Post by pitbull on Oct 17, 2008 10:18:41 GMT -5
DAILY WISDOM
¡°Better [is] a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices [with] strife.¡± [Proverbs 17:1]
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
CONDUCTING A SPIRITUAL AUDIT
1. Am I content with who I am becoming? Everyone is changing and becoming someone else ¨C are you becoming more or less?
2. Do I have a flow-through philosophy? Are the ¡°rivers of living water¡± flowing out of you or are you stagnant?
3. Is obedience in small matters built into my reflexes? Also, how do I handle disobediences? Do I give excuses or confessions? Do I foolishly either carry guilt or try to punish myself for what God alone can forgive¡ªand will?
4. Do I have joy? Joy is promised to us by Christ if our relationship is right with Him ¨C is it?
5. Does my family, friends, co-workers, etc. recognize the authenticity of my spirituality?
RELIGIOUS AWARENESS
Taoism (Daoism)
Taoism (Daoism) is the English name referring to a variety of related Chinese philosophical and religious traditions and concepts. These traditions influenced East Asia for over two thousand years and some have spread internationally. Taoist propriety and ethics emphasize the Three Jewels of the Tao; namely, compassion, moderation, and humility. Taoist thought focuses on wu wei ("non-action"), spontaneity, humanism, and emptiness. An emphasis is placed on the link between people and nature. Taoism teaches that this link lessened the need for rules and order, and leads one to a better understanding of the world.
The character Tao µÀ (or Dao, depending on the romanisation scheme) means "path" or "way", but in Chinese religion and philosophy it has taken on more abstract meanings. Tao is rarely an object of worship, being treated more like the Indian concepts of atman and dharma. The word "Taoism" is used to translate different Chinese terms. Daojiao/Taochiao (µÀ½Ì "teachings/religion of the Dao") refers to Daoism as a religion. Daojia/Taochia (µÀ¼Ò "school of the Dao") refers to the studies of scholars, or "philosophical" Daoism. However, most scholars have abandoned the dichotomy of "religious" and "philosophical" Daoism.
Most traditional Chinese Taoists are polytheistic. Nature and ancestor spirits are also common in popular Taoism. Organized Taoism distinguishes its ritual activity from that of the folk religion, which some professional Taoists (Daoshi) view as debased. This sort of shamanism is eschewed for an emphasis on internal alchemy among the "elite" Taoists.
Chinese alchemy, astrology, cuisine, several Chinese martial arts, Chinese traditional medicine, fengshui, and many styles of qigong breath training disciplines are intertwined with Taoism throughout history.