Greetings,
I have finished reading 'Nine Nights with the Taoist Master', by
Master Waysun Liao. I have thought about it and tried to find an
approach that would illicit understanding. Reading this book has
been very helpful. I had read two versions of the Tao Te Ching and
did not get a clear understanding of text. I had also read a little
bit on the Internet, but still did not understand.
It seems there are 100s of translations of the Tao Te Ching, all
different, with different interpretations. Mostly wrong according to
Waysun Laio. It seems this is a tradition based on some highly
ambiguous text and secret transmissions.
I think it most reflects the MOQ in that Quality and the Tao are the
same. Waysun Liao writes, "... one must work on his mind, life
energy (Chi), and engage in the systematic practice that brings a
qualitative change to one's mind and body." (p.276) I totally agree
with this. And, I've always loved the Yin-Yang symbol, I have it
tattooed on my spine at my 2nd chakra. Intuitively it has always
seemed perfect.
As far as the text goes, I can agree where it points to the Tao being
indivisible, undefinable and unknowable. Most of the text, though,
is so ambiguous to me that I am not sure what it means. Which, of
course, is exactly why Waysun Liao wrote his book. And I am sure it
has been helpful to many. It did clear away some of the confusion.
I am a skeptic. I don't much like dogma of any sort (this is a
personal attribute). I have had instructions on meditation,
pranayama, and Hatha yoga. There are many traditions teaching these
techniques, and they all have value. I don't believe there is one
true way. I'm far too skeptical for that.
I am a feminist. And as a feminist I found the interpretation of the
teachings disturbing. I think that this world needs far more Yin
energy. It is way out of balance. This text was a man talking to
men. You can say it represents something universal, but I don't buy
it just because of some general statement that it is implied. I
found far more value in the words of Isabel Allende. And could
anything survive in this sick culture without the ironic humor of
someone like Ms. McKay?
So while the practices may have benefit, the teachings are not for
me. For me they do not address the Universal Feminine. Not even
remotely. To me, it's one-sided and laughable. As Jack Nickolson
said in the movie 'Witches of Eastwick', "Good for the man, bad for
the woman".
Now the thing is, I cannot prove I'm right. But neither can you
prove you're right. So why don't we just leave it at:
"While sustaining biological and social patterns
Kill all intellectual patterns.
Kill them completely
And then follow Dynamic Quality
And morality will be served."
(LILA, Chapter 32)
Marsha
p.s. I hope this does not personally offend anyone.
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars...
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