| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
dusty
Joined: 07 Mar 2010
Posts: 21
|
 Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2010 9:11 pm Post subject: Hello! |
 |
|
Hello, all. I stumbled across this forum while looking for general information on Taoism.
I've practiced Theravadin Buddhism for a while now and I've come across references to Taoism in my occasional forays into Zen. I've read the essential writings, but would like to know more.
As a mathematician, I've found the idea of duality provocative, but as an academic, I really like the idea of uselessness.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
becca
Joined: 12 Oct 2006
Posts: 5154
Location: England
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 6:21 am Post subject: |
|
|
hello and welcome to the Tea house 
beccaxx
_________________
Knowledge is like knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in your fruit cocktail.
Feel free to Pm or email derek and/or myself with any queries. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Al Dafirah
Joined: 16 Sep 2008
Posts: 2104
Location: West Country, UK
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 1:33 am Post subject: Re: Hello! |
|
|
| dusty wrote: |
As a mathematician, I've found the idea of duality provocative, but as an academic, I really like the idea of uselessness. |
Hi Dusty,
and welcome.
I'm curious as to what you mean by the above? what do you perceive as uselessness in terms of the Tao?
AD
_________________
saddening (n) = a method of applying mordants in dyeing and printing cloths, so as to give duller shades to the colours employed. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dusty
Joined: 07 Mar 2010
Posts: 21
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:36 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I was amused by a story in Zhuangzi about a tree so knotty and crooked that it would never be given a second glance by passing woodsmen, who wouldn't be able to get a straight board out of it no matter how hard they might try. Sometimes in my work I get so far from applicability that I feel like that tree. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Al Dafirah
Joined: 16 Sep 2008
Posts: 2104
Location: West Country, UK
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 9:02 am Post subject: |
|
|
| dusty wrote: | | I was amused by a story in Zhuangzi about a tree so knotty and crooked that it would never be given a second glance by passing woodsmen, who wouldn't be able to get a straight board out of it no matter how hard they might try. Sometimes in my work I get so far from applicability that I feel like that tree. |
ah yes, but if I recall, the end of the story is that the tree was not useless at all, in that it provided good shelter. It's all a question of appropriateness of use.
_________________
saddening (n) = a method of applying mordants in dyeing and printing cloths, so as to give duller shades to the colours employed. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
rickymoose
Joined: 16 May 2009
Posts: 959
|
| Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 1:52 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| dusty wrote: | | I was amused by a story in Zhuangzi about a tree so knotty and crooked that it would never be given a second glance by passing woodsmen, who wouldn't be able to get a straight board out of it no matter how hard they might try. Sometimes in my work I get so far from applicability that I feel like that tree. |
That story is my favorite. It is a great example of a mind flip.
And yes, the shade of the tree is the point but the real point is that our minds are narrow.
Like that tree, you may not be looking at yourself objectively.
_________________
My question for you is what do you do to make a difference in our world? Really think about that. So much needs doing and the smallest thing can change another's life. ~Jan |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
