Why a Taoist is a Threat to Society

Why a Taoist is a Threat to Society is the sixth video in the series based on my Effortless Living audiobook. In this video, I explain how the virtuous individual always presents danger to social, religious, and cultural systems that seek to bind humanity with superficial constraints. The individual who knows and follows the Tao is a threat because their way of being is liberated from the shackles of external influence. From the cultural, religious, and social perspective, these individuals are rebels who threaten to disrupt the hypnosis of the status quo. True and eternal freedom is loathed by the tyrants of cultural, ideological, theological, social, and religious dogmas, because when we are liberated by the true freedom that we can only find within us, we cease to conform to the machinations of tyranny. The rebellion of Lao-tzu’s Taoist Way has always posed a threat to the established order, especially in China. True Taoism was suppressed in the first decades of the People’s Republic of China (with people even persecuted during the Cultural Revolution), though it continued to be practiced in Taiwan. Taoism has often been scorned because the essential Taoist teaching of wu-wei is about surrendering your life into the comforting arms and the Way of the universe rather than conforming to social ethics. This eternal truth, known only by some people, frustrates those who know it not. In the eyes of an established ideology, theology, or organized religion, this experiential truth disrupts the social indoctrination that keeps the masses moving to the beat of someone else’s drum.
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[@merryquantagency2731]

There is something in Taoism that I find soothing nonetheless because it gives me some comfort as an individual.

[@mciddangelo9790]

The Taoist would be wise not to separate themselves from society. Beware of the walls of "this" side and "that" side. We are all within the Way. When you embrace excess - it is dangerous. Excess will unbalance your quest to knowing who you are. Remember that those who practice their Tao are no greater or grander than those who do not. Don't wrap yourself in self-importance, because of any philosophy you feel is better than another.

[@ryujitzu3547]

thx.

[@robertharrelson5024]

Excess that unbalances sometimes leads to suffering, surrender, and Self realization.

[@thelightofthejedi9811]

we also must each follow our own ideas of right and inspired action and if that is to break off from society, then so be it

[@CDArnoldMusic]

Powerfully put. No better, no lesser, just actively "also".

[@crashier]

@@robertharrelson5024 That is true for me. I thought I could figure it out on my own, and I tried many things leading to great suffering. I finally gave up saying, "I can't keep living like this, there's got to be a better way." Then asking for help and actually listening and trying the things other people said worked for them, even if it wasn't something I would normally do or try myself. It's been a process, to say the least, on figuring this life shit out

[@anitagee2089]

“Consciousness is dancing to a new rhythm and vibration both collectively and individually” Brilliant video 💙🙏🏻

[@yana112o92]

I finally found my way of life. Honestly, I actually feel weird why people wanna follow what other people do but can't impose my beliefs on them so I just let them be.

[@leqesai]

This is an interesting video but I don't really think such a complicated explanation of Taoism is necessary nor important in understanding Taoism. The Tao (The Way) is simply that which exists in perfect harmony between two opposing concepts. It is neither good or bad it just "is". Taoism is not a threat to society because a Taoist does not seek change. A Taoist simply exists in harmony with all things. One of the most important things to understand about Taoism is the principle of non-action. The more in-tune someone is with The Tao, the more they have accepted the importance of all things. Many people may find this difficult to understand, but the more in-tune someone is with The Tao the more they accept that even the most extreme ideologies/practices must exist. This includes acceptance of genocide, murder, rape etc. insofar as these things (horrible as they are) are a part of the natural order of all things. It is because of horrible things that beautiful/good things are so important and sought after. I find the message of this video, specificaly Taoism in relation to virtuousness, inconsistent with The Tao. Taoism is not about being virtuous or rebellious. Taoism is about being in harmony with all things. The depicition of Yin and Yang illustrates this perfectly. Spending your life helping others is just as far removed from The Tao as spending your life hurting others.

[@julianal.573]

¡!

[@3ggshe11s]

Fantastic video. Very well said. My wife considered herself a philosophical Taoist when we met, and a lot of her way of looking at the world has rubbed off on me over the years. I'm still drawn to the beauty and some of the traditions of the Western religion I was raised in, but Taoism has a way of bringing peace, connectedness, and clarity that other traditions don't, especially for one who feels largely out of step with modern Western society and culture. Collective unconscious and synchronicity... I gather you're a fan of Jung's works. I'm just now starting to explore him in depth. Jung would probably consider it an act of synchronicity that I found your video. Keep up the wonderful work.

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Beautifully said Adrian. I'm stoked you found me my friend. Please say hello to your wife as well.

[@drjimnielson4425]

Lucid and relatable synthesis and daring articulation of some not-all-that-spoken-of evolutionary/revolutionary insights.

[@jjayneartworkx]

The left and right hands of consciousness...individual and community. 🔄

[@josesantana27]

Nameste Jason, awesome! Awesome! Video you articulated how I've felt living in West. I definitely have more homework to do as I continue to learn Eastern Spiritual traditions like Hinduism and Taoism. Taoism is also tugging at my heart along with Hinduism. Powerful video Jason. Shanti! Shanti! Shanti. Thank you.

[@Yuzhou08]

Daoism is the philosophy of naturalism, humanism and nonconformist.

[@andyland2838]

Taoism. I thought it had the D for awhile as well...

[@3ggshe11s]

They mean the same thing. Just two different systems of translation.

[@timetravlin4450]

it is a pleasant philosophy But it disregards literal human nature. Humans constantly have conflicts with one another. It takes true effort and conscious awareness to hold back our human instincts like anger, jealousy,envy, ect . History shows Humanism is not universally natural although it is a philosophy to strive to. you can’t force others what to do and others want what they want. The whole idea of intellectual property not being a thing (I’ve heard some say that’s what they believe) will also cause conflict. What you don’t see as property others will and will try to claim it all to themselves. Does daoism teach to defend what they wouldn’t even consider their property?

[@theempathsbackyardara6563]

I am the one that can't be named. Tao Te Ching I think is the most beautiful words I have ever heard in my spiritual journey

[@thecrow3380]

Although I didn't know it, for over forty years, I've always been a taoist. And yes, society has always reacted to me in a non-inclusive, hostile manner. The non-inclusive bit suits me fine, but the hostility can be an issue.

[@gomey70]

The hostility wouldn't be an issue for a taoist.

[@thecrow3380]

@@gomey70 I'll try to bear that in mind, the next time I get stabbed in the neck, and have another blade into my chest and a lung punctured. Not so easy to be detached under such circumstances.

[@timetravlin4450]

@@gomey70 the problem arises when someone wants to steal your land how can you stand your ground? What if they want to inflict harm on others? Do you just let it happen?

[@thecrow3380]

@@timetravlin4450 Owning anything can be a risky business. As soon as you do, somebody considers trying to take it from you. The only easy answer is to forego ownership, and live a simple, poor existence. Often that's not even a choice you'd have the luxury of having to make :)

[@paulpuiwolee8868]

Love your narration! Thank you for this topic. I find it so enlightening

[@davlmt]

Unfortunately the average human nature implies that not so many people are willing or able to follow the Dao, so a confucianist approach is necessary at the level of society to 'enforce' or encourage ethics and avoid descent into hellish chaos where egotism greed and immorality prevail. Every individual should strive to follow the Dao, societies unfortunately need structures, constraints and somewhat arbitrarily paved roads.

[@meeksde]

davlmt Probably because no one has been able to explain what Thais amorphous “dao” is.

[@jsmth909]

following the dao has no benefit. You follow the dao, then after you die that's it. You cease to exist.

[@jgappy5643]

Enforce is not the Dao...enforcement is rather something that is used by authorities who don't believe in the Dao and personal freedom...

[@jgappy5643]

@@jsmth909 you cease to exist like the human youare, but not the energy you are. After death you return to the Dao...and what Dao is, is something you need to find out for yourself.

[@jsmth909]

@@jgappy5643 ok. But can you prove this 'dao' exists?

[@brendaleah5271]

Thank your Gregory,,. I was initially somewhat resistant to listening to your video.. Now, I'm grateful that I followed it through. Your message was very liberating..

[@cluck_cluck]

Bravo! Beautifully articulated Mr Gregory. Thank you so much for bringing the light of this liberating ancient wisdom into these tense and materialistic times. I’ve always thought “f*ck society” and for ages just assumed I had some attitude problem, but after getting an understanding of Taoism - thanks to your channel - I’ve realised that I’m actually going against a society that goes against the Tao/ the flow of nature. Sorry for the rant, a lot of this is new to me and a big breath of fresh air. Thanks again! 🙏 🙏

[@aurum8766]

I never understood some key concepts on Taoism. For example, in real life practice, the person who avoid conflict can only prosper when dealing with people of principles, truly bad intentioned people will take advantage of this avoidance and sense of peace, I don't know how the Taoist would deal with a psychopath or a thug for example,when ignore is not an answer or you can loose things that you can't loose.

[@drunkenmonkey254]

I don't think Taoism advocates for the avoidance of conflict, as much recognizing when it's necessary and when it's not. The Taoist question would be more like, "What are you trying to accomplish that you find yourself in conflict with a psychopath in the first place?" If you're literally fighting for your life, the Taoist would say to fight back with whatever means you have. If you're just, like, trying to get a promotion at your lame job, the Taoist would probably encourage you to think about what you're really hoping to get out of the situation.

[@wuwei943]

Well done!

[@darkphoenix2014]

I really 💕 this video! It’s so true. I know very little about Taoism. But this video got me seriously interested. I want to learn more. Best wishes and thank you for your video💕

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Thank you my friend. I have plenty of videos on Taoism for you to enjoy.

[@darkphoenix2014]

@@JasonGregoryAuthor Thank you. I will watch them for sure 🤗💕

[@kstar6508]

Precise 👑

[@ThatCologneGuy]

Is he from Melbourne or Sydney? Adelaide? I can't distinguish regional accents within Australia. Either way, cool accent.

[@stylembonkers1094]

We Aussies can't distinguish refional accents either. I have never heard an Aussie say, he has a Melbourne, or a Sydney accent.

[@gokouson180]

This video deserves more views.

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Thank you for your support, Gokou.

[@Daoistify]

Most Daoist temples were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. The sites that remain like Wudangshan region are tourist attraction and CCP approved Taijiquan schools mostly attended by foreigners. Mantak Chia has a more enjoyable school in Chiang Mai Thailand.

[@sabashukvani]

Great video!

[@syedmazood6863]

Super scenery 👌😍 God is Love Love is God

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Well said my friend.

[@syedmazood6863]

@@JasonGregoryAuthor Thank You friend..Being foreigner u r the first addressed me as friend bcs i am small town boy😂ur friend remind me nostalgia Tamil movie u should watch Tamil movie sooryavamsam to know this

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

I love Tamil culture Syed. I check the movie out my friend.

[@SBha30]

Beautifully said Syed.

[@warriorshedge6772]

@@JasonGregoryAuthor its hard for me to choose, im a christian but it feels very limiting and the concept of hell being a physical place of eternal pain is terrifying and has driven me insane nearly.. Yet i feel comfort in eastern philosophies but if i follow them, i feel as they I'll go to hell.. It hurts not being able to have a choice, that free will may not be as free as we think. I wish i could truly break out

[@mohamedouhari2557]

C'est super vidéos

[@kungfu390]

"Liberalism down everyone's throat"? That's pretty graphic for a piece about Taoism and appears to be forced here. Do you perhaps mean "neoliberalism" and maybe misspoke?

[@runswithbears3517]

Fantastic, and very well-worded!

[@flovv9357]

Well done sir. 👍👍

[@marksalazar4086]

Excellent video

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Thank you Mark. I appreciate it.

[@marksalazar4086]

Jason Gregory Yup! As a Christian who’s been influenced by Buddhism. I agree with what you said. Modern Christianity has been stagnant, we value the dogmas over experience and try to expand one’s mind, all dogma does is just trap you. That’s why I look into the Christian saints & mystics from both the East & West. And I do think learning from Taoism, Buddhism, & Hinduism would benefit Christianity greatly. And I’m seeing Christians slowly become more open to new concepts & ideas, which is good.

[@sofiasotres801]

💕💕💕

[@JasonGregoryAuthor]

Thank you Sofy.

[@julianal.573]

💐

[@joserics]

Nice video, been researching about Taoism lately and reading some texts... I always had a stigma about "religions" because of catholicism and how restrictive it is... Now I am lookin to the Taoism just as a way of approaching life, it is okay to live the Taoism without viewing it as a religion?

[@brujo_millonario]

Nothing wrong with a religion, unless you buy the whole package and become a fanatic.

[@wildheart3899]

Taoism IMO is not a religion, more or less a philosophy. In the words of Lao Tzu, "Tao that can be told isn't the eternal Tao"

[@RedDragonfly205]

It is not the religion that is restrictive it is the theology of the religion. Religion is the belief in a Father Creator anything more than that is Theology. (Kybalion).

[@cyberneticbutterfly8506]

@@brujo_millonario If it's just one person (not a fanatic) in the world who believes stuff that don't exist then its harmless. If millions of people believe in stuff that arn't real even if they arn't fanatics they cause problems by their very existence.

[@brujo_millonario]

@@cyberneticbutterfly8506 the only way to know what exists and what doesn't, is by practicing the religion yourself, for a long time. Nobody's going to give you the whole truth in a silver platter; simply because it's too valuable to give it to anybody just like that.

[@kathyprior4281]

Even though I know I won't have enough time in this lifetime to become a Taoist/advanced spiritual person, it still makes a lot more sense than many other religions and even New Age. (Non-duality vs lightworker/separation views) Are Hindus and Buddhists (and tribal/pagan paths) also rebels like the Tao? Ones who question the predominant religious and materialistic views we've all been brought under?

[@god5535]

To label a Taoist individual as virtuous would be to miss the mark entirely.

[@RedDragonfly205]

A true Taoist is seeking virtue but may never attain it. It is like climbing Mt Kosciusko or Mt Everest. You get to the top of the former You fail to reach the peak of the latter but get to a height that exceeds that of the former. Which is better? The path is onwards and ever upwards.

[@isabelledelon9089]

like it

[@philmcdonald6088]

be here now be still close eyes listen to your breathing rest in present awareness

[@oiiiich]

How can one embark on their own Taoist practice? Where is best to begin?

[@booboobunny5655]

By "liberalism" do you mean neoliberalism or leftism?

[@fredricclack7137]

am an Angry Taoist 😞

[@flovv9357]

"Great man are almost always bad man."

[@gilliantracy7991]

What is your definition of Liberalism?

[@Acquisition1913]

😎

[@marcelsandino5483]

Why do some daoists practice sorcery?

[@thecrow3380]

Because, as always, they are humans, doing what humans do. You can self-identify as a sea cucumber, but does that make you one ?

[@marcelsandino5483]

@@thecrow3380 mmmm

[@voltrondefofunv5708]

A threat to society?hmmmm must be peacful

[@ArricDev]

Oh no… I am bad for *society*

[@katejudson8907]

Speaking of traditions that imprison, sexism is one that ALL religions share. Can you show me a female daoist teacher, or is that your fear of ' liberalism shoving down everyone's throat'? Women hold up half the sky but are excluded from being taken seriously in spiritual wisdom.

[@iamg07]

Yeah yeah yeah. And without a coherent society with rules and standardisation there would be no science, engineering medical advances etc.

[@francisdavis1271]

... says the individual who doesn't truly understand... and if you are in balance you don't NEED these things. Nature practices engineering one may learn from it and apply as needed...

[@iamg07]

@@francisdavis1271 don’t be so ignorant. You do NEED these things. You’re just taking them for granted and letting other people do all the work while you live in a dream world.

[@timothyblazer1749]

This is correct, but not entirely. Standards which serve the purpose of providing food, shelter, energy and medicine are good. The Tao is about balance, after all. However, if you have a particular idea of government, religion or culture as "correct" or "best", this is not good. There are an enormous number of possible good outcomes, and to cling to one of them is to imprison yourself, and others. The Tao is a threat to corrupt power structures, but not to pure ones. I think the OP errs when he blankets "society" as the thing which is threatened. It would have been better to mention corruption.

[@iamg07]

@@timothyblazer1749 that’s more like it 👍

[@bgcvetan]

That's not why Jesus was on the cross.

[@sharysiba4161]

Wdym

[@3ggshe11s]

Sure it was. He defied the ruling authorities of his day by attacking their authority and calling out their corruption. Rebels who think independently and confront the system usually end up dead. Chinese translations of the Bible begin the Gospel of John by saying, "In the beginning was the Tao, and the Tao was with God, and the Tao was God." That pretty much says it all.