Taoism's CRITICAL View of Self-Image and Identity

In this podcast, we will explain Taoism's critical view of self-image and identity. This is the thirty-eighth 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 thirty-eight of the Tao Te Ching to give you ultimate clarity on the meaning of this chapter.
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
0:15 Tao Te Ching Chapter 38
2:38 Beginning of the second part of the Tao Te Ching
4:15 The meaning of Te as virtue
4:37 Innate goodness vs. Beasts from birth
7:32 Trust is real morality
9:44 The path of noninterference
10:33 Narratives and ideologies build a fake identity
12:21 What people get wrong about Taoism
13:05 Lao-tzu was not a sheep
14:17 How much are you influenced by the world
15:17 The naturalness of Taoism
16:49 Mencius's spirit of fearlessness
18:52 The virtue of the nonvirtuous
19:53 Why natural leaders are rare
21:40 The process of losing the Tao
23:16 Rules and regulations destroy the Tao
24:28 We are not separate from nature
25:16 Zhuangzi's criticism of fame
26:15 The insecurity of social validation
27:03 The genuineness of Alan Gregory
28:51 Are your actions contrived?
29:44 Real community is built on love and trust
31:13 Divisive narratives and ideologies want to poison your mind
32:28 The essence of chapter 38
Disclaimer: Jason Gregory is an Amazon Associate member. The Amazon links in this description are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Jason will earn a very small commission on qualifying purchases you make, at no additional cost to you. This goes a tiny way towards defraying the costs of making these videos.

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

A reminder for everyone: I will be holding two tours at the end of the year. The Footsteps of the Buddha North India Tour will be from October 5 to October 14, and the Footsteps of Shiva South India Tour will be from October 28 to November 6. To know more about the Footsteps of the Buddha North India Tour and to secure your spot, click the following link: jasongregory.org/footsteps-of-the-buddha-north-india-tour-2023/ To know more about the Footsteps of Shiva South India Tour and to secure your spot, click the following link: jasongregory.org/footsteps-of-shiva-south-india-tour-2023-2/ I am excited to share these sacred journeys with you.

[@Not.Two.nonduality001]

I would love to know who the world leader you mentioned is who you feel lives more in tune with the Tao. The only one I can think of might be Putin? He seems to be a strong and principled leader whether you agree with his actions or not.

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Nope, not Putin.

[@seannorton1449]

I’m gonna say trump is the one that acts as he see fit without thinking. Lol

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Nope, not Trump either.

[@Not.Two.nonduality001]

@@JasonGregoryAuthor why not just say who then? I really enjoy your videos by the way. ❤

[@melissaqualls5774]

When one stops thinking about how things should be and living in the moment, you naturally live in harmony with the world because you have an inate understanding of the world that current day politics can not give us.Thank You so much for your wisdom 🙏

[@usarmyveteran177]

@AwakenZen Go in the woods and stop thinking. See what happens.

[@johnc.6645]

Very insightful discussion. I do not get roped into group think because of hypersensitivity. My wife's family came into town and one tried to booby trap me into a political discussion. I simply mentioned that I've cut the puppet strings to news and beliefs of political hacks. Well.....I got jumped on for that😂. Oh well... I am content with following the path. I will be perfectly happy to try and live the Tao.

[@howarddavis8386]

Thank you for this. Standing on my own two feet often annoys others who then react as if they are a parent telling me how I ought to act. Their 'advice' is so off that I can notice what's happening though this has been a practice learnt over many years. Be fearless!

[@Adhibitus]

Always a good Sunday with your videos! Thanks to both of you

[@shizsunshinewachira1344]

Thanks for this. Read chapter 38 and i didnt fully comprehend. Thanks for the clarity. I understand

[@roguaranys]

Thank you two!!!🎉

[@genesismarcum1395]

One of the most grounded spiritual channels out there. Top notch Sir!

[@pavel_shui]

We did enjoyed for sure. Much love to our teachers 🙏

[@colemarsh13]

Thank you 😊

[@ShraddaNiche]

Thank you both.

[@oskarlindberg3711]

Really good! Thank you! 🙏

[@rickywolf]

Thank you

[@annekelourdes1238]

Thanks to you both ❤ always understanding more because of your such a great explanation. Blessings and have a peaceful day 🙏

[@annekelourdes1238]

Btw, were you mentioning T?🤔🙂

[@cleb99]

Excellent

[@Shotsfyred]

Good one, mate💮

[@tobinharris8107]

👍☯💖 Thank you!

[@VinDharma]

Love your channel. Don’t have a clue what leader you are referencing. Why not just say it?

[@existinginaspace8347]

2007 was peak

[@alwaysvictory]

5:53 Also, the word term “person” is a noun. And the word term Man is a Proper Noun.

[@alanhehe4508]

Is that tea or whiskey in those cups?? 🤔 😂

[@SunnyMidnite221]

Hmmm. Okay, so who is this "one good" world leader they're referring to? 🤔 I honestly cannot think of one who's current.

[@AC-vt2ml]

Imran Khan?

[@alwaysvictory]

5:53 The word term superior “Man” verses superior “person” is the proper way for someone to express the point of the Law.

[@harrygreen3277]

What the? Did you miss what was said? Junzi translated into English literally means superior man and refers to men. That doesn't mean it is correct but that is what Confucius believed. What is so confusing about that for you?

[@robertholland7558]

Natural or human law? There is a huge difference!

[@leviathanv3135]

Virtue signalers are not going to be happy about this one

[@alwaysvictory]

One more point of law : Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of “persons” with God.

[@normalguy609]

This is a great episode! You guys explain things very well. It makes sense now why so many people actually love Donald Trump because he actually is one with his own nature

[@SunnyMidnite221]

A destructive, demented narcissist may be “living by his nature” but why would anyone find that okay, admirable or worthy of respect?

[@8lostfox8]

I think trump could be the example of someone who has completely lost his nature in the sense that he is exploitative capitalist opportunism personified. His identity is a direct manifestation of American culture… but I see what you are saying, he is certainly « attractive » in a certain sense. This attraction though, is a biproduct of negative polarization. Positive polirization « radiates » (illumination) and negative politization « attracts » (seduction, manipulation).

[@BrianMorisky]

But Trump is all about narrative and self-image, meaning he is insecure in his nature. I say that as someone that feels they understand Trumps appeal to the masses, particularly in light of the failings of USA politics in general to meet the needs of the populace. Being well-defined is actually a sign that one is insecure in their nature. The ambiguous and contradictory are the most natural states.