Taoism related authors and writings

[Pariahprose]

So I finally picked up a copy of Laozi Tao Te Ching. I had read bits and pieces of the Tao before but figured a hard copy of my own was worth investing in and reading. It just intrigues me about how Taoism(modernly called Daoism) has ideas that I have considered before and how I can relate and understand its concepts of opposites,irony,and seeming contradictions. Who are some other good authors who have Taoist based beliefs or just general good writings in the Taoist mindset? So far I have come across Daumal,who seems to be either a Daoist or maybe Zen Buddhism. Also, I know one big difference in Daoism and Buddhism is that Buddhism rejects and renunciates natural desires while Daoism does not,is the same true of Zen Buddhism? Also,what are yalls general thoughts on The Tao Te Ching?

Pariahprose

 

[Thorns Have Roses]

Zhuangzi, and you should pick up the I Ching (I'll switch between pinyin and wades-giles at my leisure, darnit ) if you haven't yet.

 

[TheAppleCore]

Buddhism rejects and renunciates natural desires while Daoism does not,is the same true of Zen Buddhism?

No.

 

[HoneyRoastedPeanut]

Not sure if this is too obvious/mainstream, but The Tao of Pooh and The Tao of Piglet were the books that helped me understand Taoism.

 

[cire113]

So I finally picked up a copy of Laozi Tao Te Ching. I had read bits and pieces of the Tao before but figured a hard copy of my own was worth investing in and reading. It just intrigues me about how Taoism(modernly called Daoism) has ideas that I have considered before and how I can relate and understand its concepts of opposites,irony,and seeming contradictions. Who are some other good authors who have Taoist based beliefs or just general good writings in the Taoist mindset? So far I have come across Daumal,who seems to be either a Daoist or maybe Zen Buddhism. Also, I know one big difference in Daoism and Buddhism is that Buddhism rejects and renunciates natural desires while Daoism does not,is the same true of Zen Buddhism? Also,what are yalls general thoughts on The Tao Te Ching?

Pariahprose

IME the Tao Te Ching and Bhagavad Gita accurately reflect the best in words the nature of "life" and the universe or "all that there is"..

It is great stuff to read; and i would really encourage you to try to do some forms of meditation or entheogens(for spiritual purpose and intent) which will really help you dig deeper and develop more experience for some of the stuff that is explained in those sacred texts

I believe we dont give enough credit to the Ancients and the knowledge they might have possessed about the nature of reality and life

 

[TheAppleCore]

IMO the Tao Te Ching and Bhagavad Gita accurately reflect the best in words the nature of "life" and the universe or "all that there is"..

IMO, describing the fundamental nature of reality is far from the purpose of Taoism. Taoism is more like a form of therapy, in that its ultimate purpose is to help you live your everyday life in a more intelligent and pragmatic way.