What is Daoism?

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Daoism, sometimes spelled as Taoism, is a religious and philosophical tradition indigenous to China. But what is Daoism?
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Bibliography:
There are several excellent intro books available. Here are a few I consulted for this video:
Ronnie Littlejohn, Daoism: An Introduction, 2009.
Livia Kohn, Introducing Daoism, 2008.
James Miller, Daoism: A Beginner's Guide, 2003.
Stephen Prothero, Religion Matters: An Introduction to the World's Religions, 2020.
00:00 Intro
1:00 The Dao Explained
2:53 The Dao De Jing
7:43 The Zhuangzi
12:00 "Religious" Daoism Intro
13:40 Tianshi dao
15:07 Quanzhen dao
16:13 Daoist Canon
16:45 Daoist Deities
19:05 Self-Cultivation Techniques
21:58 21st-century Daoism

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

Thank you to Wondrium for sponsoring today's video! Signup for your FREE trial to Wondrium here: ow.ly/pNJv50KwXxF

[@derekstaroba]

I often have religion for breakfast

[@tile-maker4962]

I think Daoism is similar to the teachings of Advaita Vedanta (unqualified) monism.

[@bongodrummond4638]

Can you do a video on Mormonism?

[@michaelmayhem350]

You should join nebula!

[@Jorge-xf9gs]

I think you could make a great collaboration episode with Hans-Georg Moeller. He is a sinologist and philosopher currently teaching philosophy with a focus on Chinese philosophy in a university in Macau. He has published some articles about this topic in peer-reviewed journals. He has also written a couple books about the history and beliefs of daoism, along with one in which he proposes daoist methods for coping with the issue of identity in its contemporary form. He is, however, better known for creating a KZbin channel, Philosophy in Motion (for which he writes the scripts), in which he explains chapters of the Zhuangzi with an academic outlook that is rigorous, respects the points of view of classical Chinese scholars (he is specially fond of Guo Xiang), and dismantles the too common orientalist misconceptions that have been perpetuated by new-agers and pop-philosophers alike.

[@TheTycoonOtaku]

The fact that Daoism resists classification at every turn is very in line with the Dao. Our attempts to systematize and fit it into our notions of what a religion or philosophical system can be seen as an active attempt to resist the flow of things, that is that not everything can be put into neat boxes.

[@Twistedsackboy]

That resistance, in itself, artificially opposes the flow of things, when it is more natural for it to be systematized than not.

[@chocolatebunnies6376]

@@Twistedsackboy Doesn’t it depend on the kind of resistance? If the practitioners just don’t pay attention to classification, I think that would be the minimum possible resistance. It’s natural for humans to classify systems, but it’s not natural for systems to adhere to classification. When we pay attention to this, the result is typically new classifications. We don’t allow categories to have the property of change.

[@tristanneal9552]

@@Twistedsackboy I feel like your statement hangs on the premise that it is more natural for it to be systemized, which is not an inherent truth. Personally, I'd think that the very nature of something being transcendental means its nature is not limited by typical human comprehension.

[@kirstencorby8465]

LOL, you're right. The Daoism that can be spoken of is not the true Daoism.

[@charion1234]

@@Twistedsackboy not necessarily. I think it means our definition of what a religion or philosophy is lacking in depth and scope.

[@williamchamberlain2263]

I like ( what I've been told is ) the early Daoist pyschological/physiological-realism ; seemed very grounded in "the natural world is as it is, people are flawed, some people are mean, your mind is in your body along with your emotions and your base drives - let's try and make the best of it and not get too stressed"

[@letsomethingshine]

Water off a duck's back. Know the masculine, keep to the feminine.

[@liamjean5261]

Sounds like stoicism

[@williamchamberlain2263]

@@liamjean5261 yes, but the phrasing comes across as a bit more positive and upbeat than the Stoics. Mind you, in my pop history headspace the Stoics came from a backdrop of urban heroic hedonism, so maybe that made them downplay things a bit.

[@j.2512]

mindfulness is a cult induction tecnique meant to supress critical thinking to allow reprograming. every coercive cult will have its version of the dao or zen or whatever. Sad how new age became so mainstream to normalize such things

[@marketgardener8957]

Yet this cannot be For when it is known or told, it is not it

[@Ammo08]

I was in the Air Force with a guy who practiced Daoism...his mother was from Taiwan and his father was from the Philippines. We were all a bunch of young men in a stressful situation, but he was always sorta laid back about it..roll with the flow seemed to be his way of handling things...

[@flovv4580]

A Daoist who's in the Air Force. Hmmm that's interesting.

[@sinistertwister686]

He "was"? Did something happened to him?

[@Ammo08]

@@sinistertwister686 That was over 50 years ago, I lost track of him after awhile.

[@18890426]

Interesting

[@seankessel3867]

Daoism really is my jam. It's the only psycho-spiritual-whatever system that makes any sense of the universe without tripping all over itself. Everyone should study it.

[@Napoleonic_S]

Makes sense without tripping in what way? Care to elaborate?

[@jaydubaic21]

@@Napoleonic_S most major religions are ripe with hard hypocrisies usually stemming from the text in the Bible. I mean just the ideas that there are so many sects vs the Dao being “like a vine; changing and adjusting”. Allows for a freshness despite it predating most if not all popular “religions”. That’s just to start but I’m sure a person more educated on this particular topic would be more helpful.

[@jaydubaic21]

@@Napoleonic_S just the fact that Christian’s argue over their own text is a form of tripping over itself.

[@crystallinecrisis3901]

@@jaydubaic21 To be fair, cultural blending is one of the ways (that don’t involve threats/acts of violence) that Christianity spread so easily. The different sects of Christianity show it’s ability to absorb other beliefs for better or for (mostly) worse. But you’re right in that many religious groups are unable to adapt because of their rigidity.

[@OfficialRepublicans]

Personally I think that Sikhism makes more sense but to each their own 🤷🏽‍♂️😄

[@katakesh8566]

Daoism was my first outside 'religion' And I'm just glad you're covering it. It's so wonderful and vast

[@kirstencorby8465]

How do you practice it? I'm interested.

[@vajra1171]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpTYf6p6rqugocU&ab_channel=Let%27sTalkReligion

[@user-bl3is9cx2r]

Chinese traditional culture is a great culture. But because of the Communist Party speech control and all kinds of control. These cultural heritages are in danger

[@leprechaungiant1]

This is the first KZbin video I’ve seen that conveys Wu Wei correctly. When people say “go with the flow” they usually infer pacifism, or the “Non action” as not doing anything. Also, Thanks for using Pinyin.

[@christianyaerger1751]

I've been a little confused about Wu Wei. The stories that convey its meaning -- the butcher who cuts effortlessly, or the carpenter who loses himself in their work -- clearly took many years to attain that state of effortlessness. Wouldn't that mean, in some way, effort is very much needed in order to attain effortlessness?

[@madnessbydesign1415]

@@christianyaerger1751 In practicing Chinese Kung Fu, this was basically what I came to as well. Effortless Kung Fu Requires years of dedication. An effortless musician has likewise spent their time before the performance perfecting their art so they can let it flow through them when needed. My understanding is that Wu Wei is not 'not doing things'. Rather, it's not struggling against obstacles, but flowing around them, to find a different path to the goal. This allows you to find your expression without leaving you exhausted from battle. One night, after a particularly brutal Kung Fu class, I joked "Effortlessness is a lot of work!". We all laughed. A seeming inconsistency that reveals a great truth is the most Chinese thing ever... :)

[@letsomethingshine]

@@madnessbydesign1415 And water also crashes through and breaks through obstacles that WILL break, rather than unnaturally going around them as if though they wouldn't naturally break and allow direct flow through.

[@jasonblalock4429]

And at the same time, water naturally flows around the immovable. It simply adapts to the moment. When it comes to practicing/learning something like an art (or fighting style), I'd say that the trick is to not to overthink it, and avoid comparing your work to that which is far above your level. An amateur should not regret, or be upset by, a seemingly poor result because that, too, is simply part of the learning process. Accept each outcome as complete in itself. Simply continue to practice the art, clearing the mind and allowing hands to work. Over-focusing on technique, or striving too hard for a specific outcome, will only interfere with the process. Each work is its own learning experience and should be appreciated as such. Then, eventually, greater levels of skill will come in their own time. Or basically, do or do not. There is no try. 🙂

[@animalia5554]

@@jasonblalock4429 That’s tricky, because for me there is nothing more natural then to overthink things, it is who I am. :D

[@baiweilo136]

Thanks for covering this. Daoism is a part of folk life here in Taiwan.

[@Tonkhh]

Video idea - the religious aspects of modern day monarchies. As a brit watching the 11 days of national morning for Queen Elizabeth I noticed some religious aspects to the procession. She was semi diefied, people went on pilgrimages to see her coffin (waiting in line for up to 20 hours). Journalists who would never have seen her normal described it as an eye opening experience, with the other people queuing acting like a congregation. There's more to dive into

[@iagoofdraiggwyn98]

Hi there! Its not a video, but i do have a little Anglican history under my belt, and can speak to the specific topic of Queen Elizabeth. Since King Henry the 8th, the British Monarch has been the Supreme Governor to the Chruch of England. In a similar way as the Eastern Roman Empire of Patriarch of Rome (who is also the King of Vatican City). The concept of "Devine Right to Rule" has always been present throughout human history, such as the "Mandate of Heaven" in ancient China. And the Christian idea came from two Bible Verses, in the King James as it is relevant. Hebrews 13:17 “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Romans 13:1-3 "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:" And the practice of this came in practice because of Constantine the Great. Who called for the First Eccumenical Council. The logic is as such, In Romans: If the God was whom appointed the Monarch, then they have the authority of God on their side, ergo their rule is justified. In Hebrews: If we are to obey our spiritual Shepherds as they are Representative of God, and the Monarch has a role to play as the Shepherd of a Nation, then the Monarch is a Representative of God. As such, the death of the British Monarch is akin to the death of the Pope, as the Monarchy has both relgious authority and civil authority. Where in, the ceremony would be filled with relgious symbolism and veneration. As a food for thought, given how the Monarch can be female, and the Monarch has relgious authority as mentioned before, it would provide grounds for female clergy. Which the Chruch of England has allow females to be clergymen since 1971. Its not a grand explination, but hopefully it speaks to the point you asked. Cheers!

[@thelatterdayarbiter]

Indeed. It's like the Anglican version of The Catholic Conclave

[@UGNAvalon]

Would be a good followup to the series on “American Civic Religion”.😊

[@hope1575]

"Some" religious aspects? Massive understatement lol. The monarchy IS the state religion of Britain imo.

[@avaraportti1873]

North Korea and Forever Presidency

[@VieShaphiel]

I'm Taiwanese and I appreciate the insightful introduction very much. Religion here is a lovely mess even on the most surface level, and Daoism is probably the most hard to grasp, as it feels to me like it permeates among people of all levels of literacy more so than Buddhism and Confucianism.

[@andrewsuryali8540]

Well, if you're Chinese, you'd be Daoist in youth, Confucianist at work, and Buddhist in old age.

[@krioni86sa]

@@andrewsuryali8540 How about in death?

[@stephanieparker1250]

I read a book called, “The Tao of Pooh” when I was a young adult.. it changed my life. I turned from a rock trying to force my way along in a world that didn’t make sense.. to a stream flowing along without force. I found peace. ❤ I still carry this decades later.

[@MGustave]

It changed me too. This base philosophy of Dao is such a beautiful teaching of how to live in the world.

[@j.2512]

you will eat the bugs, live in the pod, you will own nothing and you will be happy. Gee i wonder why mindfulness became so mainstream and promoted by corporations...

[@freontolstoy4993]

I read that, tbh I absolutely hated it. but glad you got something good out of it. there's a sequel, the tao of piglet, as well.

[@Obeijin]

Great book ! I've read it over and over . Have you read The Te of Piglet as well ?

[@Obeijin]

@@freontolstoy4993 Maybe you just didn't understand it ?

[@tristanholderness4223]

Peking isn't the Wade-Giles for Beijing (which is Pei-ching, neglecting tone numbers). Peking is the postal romanisation. The Postal Romanisation is in some ways an elder sister of Wade-Giles, in that it came earlier and both developed from Giles' Nanking syllabary, but crucially whilst Wade-Giles transcribes according the Beijing dialect of Mandarin, the postal romanisation is generally based on the Nanjing dialect of Mandarin (which did not palatalise Middle Chinese g to Modern Beijing Mandarin Pinyin j before i)

[@oioimati]

i was gonna comment this but i searched for wade-giles in the comment section to see if someone had beat me to it already and there you were

[@kori228]

yeah it's such a common misconception for some reason

[@TransformARTive]

Finally waiting for you to cover my traditional background. I was raised Taoist and was a priest for the early part of my life. I done some lectures on the different aspects of Taoism around the country but been meaning to make some videos on the topic as well.

[@burningbronze7555]

Do it as the topic is hard to approach from a outsiders perspective.

[@nicolaezenoaga9756]

Cool!

[@TheWorldTeacher]

I don’t really care what any particular person BELIEVES. You may believe that there is an old man with a white beard perched in the clouds, that the Ultimate Reality is a young blackish-blue Indian guy, that the universe is eternal, that Mother Mary was a certifiable virgin, or that gross physical matter is the foundation of existence. The ONLY thing that really matters is your meta-ethics, not your meta-physics. Do you consider any form of non-monarchical governance (such as democracy or socialism) to be beneficial? Do you unnecessarily destroy the lives of poor, innocent animals and gorge on their bloody carcasses? Do you believe homosexuality and transvestism is moral? Do you consider feminist ideology to be righteous? If so, then you are objectively immoral and your so-called “enlightened/awakened” state is immaterial, since it does not benefit society in any way.

[@noizkapow1134]

Love you doing more world religions. Can you consider doing a video on Vietnamese religions? My bf's family is Buddhist but it's definitely it's own thing.

[@lshulman58]

Oh, yeah. CaoDai is an interesting example of a "new religious movement" from the East

[@faithlesshound5621]

Don't forget Personalism, important because of Ngo Dinh Diem, Madame Nhu and all that crowd.

[@marcusguerrero8755]

A philosopher named Simon Weil taught something similar to the teaching of wuwei. She called it Attention and she really put it into words that the western world can understand easier.

[@dantemullinsantone7089]

Love your channel and your videos! I always watch your videos the day the come out and rewatch them. Love how you always take a scholarly approach to talking about religion without casting judgement, as well as your commitment to religious literacy. Big fan!

[@leminjapan]

What a great video. Not only did I learn a lot, but I finished wanting to learn more. You're a great educator!

[@jacquesdemolay5171]

This was one of my favorite videos of yours yet. So incredibly informative, leaving much to contemplate (as is often the case with your offerings). Thank you.

[@antoniobarbalau1107]

Your work is simply amazing. Comprehensive, well researched and really well presented. Thank you for everything you do ❤You enrich your lives with every video ❤

[@jmarshell1]

An exceptionally fine presentation of Daoism as a religion. Can't wait for the next video. You can tell a lot of work went into this, but with such a large, diverse, and ancient tradition, I hope future videos on this topic will be less compressed. ☯

[@hillbillypowpow]

My excitement is immeasurable and my day has been made

[@user-if4nx2jn8r]

I love these videos, I like all this channel's content that I've seen but these ones that really delve into the history of these religions and philosophies are some of my favorites.

[@testianer]

The Zhuangzi is one of the most insightful, life-affirming and, yes, amusing, books I've ever read.

[@auseziegieteursucraineiwst3680]

And Zhuangzi himself is a pretty interesting person

[@Jorge-xf9gs]

Definitely life-affirming. Kind of Nietzschean, or rather the other way around.

[@dohboi6987]

You nailed it my brother. This is the best explanation of that which cannot be described. Well done!

[@jejehdh]

Thank you so much for covering something that I am so interested in. Have a wonderful day

[@peterpayne2219]

I really like this video. I live in Japan and have always been fascinated with Eastern religions/philosophies. You never fail to impress me with tje videos you make.

[@mudgetheexpendable]

Just defining the subject is difficult enough, so tackling the subtleties of active daoist usages will be daunting. I'm very grateful you're undertaking the task.

[@cheri238]

Love your videos. Just found this about a week ago. Thank you for assisting others to greater knowledge. ❤️

[@trevorjennings720]

Hello Anna, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the Virus?

[@rolandemiltoledo1283]

Wow, this seems very timely for me. Great stuff as always!

[@kori228]

ey yo finally covering daoism. nice 1:21 this is a common misconception but not correct: Peking is not Wade-Giles, it's an older Postal romanization (itself a sputtering of older romanizations). Actual Wade-Giles would be Pei-Ching. Same with Nanking -> Nan-Ching you can tell it's way older because it preserves a sequence that has gone through sound change in modern Mandarin Chinese

[@mythosandlogos]

Excellent work! A great overview of a tradition which refuses to be boxed into an easy definition.

[@phazecat446]

Excellent presentation. You've got a ton of important points in place in a consumable manner

[@alessandro_natali]

As always, this videos are a source of insightful, complete yet simple and captivating sketches of a until now uncovered religion/philosophy.

[@hellwithit]

I always look forward to the release of your vids. You do A good job of it

[@Kimarusco]

So excited to watch this, ever since I found your channel I've been looking forward to hearing you discuss Daoism!

[@Kimarusco]

@Muriel Torres what

[@Omnimalevolent1]

For those looking to read the Tao Te Ching, I recommend the translation by Red Pine. I've read dozens of translations, and this is by far my favorite. I feel that it tries to tell truth within the contradictions of incomplete or mistruths. It is a rewarding literary work which uses words to build a framework for thought that goes beyond those words. Do not read it literally, do not trust its words, but rather it's message.

[@krioni86sa]

Link?

[@taolex77814]

Red Pine is good! The commentary is really helpful while the translation is mostly great. It has a few minor eccentricities, but it nails most passages and the commentary is just fantastic.

[@taolex77814]

But I would say that the words are good as well.

[@nodu6414]

it's very poetic and nice, however many sentences are quite different from other translations, possibly due to use of different manuscripts. Best to read multiple

[@Omnimalevolent1]

@@nodu6414 Red Pine goes into detail about how, he does indeed source a variety of different scripts. His goal in translating is not to simply translate a singular accepted script, but rather to flesh out the history and cultural context it contains; I have not seen another that shows such an extensive approach in this regard. The Tao Te Ching quite literally states in its opening verse that spoken/written words are not the true nature of those words, that they are but an Eidolon that lacks the nuance and texture those concepts hold. A focus on precision in translation is shows that the translator just doesn't understand the work at all; the greatest disservice you could do to this complex work is to prioritize the accuracy of the word for word translation, instead of focusing on the spirit of the work. Red Pine's translation is one that seeks to understand and convey centuries of thought and cultural evolution, rather than to relay just what will always be an imperfect translation between modern English and millennia old Classical Chinese.

[@anniemacleod8264]

Absolutely loved this ep, I'll definitely have to do more research on daoism!!

[@the_zsriverpanda]

I have not seriously studied Daoism in any capacity, so take what I say with a grain of salt and all that. But I do have a few (hopefully sensible) points to make. 1) I don't know about any other field, but I'm pretty sure in academic philosophy, Chinese philosophers do make a distinction between Daoist philosophy or Daoist thoughts and Daoist religious practices. 2) In Taiwan at least, those who are well read on Daoist literature or philosophy and those who are strongly devoted to Daoist religious practices are generally not treated the same and generally occupy different social spaces, with the former being seen as scholarly and the latter a little "cult-y." (This is not to say Daoist practitioners do not read Daoist texts. I'm sure many of them do.) 3) While "道教" can be, and often is, interpreted as "Daoist teachings," it does invoke a religious connotation (at least to a lay person). For reference, Buddhism is called 佛教, Islam 伊斯蘭教, Hinduism 印度教 or 興都教, and Christianity 基督教 respectively in Mandarin. Notice they all have the character "教" at the end to denote they are religions. Or a more straightforward point may be the fact that the English word "religion" is usually translated as "宗教," and vice versa. 4) On the other hand, I don't think "Daoist lineage" is how people usually read the word "道家." According to the dictionary composed by Taiwan's Ministry of Education, one definition of the word / morpheme 家 is "an academic school of thought, e.g. 'Confucianism,' ' *Daoism* ,' [...]"* (學術流派。如：「儒家」、「道家」、「百家爭鳴」、「一家之言」。). And I believe this reflects how people usually interpret the word 道家, more as a school of thought or a philosophy, with Laozi and Zhuangzi being its representative figures, than a religious practice which may be inspired and built upon the philosophy. (*the dictionary entry for anyone interested: dict.revised.moe.edu.tw/dictView.jsp?ID=5502&q=1&word=家#order1 )

[@waltonsmith7210]

Yeah but how much of that attitude is influenced by the west? Would this have been the attitude hundreds of years ago?

[@aphemorpha]

This is such an interesting video and the Dao is such an interesting concept because it is very in line to what I've individually concluded about the world.

[@sandro-eliesaad9541]

Awesome video as usual 👍🏻 keep it up!

[@TheMegamanhero]

Qi+!!! This video was absolutely sooooo fun! Period! Thanks RFB this really was a great stepping stone into meditators mindsets when it comes to true historical daoism. Made my year!🎉

[@Zubinrube]

I’ve been wondering where this video was for a while. Glad it got made :)

[@xiaomaozen]

Wonderful video! Very well researched and thorough! Love it! 😊🙏

[@MaryamMaqdisi]

Daoism was the first thing that truly challenged my religious identity, I’ll be forever grateful for that even if I definitely don’t practice it today

[@DanielPschaida]

Excellent introductory overview!

[@koganinja100]

Wow Lots of info in a small amount of time, I have been involved in martial arts for many years and consider myself Daoist to some extent before watching this video I was sceptical of its content however after watching it I was pleasantly surprised, will pass it on to my friends thank you very much. All the best from down under Lewis Sydney Australia 🙏

[@seanceforseven6134]

I rarely make comments but this is my favorite youtube channel . Thank you Religion For Breakfast.

[@MadHatter42]

RFB always does a great job of balancing between scholarly rigor and humility before the subtle, loving nature of religious thought and cultural diversity. Excellent work summarizing a vast and wibbly-wobbly body of beliefs and practices

[@jon6309]

Thank you for this informative video, I think you did a good job with researching and delivering your findings in a way that is easier to comprehend. I was surrounded by religion all my life. My mother is a devout Catholic turned Judeo-Christian. I was never really a social person but during college it was always the religious students who always tried to befriend me and later attempted to convert me into their religious circles which never really worked out. I was irreligious but that didn't mean I denied the existence of God or a higher power but it was just difficult for me to relate and agree with an organized religious group to comprehend it. I got into divination as a way to cope and try to understand a higher power and was really into it until I found the system to be flawed leading to more trouble than it was actually worth. When I got into philosophy that's when I discovered Daoism and it was so liberating to learn this because I finally found something that I agreed on how I should live my life and view this existence in all levels! Going with the flow has always given me the best results in life effortlessly because it's what nature and the Dao intended it to be! I truly learned to trust and accept the reality I co-exist with for what it truly is. I would have never thought I would follow an eastern religon growing up but all religons are based off philosophy so the best way to pick a religon is to learn it's roots of philosophy to see if it's something you agree with. It will save you a lot of time trying to find a religon and there is so many people out there who will try to confuse you with your decision process!

[@dr.gaosclassroom]

It is so wonderful that you find Taoism helpful in life. I felt the same way, especially the more elaborated version of Taoism in Zhuangzi. I am a philosopher, too. I have made a few videos on Zhuangzi talking about how Zhuangzi's thought help me to get through the most difficult time in my life. I would love to share thoughts with you, here is my first video on Zhuangzi: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i17LXoywbLiAqrc

[@deacudaniel1635]

I didn't expect this channel to cover Taoism as well.I've got fascinated by Taoism recently and became one of my favourite aspects of Chinese culture. I also appreciate your effort to pronunce those names and terms correctly although you are not a Chinese speaker.Just a little correction: I think the 家 in 道家 would be more accurately translated as "school of thought" than "family/lineage", so 道家=Daoist school of thought.

[@shervinmarsh2456]

Yeah, thanks for trying to pronounce the Chinese correctly. You did that very well.

[@deacudaniel1635]

@@shervinmarsh2456 He got pretty close to the right pronunciation even though he hasn't been learning Chinese.

[@MGustave]

@@deacudaniel1635 It was impressive. So many people who speak no Chinese put in no effort whatsoever to pronounce pinyin correctly, and as RfB shows, it isn't an insurmountable, or even all that difficult, task.

[@deacudaniel1635]

@@MGustave Yes.So it's not exagerrated to demand people who don't speak or aren't learning Chinese to just google the correct way to read pinyin and try to say them correctly if they are going to mention Chinese names and concepts in their discourse.

[@octem2251]

道 the Way, the Tao (also means road, or method) 家 school of thought (also means home, or family) Both have several meanings. But in 道家 they took those specific meanings and form "Taoist school"

[@carolynsilvers9999]

Very informative. I've learned so.much from your presentations over time.

[@trevorjennings720]

Hello Carolyn, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the Virus?

[@charliesimar7541]

Very interesting video. I consider myself as a daoist fellow traveler. I have read Dao Te Ching and through my limited understanding have tried to follow the dao and practice the principle of wu wei. I find it satisfying.

[@harrisralston]

These videos are always so class

[@sylwesterkukuka3592]

Thanks! I learned a lot today!

[@mattjohnson9753]

Dr. Henry - Your channel is wonderful, interesting, concise, so well presented. Thanks for what you do!

[@joelaichner3025]

Fun to listen to someone who seeks knowledge and then shares it ! So Cool !

[@ydtmrc]

would love to see a video on tengrism definitely some conceptual overlaps with daoism or at least some parts of it :)

[@TsjuunTze]

As a (Western) Taoist teachter I really enjoyed watching this and you did a great job explaining. I do think the Liezi texts also deserve a mention :-)

[@RainbowMuse2]

Another exceptionally well done video. Thank you for your good work. I’d support the channel if I were in a position to do so, but the Dao isn’t flowing that way right now.

[@jacasadia]

Thank you. Very informative and interesting.

[@d512634]

I remember that you said you haven't seen a religion in Video games which has grey areas or fuzzyness. I think The Elder Scrolls series has multiple religions which fit this description and I hope you check it out. This is a very nice video and I am looking forward to the next topic of Asian religion from you.

[@wthMerhaba]

I don't know if you're familiar with Eckhart Tolle, but his self-help book "The Power of Now" really felt similar to Daoism in a way.

[@jonathontorres948]

Greatest book of all time

[@sabrinamyrick6902]

This was a sign. I love him.

[@andythedishwasher1117]

I used to work right down the street from that mural in Springfield! So pumped that you included it!

[@woodygilson3465]

Been here since 2009 and had no idea. Where is it?

[@dlloydy5356]

Really interesting information and explanation. Thanks

[@beansnrice321]

Been waiting for this one. =)

[@songziyun8515]

What a great video about Taoism! As a Chinese I can't understand Dao until this video explain it in plain language! Thanks!

[@glennsimonsen8421]

Your comment should be pinned at the top of Comments. Daoism appears to be an epic mess of contradictory and provincial beliefs, philosophies and cultural practices dependent on place, time and community you belong to. It takes a Westerner to give a broad overview of what it is, isn't, and may or may not be even to a Chinese. As such, it appeals to modern Westerners for its apparent lack of moral directives and prescriptions, its acceptance of a vast pantheon of gods, nature spirits, and for its hip yet ancient symbols like the yingyang, and easy to live wisdom such as Go with the flow.

[@JAGzilla-ur3lh]

Unsurprisingly, this did a better job of summarizing and explaining Daoism than several professional sources I've come across. I feel like I almost have some vague conception of what the religion is now, and that's better than they were able to do. Thanks!

[@redfullmoon]

Not a religion but a philosophy

[@taoistfox667]

@@redfullmoon No, it's both. You've not seen the religious side of Taoism yet. Because the video made this video for his viewer to understand philosophy, not for those who want to study deeply about Taoism.

[@thefisherking78]

This was really educational. Thanks!

[@xyalexandrexy]

well, your video about Daoism is among the best ones in youtube, of course, in English language. Moreover your sponsor is stunning, I am already subscribling on their site. Congratulations and thank you very much

[@markfromct2]

To me, it’s amazing most people miss the point about The Dao if you really understand it you should remain silent

[@herbalheroine1184]

I’ve been wanting a video like this since I found your channel, thank you so much😩❤️

[@mikemoreno3271]

I enjoy getting acquainted with different ideas especially "religions" and philosophies both ancient and current with the Dao being the most recent. I must admit that I have only begun to explore a handful of cultures but I am yet to come across one that doesnt carry an echo of the Dao

[@mirandak3273]

Some thoughts and/or questions. Thanks for looking at this topic!😊 I think Daoism was an influence on Chan/Zen Buddhism. What do you think? Maybe a video or two? How about one discussing the Eight Immortals?

[@ReligionForBreakfast]

I’m planning a multi-episode series on Daoism! Zen Buddhism is currently in the works for the Buddhism series, but I’ll see if I can fit in info on the overlap.

[@ngonfinda9606]

@@ReligionForBreakfast fu talisman would be cool to cover and ancestor veneration

[@lm7338]

The segement around 11:00 made me think of when you work or do something and you enter the "flow"...fitting name. Perhaps it was coined with the dao in mind?

[@Calpsotoma]

That butterfly dream story pops up a lot in Japanese media. Digimon especially loves it with Hacker's Memory using it to explore transhumanism. One of the characters has an illness that requires a digital mediator for her memories. By the end, she has the choice to choose between dying as a human or living separated from her friends free to travel the digital world as a wholly digital being. That strikes me as similar to the story of the turtle that would prefer to drag its tail through the mud.

[@masscreationbroadcasts]

1:40 I remember last week hearing about the concept of "Spontaneous Order", meaning that there's a way for large scale chaotic systems to organize themselves in a stable form. It's how Anarcho-Capitalists believe the market will operate like in the absence of government, and this reminded me of that.

[@daltsu3498]

Best video on daoism I've ever seen. Good job 👍

[@donnhussey568]

That first line that you talk about at length... my first thought was "This is not the greatest Dao in the world, no, this is just a tribute!"

[@caijuu7775]

Yes! New RfB to watch on my lunch break

[@anubisfire5402]

Very nice and respectful. Thank you.

[@luislozano6073]

Very interesting how translations change our conceptions of so many things

[@corrupt1238]

Thank you, very informative

[@4sername]

The opening line of the Tao is so iconic. I remember the first time I read it, it blew my mind yet it is so simple. It took me years before I had the revelation that allowed me to understand it. I might be revealing too much here, but I have always had this feeling that I used to be a monk in a past life and the more I explore the feeling, I believe I was a Taoist monk. Thank you for the video, it really hit home. It would have been cool if you talked more about the funeral practices and one's family needing to participate in completing one's journey in the afterlife, it is super vital to the belief system.

[@nyhyl]

You can highly resonate with something without having been a monk in a past life. It seems to me like jumping to conclusion...especially since Daoist don't believe in a past life. A more daoist explanation would be you simply recognized that Daoism makes sense and you recognized in its teachings the root you come from and exist based on.

[@alohi79]

Ty for making this 🤙

[@user-iq9pe4ls2j]

While correct in principle (namely that it’s a transcription system that’s not Pinyin), I’d like to point out that ‘Peking’ is not in Wade Giles (where it would be Peiching.)

[@lshulman58]

Great video (if a bit long-winded) Another theme in the Zhuangzi you did not mention: people of lower status are often the "heroes" of his stories: the deformed, dwarfs, maimed, servants (you did mention the butcher)... Philosophical vs. Religious Taoism? Hmmm... I am reminded of your video on what it means to be religious - the three Bs: belief (philosophical), behavior (ritual practice/religious). Then "belonging" might fit with the sectarian Taoism (Organized Taoisms) you go on to discuss? The images of the Daoist deity Mazu bare a striking resemblance to images/statues of the Chinese Buddhist Kwan Yin (goddess of mercy). Both images show the female holding what appears to be flask with opening pointed down. One wonders if one or the other tradition was perhaps influenced by the other. Asking "how many Taoists are there?" and basing the answer on how many people participate in one or another of countless practices more or less loosely associated with Taoism, might be like determining the number of Christians based on how many people celebrate Christmas. There are tons of people who celebrate Christmas but are otherwise "non-religious" or do not "belong" to nor attend any given Christian church. And then there are those who "don't call themselves Daoists but might practice Daoist meditation or Tai Chi" - this would be like the countless Americans to practice yoga but would never call themselves Hindu!

[@artbanks27]

The Dao complexity it's what makes it very easy to understand. If you know you know, if you know teach.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Brilliant channel.

[@christophmahler]

Fine introduction. A great preparation to introduce Westeners to their own tradition of *_Romanticism_* which is usually distorted by 'enlightenment' bias...

[@elderhiker7787]

I often describe myself as a Zen-daoist-stoic-Episcopalian. Which is to say I incorporate and blend elements of all these traditions and hold all of them reverently in my thoughts and actions. I guess you could add Hinduism too because I practice Trancendental Meditation as taught by the Maharishi Yogi. It works for me.

[@Tom-sd9jb]

Interesting!

[@hungsu9204]

Superb explanation.

[@joeshmoe8345]

Waaay too cool, thanks a bunch for sharing with us big dog.

[@welcometonebalia]

Thank you as always.

[@ashtoncarriveau3880]

I would love for you to cover more far eastern religious grounds. I feel like it's something the west, myself included, know so little about. One topic that might be interesting to cover is the Falun Gong. I feel like they have such a disproportionate influence in western outlets due to their anti-CCP stance and the Shen Yun, but no one really talks about what they believe or their odd place in specifically diaspora culture.

[@Onerom4728]

Great video, now we need a video about Korean shamanism.

[@anonymousAJ]

I interpret the butterfly dream more as becoming absorbed in life as it exists in the moment as opposed to living in a conceptualization. The dreaming sage is completely absorbed in being a butterfly, and the waking sage is completely absorbed in being a sage

[@mattstefon4878]

good vid on one of the most difficult “religious” traditions to cover.

[@praetorfenix69]

Minor correction, "Peking" is not Wade-Giles but comes from an old postal romanization based on the Nanjing dialect.

[@shattered_lightsb8381]

I would also recommend reading the “Qing jing jing” to anyone interested in practices of daoism, this is a great text that mixes Buddhist and Taoist thought

[@tristanmisja]

I agree, but there aren't many good English translations...

[@shattered_lightsb8381]

@@tristanmisja Derek Lins translation is pretty good, he goes into detail explaining the whole text

[@cheukguanting123]

"道可道，非常道。名可名，非常名。/The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name."