The 4 Stages of Taoism's Spiritual Path

In this podcast, we will explain the four stages of Taoism's spiritual path. This is the sixteenth 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 sixteen of the Tao Te Ching to give you ultimate clarity on the meaning of this chapter.
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[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Make sure you all check out my new book 'Spiritual Freedom in the Digital Age' out in March. You can read the synopsis and pre-order it now at this link amzn.to/3iDNaHL Also, if you are interested in joining my growing community on Patreon where you get exclusive content then please hit the following link www.patreon.com/jasongregory Shanti my friends.

[@colingoode8794]

Debating is unnatural. In debate people struggle from their fixed positions to assert themselves over their opponent. Without the openness to consider what actually may be right or wrong with each point of contention battle ensues. For me this is a particularly valuable chapter. Arbitrary boundaries become a barrier between us and within us. I am right therefore you are wrong mentality of debate can be replaced with discussion as friends being potentially more beneficial. That is only one aspect of this profound chapter. Common ground in the emptiness of Tao. An excellent discussion!

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

BOOM! You nailed it brother. If only people operated from the friend first reality. We would live in a completely different world.

[@shelleythompson2049]

You guys are funny. You sound like 80 year olds grumbling around young people today.... "Bahumbug, back in my day..." Love you both

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Glad you enjoyed, Shelley. Love you too my friend.

[@releasethememe]

Good luck!

[@mortonvrose]

Thank you guys. This was outstanding. Follow the law of nature. Follow the path of Tao. Life is so beautiful And so simple If we let it be. Love to all of you Brothers and sisters We are all ONE.

[@aum82]

Beautiful

[@johnc.6645]

Wonderful interpretation Brother. When I was a kid, I knew how to survive in nature without electricity or smartphones. I have the feeling that if a Solar flare took out the electronics, mass histeria would break out. Now in my new location as the sun sets, I sit in the back porch and look into a tropical forest, and listen to crickets and frogs without TV or phones , without a word being said and without thinking, I feel part of something much bigger. It's a true gateway to feeling like the Brahmin, to recognize my own immortality. It's a wonderful feeling, including looking at the stars at night without them being blurred by city lights. Thanks again Jason to you and MeYoung.

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

What a wonderful comment, John. You must be loving your new home. Thank you as always.

[@yiotamichaels1292]

Well done, you beautiful souls! Two years after all that we went through, it’s about time we emptied our “cups”! Love and peace 💚☮️💚🌺

[@tobinharris8107]

Lovely podcast. Reinforced for me: Keep the big picture perspective; compromise~not competition; "space is imperative" in order to understand/accept our nature; constancy is a parallel to equanimity. Also got a kick out of "simplicity does not drive the economy". You can say that again! Thank you both, dear ones. PS I am now getting ready to read "Tao-The Watercourse Way".

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

You will love that book, C. Your summary of this podcast was spot on.

[@Aldarinn]

One of the deepest videos. Emptying your mind is tremendously difficult. Any progress I have made has been slow.

[@dth92301]

Thanks awesome broadcast. I love the Tao Series. Jason your commented several times about accepting Tao into your life. Here is a personal experience to share. In the early days of my Taoist journey, I meditated on a believe that I was allowing and accepting Tao into my life. Perhaps it made sense because I was raised in a Christian society. However, what I gained in return from the meditation, was how could I accept that which was always there. I couldn't make a conscious choice to allow the Dao in me life, just as I can't make a choice on my blood type. What I could choose is to see the Tao working in everything and everyone, and accepting the outcomes. I could just observe. This epiphany really helped set me on the path you described so well in this reaching. Thank you, Teacher.

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Thank you, Dennis, for sharing this beautiful realization. You really summed up all one has to do to see the Tao in all life.

[@dubeyashish4257]

Your teachings and efforts are great, lots of love from India.

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

I hope to return soon to India my friend. Best to you.

[@ArifAli-bg1mb]

The Tao De Ching is not an easy read. Thank you for these podcasts to aid our understanding.

[@annekelourdes1238]

I have to say wow, this is such an important topic, emptiness and acceptence ❤️🙏 just what I need after yesterday's reading of too much of junk, you know sometimes my ego is too big and it thinks it needs it. Even when I know and have insight how bad it's for me. So agree about young people, when having too much of things, so all is taking for granted. We should all watch more of this podcast and less or even none of other nonsense. Once again, thank you both, so much. Om shanti ❤️ will watch 2 more times this 👍

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Thank you dearly, Anneke. You are a true gem and I love your honesty. Yes, the other nonsense is not worthy of our attention. Shanti my friend.

[@ericf.7669]

It’s always a joy to see a new pod cast to listen to first thing in the morning. I like starting my days with your beautiful videos. It awaking the dao for my day! 🙏🏽 Thank you so much you two. Always great eternal knowledge from nature and your Li. Shanti Shanti Shanti.

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

You're an absolute legend, Eric. I always enjoy reading your comments brother. Shanti my friend.

[@SolveEtCoagula93]

As I tuned into this video and saw the words, something very strange happened to me. It is too personal (and too difficult) to report on but suddenly the last few years of my own journey fell into place. Something switched on, or was it off (?), within me. What I thought was desolate and barren has been shown to be so important. Thank you guys, you played a very important part in at least one persons emptying.

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Thank you, Neil. We are so happy to be connected with you.

[@dickmonkey-king1271]

All the pieces matter.

[@scarbie32]

I always wondered what iPhone actually meant 😂 Unfortunately it is the most toxic vice in my life for sure. Thanks again for the content it always comes at the right time 🤩

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Haha, yes that is right my friend. Now you know what the "i" stands for. Best to you.

[@daniellunden7237]

A wonderful discussion I must say, and so important issue with the problem that people don't have any, or don't follow their principles. I saw this a lot in voluntarist (anarchist) groups during this so called "pandemic". A lot of people were very quick to go from "freedom to do what you want with your own life and body" to following the mainstream and state mandates. Principles aren't principles if you abondon them at the first sign of trouble. I also liked how you snuck in a little Bill Hicks there, he definitely was a wise man, in his own way ;)

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Very well said, Daniel. Those easily moved by trouble are usually those who have little or no principles. No one can or should ever be able to take your freedom away. Your life is yours and it does not belong to any authority. Living with principles reminds those eager to control that they cannot control those who are free.

[@chevalia]

Love this chapter. Love this discussion as well. Blessings to you both. Om Shanti Om

[@jasonc8910]

Thank you.

[@colemarsh13]

I love the back and forth 💖👍🏻💖

[@ShraddaNiche]

Good morning friends

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Morning dear one.

[@ShraddaNiche]

Thanks for all your free content I believe your analysis is broken down.

[@oboobo5829]

Australia needs you. Badly

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

I doubt they would listen to me. People are only interested in what mainstream media say.

[@oboobo5829]

@@JasonGregoryAuthor i know. Reminds me though of something i read in a jiddu Krishnamurti in which he likens himself, his teaching with the scent of a flower. Perpetual emanation. You chill brother, your already doing all you were destined to do.if you Despair it's because of your kind nature i imagine.

[@ToddSloanIAAN]

I love her gaze. I'm dumbfounded.

[@ericf.7669]

I love to hear you two.

[@themystic6851]

Congratulations on your new book! I’m looking forward to reading it. I wish the younger generation had the same values as you two. making phone calls is considered rude in todays western culture. Text and emails are the politically correct form of communication. The phones are tied to almost every adolescent’s hands and eyes but you would be lucky to get a response from them.

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Yes, it is truly sad my friend. Once we drop the phone, the worlds beauty opens up and all the dramas fall away. Thank you.

[@markdavis1897]

Many thanks to you and Gayoung for your efforts in producing this series. It's been of great benefit to me in increasing my understanding of Taoism. Looking forward to the rest of the chapters. 🙏 Namaste

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Namaste Mark. Thank you. they are coming soon brother.

[@AnyaLightHealing]

Such a beautiful discussion of Truth. Thank you. Sat Nam XO

[@michaelneedham5607]

Thanks for your contributions toward the awakening process. I'm sure you are aware that the unawakened/unconscious state is no worse than the awakened state but is just another location along the path from source into the illusion of the physical and back to source. You are at a location along the path where we reach back at a particularly steep portion and help those who are struggling and reaching up. Those who have not yet arrived at the steep part are not wrong.

[@cassiesmith1294]

I think a great thing that jumped out me today, is that without being bombarded by politics and people’s values and ideas on our phones, tvs etc…what WOULD your opinion be? Brilliant. I remember I had a LONG break from Facebook (I only go on it these days from a different perspective) but I remember I couldn’t get ‘triggered’ by people as I had no idea what they were doing and really why do I need to know? We don’t need an opinion on everything as most of the time it doesn’t matter! What a great chapter 👏🏻

[@wisdomfortranscendence6220]

I’m 22 so about half way thru my childhood i was introduced to technology. Thankfully I’ve used it to find spirituality and places like this! It makes having this device worth it. Information like this on social media is what i try to exclusively fill my mind with. Just wanted to let y’all know there’s hope for the young haha!

[@AndrewFrandle]

The Rumi poem Jason referenced at about 9:00 is called ‘Whoever Brought Me Here.’ Whoever Brought Me Here All day I think about it, then at night I say it. Where did I come from, and what am I supposed to be doing? I have no idea. My soul is from elsewhere, I'm sure of that, and I intend to end up there. This drunkenness began in some other tavern. When I get back around to that place, I'll be completely sober. Meanwhile, I'm like a bird from another continent, sitting in this aviary. The day is coming when I fly off, but who is it now in my ear who hears my voice? Who says words with my mouth? Who looks out with my eyes? What is the soul? I cannot stop asking. If I could taste one sip of an answer, I could break out of this prison for drunks. I didn't come here of my own accord, and I can't leave that way. Whoever brought me here, will have to take me home. This poetry. I never know what I'm going to say. I don't plan it. When I'm outside the saying of it, I get very quiet and rarely speak at all. Translated by Coleman Barks Loved this discussion, thank you Jason and Gayong.

[@nolancoates4856]

Jolly good show 🙋🎖️💯

[@thelucidinstitute]

love y’all

[@Morn2moon]

EXCELLENT, thank you 💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@claudiohinojosa5647]

¡¡¡Gracias mil!!! Me encantan sus explicaciones y su trabajo. Me han servido muchísimo. Les mando un abrazo de México.

[@bernardofitzpatrick5403]

Hell yeah guys, can have way too much info in head from media and news , same as overeating and too much food in stomach. It’s better to be.up in mountains and to be empty, with not too many ideas. Way of nature seems so so much better , as Lao Tzu always says. Best not to say too much today and just send love from Bernardo.

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Spot on brother. Man, its been a while. I hope you've been well and enjoying the beautiful mountains.

[@bernardofitzpatrick5403]

@@JasonGregoryAuthor 👏👍👌😁

[@josesantana27]

Nameste Jason, awesome! awesome! Video and conversation. This video actually answered a question I had to a older video you had. My question in that video was how does a Taoist practioner be impartial in the face of social injustices or other social challenges. Becoming non reactive to these difficulties but also standing on One's principles. Living in this balance provides One with the impartial conviction needed to sustain the Tao.

[@meadeadams]

Would you say you need a “master” or teacher to follow the Way?

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Not really. Though, having a teacher can really help and in some cases can be a shortcut to deeper levels of understanding.

[@andrewlawson573]

@@JasonGregoryAuthor it's been hugely helpful having you two extrapolate the meaning of the chapters using plain English and with relatable examples. Cheers from a Kiwi in Peru

[@daiun100]

fMRI scans have shown that people think of their iPhones the same as they think of their hands or any other extension of their body. Further, the scans show that they feel love for their iPhone exactly as a mother feels love for her child. Small wonder that they freak out if taken away.

[@dth92301]

D.T. Suzuki once made the following observation about western religions: “God against man. Man against God. Man against nature. Nature against man. Nature against God. God against nature. Very funny religion!”

[@c.s.dennstedt8754]

This exactly sounds like a description that we live in (or are products of) a computer simulation. Everything is connected. The Tao is the underlying algorithm.

[@desmoinesiowa6905]

I love your videos I learn a lot from them but in this one regarding everything goes back to source that would be our physical body goes back to Source just like in nature when a plant dies or an animal dies but where does that leave our solar our consciousness if we just say everything goes back to source how does reincarnation play into that I'm struggling with that point that everything goes back to Source if our fundamental Consciousness or what one might call the soul gets reincarnated then I'm struggling with how that is everything goes back to source and I figured you would be the one to ask about that

[@AlanPhan128]

TLDR: Living in accord with the Dao, embracing the cyclical nature of the universe, and achieving sovereignty and open-heartedness through the virtue of the Dao leads to spiritual enlightenment and authentic power in Taoism. 1. 00:00 🌿 Empty your mind, find stillness, observe nature, and achieve constancy to live in accord with the Dao. 1.1 Empty yourself, let the mind become still, and know constancy to avoid disaster and follow the way of nature. 1.2 Act royally, attain the divine, be at one with the dao, hold on to true tranquility, and achieve constancy for clarity and impartiality. 1.3 The chapter discusses the four-tiered progression in the spiritual path of Taoism, emphasizing the importance of knowing, acceptance, impartiality, and sovereignty in living in accord with the Dao. 1.4 Empty your mind, find stillness, observe nature, and return to the source to become aware of the stillness within yourself. 1.5 Nature seeks balance, and as individuals, we need to find that balance through stillness and open-heartedness. 1.6 Taoism's spiritual path involves progressing from knowing to acceptance to impartiality, opening one's heart to see the world as it truly is in its pure impartial nature. 2. 06:50 🌱 Remembering the cyclical nature of the universe and staying aware of the eternal dao is crucial in avoiding attachment and trouble in the world. 2.1 Everything in the universe grows, flourishes, and then returns to the source, so it's important to remember that everything will go back to where it should go back to, and not become too attached to what we think is right or wrong. 2.2 Clarity and awareness of the eternal dao is essential to avoid getting caught in the human drama and to remember our true nature. 2.3 Not knowing constancy leads to trouble and disaster in the world, and every generation has its own problems stemming from this. 3. 10:47 🌱 Understanding the dao leads to a more accepting attitude towards opposition and prioritizing friendship over heated debates. 3.1 Understanding the dao leads to a different relationship with opposition and a more accepting and understanding attitude. 3.2 Understanding the truth that everything will arise and fall leads to a healthier mindset, where friendship is prioritized over heated debates and the need to force others to think the same way. 4. 13:13 🌿 Achieving sovereignty, authentic power, and open-heartedness through the virtue of the dow in Taoism's spiritual path, while letting go of doubt and acting naturally to draw genuine relationships. 4.1 Acceptance of life and the way of the dao comes from knowing and experiencing the stillness of nature, leading to a connection to something greater than oneself. 4.2 Daoism is a natural methodology based on acceptance and impartiality, allowing doubt to take over and gaining great power from open-hearted acceptance. 4.3 The stages of Taoism's spiritual path involve achieving sovereignty, authentic power, and open-heartedness through the virtue of the dow. 4.4 Letting go of doubt and acting naturally in accordance with your own nature gives you authentic power and charisma, drawing people to you without advertising. 4.5 Modern society is heavily influenced by media and government, leading people to regurgitate artificial constructs rather than speaking from their true nature, hindering genuine relationships. 5. 18:50 🌿 People today are too busy and exposed to too much information, leading to a lack of deep contemplation and being out of touch with themselves, resulting in a loss of authentic self and sovereign power. 5.1 Growing up with less technology allowed for more time in nature, leading to a deeper connection with nature and oneself. 5.2 People are too busy and exposed to too much information, leading to a lack of deep contemplation and being out of touch with themselves. 5.3 The older generation had space in their life to understand themselves and observe their thoughts, while the younger generation fills their minds with unnecessary information, making it impossible to know themselves. 5.4 Consuming too much information from social media and news can lead to a lack of critical thinking skills and a mind overwhelmed with anxiety, resulting in a loss of authentic self and sovereign power. 6. 23:47 🌿 Living by authentic values and principles, rejecting artificial systems, and understanding the oneness of humanity is essential for spiritual growth in Taoism. 6.1 Living by authentic values and principles is important, and spending quality time with family, friends, and nature is essential for understanding and appreciating the true value of being a human being. 6.2 Living a life based on values and principles is essential for a healthy judgment and spiritual growth in Taoism. 6.3 Humanity is fundamentally one consciousness, and living by the principle of Taoism means rejecting artificial divisive systems and toxic information. 6.4 Reject artificial systems and live with principles like Laozi, who left society to live in accordance with the way of nature, and we too must live with principles and accept Tao as it truly is. 6.5 The message is to share a deeper level of meditation and awareness of reality, understanding that reality is fundamentally one and anything else is just pure hocus pocus. 6.6 Younger generations are growing up without spirituality, becoming addicted to technology, and lacking the ability to function in reality or appreciate nature. 7. 30:37 🌿 Taoism's spiritual path involves living by traditional values, minding your own business, and rejecting outside influences to allow life to unfold naturally. 7.1 Eastern traditions do not equate spirituality with being spineless, and it is important to live with principles and have the freedom to say no. 7.2 Authentic spirituality is not about being unreasonably kind and open, but about following certain values and teachings, speaking your mind with kindness, and not being aggressive or angry. 7.3 Living by traditional knowledge of the east allows one to avoid being influenced by others' psychosis and hypnosis, and Hinduism is a good example of living with spiritual principles. 7.4 Taoism emphasizes minding your own business, accepting people as they are, and standing by your own values and principles. 7.5 Taoism's spiritual path involves rejecting outside influences and allowing life to unfold naturally. 7.6 Taoism encourages acceptance of one's natural inclinations and rejects societal norms that promote conflict with one's intrinsic nature. 8. 37:25 🌿 Embrace the organic pattern of life, simplify, empty your mind, and achieve spiritual enlightenment by living in harmony with nature, accepting impartiality, and freeing yourself from the hypnosis of identity. 8.1 Living up to the heavenly mandate for humans means adapting to the organic pattern in Chinese meaning, which is a psychological imprint that makes you skilled or easily adapt to a certain thing in life. 8.2 Simplify your life, empty your mind, and live in harmony with nature to become aware of your true self and achieve spiritual enlightenment. 8.3 To emulate the everlasting essence of the Tao, one must know, accept, have impartiality, and ultimately sovereignty, freeing oneself from the hypnosis of identity and being ready for death.

[@enlightenedperspectives1111]

❤️☮️☯️

[@sajisnair9354]

Business and religions vs spirituality 🤗

[@raycosmic9019]

Sovereignty: Know thyself as a living man or woman - not as the legal fiction bearing your name in all caps; not dead, not lost at sea. 'No' is the most powerful word in the english language, which any 2 yr old will happily demonstrate for you. Now is constant. Perception is variable. The one source of all psychological suffering self-forgetting; identification with the temporal/finite. Empty of ego (separateness) = Full of Life. Tao = Way of Life We are Life at large, experiencing itself as all of us simultaneously. Therefore, we are all It to an unknowable/inexhaustible extent, as the facets of a Diamond are 'both' distinct from each other 'and' the Diamond itself. Love is the recognition of our shared Being. The Rhythm of Life is a movement and a rest. The optimum (Heaven), is always found somewhere between the extremes of too much and too little (hell). Pleasantness is the Rose found at the Heart of the Optimum. Just so. Narrow is the Way and straight the path, and few there are that find it. One who knows when to stop is forever safe. Every arrival is a new point of departure. The hallmark of a Master Wayfarer is fluid adaptation to an ever changing environment.

[@sarahmayjohn]

No one is touching upon the point that nature has mosquitoes 😵

[@jamesangen5832]

The idiot phone and internet also contains your wisdom. People don't buy books as much as listen or read them on tablets. How you use technology is a discipline in itself.

[@everettelderberry5362]

You Have to Say “ DEMOCRATS”. Lol