About - Tao Study Group
What is Tao?
The first question most people ask is, "What is Tao?" It is impossible to give a definitive answer to that question because describing the Tao in words puts a limit on it. The Tao is without limits but that answer is hardly satisfying. Here is one attempt at defining the Tao that may give you some idea.
"Tao is the way of the universe, its primordial root. It is the mother of all things: a process out of which arises the universe. It has a basic nature which Taoists described thus: nonresistant, pure, natural, pristine, simple, easy, clear, non-artificial, yielding and non-contentious. Taoists try to manifest these qualities in themselves."
Religion or Philosophy?
Followers of Taoism fall into two broad categories: religious Taoists and philosophical Taoists. Most of our members fall into the second group, philosophical Taoists. We believe that Taoism can be of great help in living a happy, productive life. We also believe that Taoist ethical principles can lead to a more peaceful world for all.
Our Members
We are a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, age groups, and belief systems who hope to improve our lives and the lives of others by studying Taoism. It's as simple and straight forward as that. For two of our members Taoism is their personal religion but there is never any proselytizing. If you want to know more about religious Taoism you will have to seek them out and ask them.
Meeting Structure
We have an audio/visual hookup with a Tao Study Group at the I-Kuan Tao temple in California and with individuals at different places in the United States and other countries. The normal agenda for the Tao Study group is a half hour talk by Bill Bunting, the founder of this meetup group, on applying Tao principles to our every day life. Then Derek Lin, who runs the Tao Study Group in California, gives a one hour talk about specific chapters from Tao Te Ching. Derek also gives examples of the practical application of Taoist principles. There is no dress code for the meetings. And most importantly, there is never any solicitation for money or pressure to officially become a member of I-Kuan Tao.
What is I-Kuan Tao?
I-Kuan Tao is the belief in the Tao, the eternal source. It embodies the truths inherited from the teachings of Lao Tzu, Confucius, and the Buddha which are the same truths taught by some other spiritual and philosophical traditions. From Lao Tzu comes the reliance on the harmony of people and nature. From Confucius comes the appreciation of good deeds and behaviors. And from Buddha comes the general concern for the masses and delivering all from suffering.
For more information about Taoism in general or I-Kuan Tao in particular here is a link to the main site in California.
http://www.taoism.net...
There is lots of good information there including a copy of the Tao Te Ching translation we use. At the bottom of the main page, there is a schedule of the upcoming meetings. You can access different sections of the site using the links at the top of the main page and the links in the blue boxes on the left hand side of the page.
The Tao Study Group runs from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM on Sunday afternoon unless otherwise noted. Please check our Calendar for specifics. You may attend the Tao Study Group without attending the Tai Chi Quan classes.
