an inconvience. Very true, where is community nowadays, and a trust in our neighbour. I must say it's a reminder to myself to be open. Much love guys. Thanks

[@dianesmith8183]

Thank you for your time and energy. Your perspectives are helpful in understanding more deeply. Much respect & love.

[@CaptainSanchez]

A great way to start my day with another excellent episode of the Tao Te Ching podcast which I love wo much I find so powerful and succinct in communicating these highest teachings in such a relatable and practical manner. So very much appreciate your service to the world. Keep up the great play of karma yoga. Blessings to both. Thank you

[@timmouchel2746]

I can't help but see the parallel between dual and non-dual thinking in the illusion of good and evil. I question why my Jiva ponders these topics so deeply... Separation from self does seem to rationalize this as the jiva seems to try and own the logic/intellect as opposed to the differentiated Atman experiencing indifferently. Thanks, both of you for yet another podcast flipping my opinion back and forth. Shanti Shanti Shanti

[@melissaqualls5774]

Excellent points made about the trends of Western society.

[@levlevin182]

Both of you are sage's. Thanks.

[@andrewdyrda8012]

Not even watched the video yet but 110% agree with the title. Just my opinion 😂

[@colemarsh13]

Thank you both 😊

[@birgitditto2133]

Both of you are amazing. Thank you!

[@oskarlindberg3711]

Really great episode, thank you both! :)

[@thomasrutledge5941]

Awesome, I've been waiting for this chapter.

[@wendywoodruff3521]

At the risk of sounding like an opinion, the first time I watched this discussion I thought of how much the world would benefit from having age restrictions on the internet, say only 25 yrs and older could have access and use it. After watching it a second time, I think 30 yrs and older might be a good place to start 😂. Thank you for your time and energy to share these conversations ❤

[@DavidOm...]

Thank you both for this video!🙏

[@Lordos81]

Thank you very much for such insightful podcasts! I am thrilled 2 days now watching one after the other. Owner of the Enlightment Now book some years now and got it out of the Library to read it. Keep up and share authenticity with the audience. So much appreciated!

[@meredithhoffman5215]

Liberating from attachment and the ensnarements of the world shanti

[@Way827]

Living near a war zone, I and the vast majority of people I know, can't help in sharing the opinion that war is dreadful. However, taking sides in political ideologies leads to just more war.

[@selapezo1636]

I love you guys!

[@thomasrutledge5941]

I love them too.

[@nataliaprodan9335]

Opinions are the basis of gossip which is useless at best and detrimental at worst 😊 Living as oneness is different than taking about oneness ❤ Thank you beautiful souls🎉

[@jamesvance8114]

Thanks!😇💖💕♥️🙏

[@jupitersspell]

This just altered a core piece of me

[@billwhite9701]

We tend to. Forget that claiming to believe “something “ is actually a confession of not knowing something in its fullest sense.I learned this on this Channel I believe. Great Conversation 😊 🙏 ❤

[@jasonc8910]

Thank you.

[@MohakJain-hl8td]

Lay down all the conditioning and all that remains is love ❤

[@ShraddaNiche]

Thank you 🙏

[@Ma93nta174]

The fame game can be lame and is more about the ego when we need to be focusing more on where WE GO, as you rightly say - this can actually attract people sans trying and could help build community spirit more. Recently I've been doing more country walks and just smiling and saying hello to someone you don't know can help foster community spirit..

[@juang4618]

Thank you both for your videos! This is a very delicate subject as I have had experience of someone close to me who has used this reasoning to justify their behavior which was/is clearly selfishly motivated. Where does the discernment lie when one acts in the world? What is the basis for " excellent conduct" as the Tibetan Buddhists call it? I have pondered this much recently. There are relatively universal guidelines for behavior for those of us who are not sages, which are the vast majority. The sage is informed by the Tao directly, I would suppose, and therefore these guidelines are of no real use to the sage. The rest of us should beware of using a philosophy of the nonexistence of a " good/evil " dichotomy as a means for justification for non excellent conduct. I think the idea of weighing an act based upon if the impetus for or expected result of benefits oneself more than others, is a really good place to start. Of course, that involves discernment, which someone who is enlightened ( again I suppose), no longer possesses or uses the discerning aspect of mind.

[@Hermit-lo7bw]

It is true that in spiritual circles you will come across many who misinterpret the non-dual message of non-separation or wholeness, etc. to justify what is clearly harmful behaviour to others, the planet or even themselves. You rightly pointed out that this dysfunctional way of being is urged on by selfish motives based on deluded ideas about what it means to lead a spiritual life. They have yet to be clear about their true identity and are still confused about who they appear to be as an individual person and what they are as impersonal being. If we look closely at the natural world we notice that balance, harmony and unity seem to be the natural way of things. Within any system, natural law always seems to correct any lost balance and aims to restore the harmony that exists within unity. When we look at particular objects and events in isolation, and as separate selves, our perception is a distorted view of reality. The lens we look through is narrow and coloured by discrimination. When we look at it from a wider perspective, as a whole, seeing how everything is intimately connected and fundamentally unified in its apparent diversity, we are better placed to align ourselves with the natural way as our vision is clear and free to see reality as it is. The basis for “excellent conduct” has to do with meeting the need of the moment. Satisfying the necessity of each moment must be ‘virtuous behaviour.’ If at every moment our actions were what the life situation required to restore balance, harmony, and unity, the world would be a very different one to the world in which we functioned from the point of view of separation or duality. Discerning the difference between the relative world of appearances and the unchanging world of the absolute has helped many breakthrough from the realm of confusion into the realm of clarity. I agree with you that discernment is important as long as one is still attached to form and name or strongly identified with being a separate person. The sage does not dismiss the relative as less important than the absolute because to them they are not separate. The difference lies in that they are not deceived by the coming and going of appearances and experiences. We can say that what brings one towards their true nature is good. Whatever takes one away from their true nature is bad.

[@jaywalshmusicandsong1736]

Leaving Samsara To wade in the water Don't have a position I won't need an opinion

[@thebiomatrix]

The sage 'works with' in spherical ''ways' without perceived gaps. We are 'designed' to work in dynamic ways.

[@williamkauffman5745]

🙏

[@tobinharris8107]

👍☯👍❤

[@i_viz_ion346]

💕

[@michaelferguson2344]

I use opinion exclusively to take the heat away from the truth. If I say it as it is, I get looked at real funny, so I've spent years forming an identity again, just to share the way.

[@quentinkumba6746]

I’m a carer to a vulnerable adult, and she has been badly treated by authorities, in my caring for her, I need to oppose actions that harm her, I seem to need opinion to do that. Isn’t shaming trolls who shame others online just part of the same opinionated approach?

[@fernandoorozco5968]

What to learn more

[@malcolmdcwwed]

Judgement is weakness, Observation is Power. Notice the judgement of the situation and ask, "Why did I judge?" Don't look for an answer, just ask and observe.

[@harrygreen3277]

Again another commenter writing something self-explanatory. Why do people write such comments? It isn't profound but instead common knowledge.

[@malcolmdcwwed]

@harrygreen3277 alright, instead of the blantant vitriol, let's talk about it. You state it's common knowledge, yet how many people today in society judge others and place labels on things instead of simply observing the situation & letting things pass? How many suffer from low self esteem in return from this? The bottom line is when you judge other people/put label on things you make it easier to judge yourself. Its funny you state it's common knowledge, yet here YOU are sitting here judging my comment when it might end up helping somebody, and clearlt it ISNT common knowledge due to the amount of people like yourself who judge others. So ask yourself, why did you feel the need to assail me with pointless negativity? Did it help your ego at all or whats going on here?

[@harrygreen3277]

@@malcolmdcwwed wow! You got so triggered and judgmental over an innocent comment. Weird. I like how you got angry and put YOU in capitals. I laughed so hard at how you were so emotional about something so trivial. You do know most people on the spiritual path know what you were saying, right? It is common beginner knowledge.

[@citizenenak]

I hear Australia calling.

[@baronbullshyster2996]

👍🖖❤️🙏

[@ivartamm-zl8tg]

My opinion about laozi opinion about opinions

[@richardbond4496]

Title: The Path to Transcendent Consciousness Intro: Chapter 49 of the Tao Te Ching unveils profound wisdom, A discourse between master and seeker, a kingdom. Exploring the state of consciousness beyond duality's sway, Where ego dissolves, unity holds sway. Glossary: 1. State of Consciousness: A transcendent awareness beyond opposites, where ego fades and unity prevails. 2. Master: An enlightened being who has experienced this state. 3. Seeker: A dedicated student seeking truth, engaged in dialogue with the master. Poetic Discourse: Seeker: Master, pray reveal the essence of this state, Where consciousness transcends dualistic debate. Does it arise from actions, opposing forces' strife, Or through spiritualizing ego's transient life? Master: Dear seeker, listen closely to my words, This state emerges when ego's voice is unheard. Not through action, but by dissolving ego's fears, Unity is found, transcending dualistic tears. Seeker: Master, guide me on this profound path, To witness consciousness, dissolve ego's wrath. How can I embrace this realization so grand, And experience the essence of the Tao's gentle hand? Master: Release judgments, notions of right and wrong, Within stillness, the truth sings its song. Let go of grasping, surrender with grace, In that surrender, consciousness finds its embrace. Seeker: But master, how can I find the inner way? To purify my self, connect each day? A genuine spiritual teacher, where do I find, One who has transcended the material bind? Master: Seek a teacher who embodies wisdom's light, Whose consciousness connects to realms out of sight. Not on KZbin or in books, but in personal space, A guide who leads you to the spiritual masters' embrace. Summary: Chapter 49 illuminates the state of consciousness, A dialogue between master and seeker, profound and timeless. To reach this state, separate selves must purify, And connection with a genuine teacher is the key. Through surrender and stillness, ego's grip dissolves, As we follow the inner way, our true nature evolves. Release judgments, embrace unity's sweet caress, And connect with a teacher who guides towards transcendence's address. In this path of awakening, the seeker finds, Transcendent consciousness, where ego unwinds. Embracing the essence of the Tao's gentle sway, We journey within, where unity holds sway. Summary: In Chapter 49 of the Tao Te Ching, a conversation between a master and seeker unfolds, shedding light on a state of consciousness beyond duality. The seeker seeks to understand this state and its attainment. The master emphasizes that this state is not achieved through external actions or by spiritualizing the ego. Instead, it requires the purification of separate selves and a genuine connection with a spiritual teacher who has transcended the material realm. The seeker is encouraged to seek the inner way, letting go of ego, embracing stillness, and finding guidance from an authentic spiritual guide. Through this path, the seeker can embark on the journey towards a transcendent state of consciousness.

[@markbradley5923]

Is this in your opinion?

[@levlevin182]

ill will is like ill usion. Both are ill. A sage knows unity & just is.