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Taoism/9701.taophil.hf

To: alt.philosophy.taoism
From: sirgray@clark.net (Harry Flashman)
Subject: Re: Similarities Tao/Wicca
Date: 9 Jan 1997 17:50:37 GMT

I think the best way to proceed in this inquiry is to begin a course
of reading in Taoism, perhaps starting with the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu,
and make the decisions yourself. 

However, in general, I would have to say that the personification of the
Tao as a God or a Goddess, is not universal, and infact many Taoists can
be Atheists or Agnostics and still fundementally be Taoists. Also, the
idea of rituals and magics are not commonly addressed, and in fact the
concept of ritual as blinding one to the Tao is often expressed. 

There is a tradiation of closesness to nature, but again this is not
developed in a worship or a ritualization. Merely sitting quietly in
communion with nature is enough. Fundemental to Taoism is also a concept
of "imparitalness" and the Tao Te Ching has many references to ending the
struggle to alter or influence events, and to merely allow them to occur.
this is tied into the idea wei wu wei, or doing by not doing, which would
be very difficult to explain, because is actually needs no explaining.
However, I do not think it's essence lies on rigid worship or ritual. 

As for the magical property of stones, or other objects, this would IMHO,
be a non-Taoist concept, contrary to the basic priciples that material
things are essentially worthless. While all things have the Tao in them
and are part of the Tao, an object will not bring you any closer to it. By
the same token, observing nature and drawing lessons from it, is valuable.
But the power inherent in a crystal to a Taoist would be no different then
the power inherent in a piece of wood, clay, of even him/herself. 

I have read the "rules" and "laws"of Wicca on your web page, and while
none of them are explicitly against Taoist prinicple, the Taoist would not
really recognise a "rule" or a "law" of Taoism. Also, the concept of a
"Sabbath" and "Esabath" are not heard of, and thus would not be observed
in a rigid fashion.

Without sounding harsh, I would have to say that the classification of
Taoism as "pagan" "neo-pagan" or "New Age" religion, would not be
incorrect, as Taoism is much more a philosophical approach, then a way of
worship, or even as a replacement for Christianity. You can be a Taoist
even if you are a Christian, Moslem, Agnostic, or Atheist. Perhaps even a
Wiccan too. 

Scott


nymue@erols.com wrote:
: Greetings,
: 
: I would like to hear others finding on the similarities between Taoism 
: and Wicca.
: 
: Nymue'
: http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/4893
: 

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