I have been a Daoist for many years, I have also lived in China for the last 15 years. I think that I have a good understanding of Daoism, in my opinion this is a good video in many respects.
Excellent documentary which includes many beautiful and inspirational images and direct interviews with two Daoist monks. This is the most authentic information I have see anywhere on the internet about what Daoism truly is.
I've always believed the universe to be a living entity and we are all part of it. Part of the process of the universe in the way the atoms of our bodies make up us we make up the universe. Friend of mine told me about Taoism when I told him of my belief. have to admit i am starting to get quite fascinated by it. There is a lot to take in and by the same idea it's oddly simple too.
You all are sounding racist in your comments. Dao is for everyone just as nature. Only looking to see the race of a person vs listening to what is said is ignorance. You are those who will follow based on the superficial even if there is no value in a thing.
The easiest way to see Dao in action is watch good surfers who know the way of the waves, where to catch them and how they sense when the good ones are coming. Unlike Martial arts, it's easier to see the intricate details like the timing and placement of catching the right wave, the balance and changes and manurers they make. In essence, the Dao is riding the waves of change - time, seasons, health, social, economical, martial etc., adapting to them and in the best case, sensing them just before they're coming.
It's right there at 6:16. Authentic esoteric Taoism provides an amazing set of tools for understanding and working with the energies of the body. It is possible to unify meditation and martial arts as a practice through long training in Tai Chi, Baguazhang and Xingyiquan.
@Water is Water Some people just don't understand the most basic aspects of Tao. A human is supposed to see himself as one with animals, plants, the cosmos, everything, yet it is better if he or she is asian?
Qi can be translated to blood and breath/air, but it also translates to vital energy. The first level of Qi development is the small universe, the second is the grand or big universe.
Good day! This is Shiela Frias from the Philippines. We would like to ask permission if we could use this video as support material for our episode about different religions here in our country. Rest assured that once permitted, we will give proper credits and courtesy to you. We hope to hear from you. Thank you very much!
So when the daoist looks at nature and says "how beautiful" and stops there, does it encourage not to think too much? Thinking too much made me very sick one time in my life, but my thinking also helped me to be succesful and pass university, so I dont now when to think and when to stop thinking.
Probably a futile try, but does anyone know any temple/place in China where one can go and practice the philosophy of taoism? I have looked online but most of them are too commercial for my taste.
Beside what was already said, Dao is the creator, clearly mentioned in the Dao De Jing and Zhuangzi. Beside this, from the origin, Daoism has always had a religious dimension coming from the ancient Chinese religion which is older than Daoism itself and permeates the whole Daoist tradition. Dao is not Nature but the creator of Nature, Dao transcend Nature.
Lao Tzu would be horrified to see how the martial arts of today have corrupted the understanding of the Tao. Martial arts and Academia represent the polar opposite of his teachings. The Tao was lost long long ago.
Indeed many such artifacts remain. I traveled to many shrines and temples when I lived & studied in China & Taiwan... I consistently got the message that the militaristic artification of ALL culture began at the time of the first empire as vast amounts of shrines temples Tao and other ancient writings and teachings were destroyed. The Taiwanese National museum has an exhibit which also displays this theme that the Ancient Wisdom posed a direct threat to the Unification and authority. I am by no means an expert.And may have a narrow biased view. I could not help reflecting as I was reminded of the frustration of the humble guardians of culture I lived with and grew fond of. They had little respect for modern scholars and took much interest to correct the impression I had from reading western translations..All agreed the Tao has been used as a political/cultural weapon for a long time and most strongly object that the Tao portrays Nature as cruel or indifferent but rather as balanced and cyclic in perfect harmony. It is a fascinating history that one could spend several lifetimes of study on and still be intrigued by its mystery.
So true...Yes I was gwai lo in the south and wei gao mo gwai in the north and Ah do Ah (long nose) in Taiwan. But after many years I became Da Long and DongShiZhan and often enjoyed being the Bi Lin... thanks for the leads I'll be sure to look up
+Joseph wilson No the real question is "what is Tao ?" and this documentary gives a fairla good view of it. Once you get the "grip" of it all the rest comes of its own and the "martial" part of the art becomes a gymnastis/practise to naster your own being. Ha ve a safe and happy journey on your ownn "path".
Taoism or Daoism whichever or whatever way you want to pronounce it has some pretty common sense type of perspectives given just as Shintoism and Confusism and Buddhism does The Doctrines are pretty all inspiring and leave lots to be admired from the readers and listeners and hard thinkers. And Martial arts like Kung Fu, Karate, Tai Quan Doe, Zui Quan, and more fighting styles of The Far East are looked up to the most after Israeli fighting styles of Krav Magah or however you say it I may not say all the names right or spell them right making me kinda sloppy in some ways.
Taoism, like all "religions" and "paths" offers a solution to a problem that does not exist. Who cares what these guys, may have, thought several thousand years ago? They, like their books, are dead. Does it require belief in anything to appreciate a sunset? Our ability to think is a serious problem.
Maybe this is an attempt to bring easily understood elements to the public. But if this an attempt at explaining the mystery than it has fallen short. Also the attempts to explain with false metaphors undercuts the message.
china always avoidedwars and global calamaties>global crisis>>>why they always a lot of? because they always were logical>>peace and harmony is important>>> chinse are most non karmic nation>>love chinese>>>yang and yin
Get away from me, you're an ignoramus. But I want to learn. Then free your mind in calmness, combine your energy with openness, harmonize with things naturally and have no selfish biasness therein and the world will be orderly.
Certain minds from The West I will not say far West that belongs to The America's from all coasts. The Far Western teachings might be more similar to the Near Western Philosophical writings and sayings.
great documentary. the white "daoists" didn't add much tho. especially the American with glasses didn't seem to know the dao so well and only detracted from the video. maybe he can write a book, but he doesn't belong on this documentary.
Mik Sivac well both the Americans had glasses. I do feel that some American Academics who claim to understand foreign philosophies are motivated more about writing books for social recognition or even for money. The thing that impresses about these Daoists who live in the Mountains is that they attempt to disassociate themselves from the mess of Human society in order to better understand Dao.
+Bayo106 You may be right but the whole point of this video is to try to help us understand what is "Tao" just in case it couls be "useful" for each of us; and in that respect, I think they do it razher well. If you don't think so, be kind enough to tell us "in your own words" what is Tao. i am intrerested.
+Bayo106 Indeed, but the Tao te King has been subject to various translation with slightly different meanings, it is not so easy to understand for a layman and it is not the only reference text concerning the tao and Taoisn. As a result, one can undertand that Scholars, Masters, and other comentators endeavor to give us acommentary for it what it's worth. personally, I welcome this effort which I do not take for a "dogma" but a guidance.
Frederick Lindemann thats cool, its all perspective but even the tao te ching is not needed because chapter one said that the tao that can be spoken is not the tao. the book, like this video is just a reference to what is INNATE within us all. if only we stop distracting ourselves we will realise the inexplicable truth
![ILLSLICK - WINTER IS COMING [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dwTMeM1zIhQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I have been a Daoist for many years, I have also lived in China for the last 15 years. I think that I have a good understanding of Daoism, in my opinion this is a good video in many respects.
Excellent documentary which includes many beautiful and inspirational images and direct interviews with two Daoist monks. This is the most authentic information I have see anywhere on the internet about what Daoism truly is.
The best documentary about Taoism I have seen in my entire life. Bravo!
+Sint Nicolaas more like a football player
I've always believed the universe to be a living entity and we are all part of it. Part of the process of the universe in the way the atoms of our bodies make up us we make up the universe. Friend of mine told me about Taoism when I told him of my belief. have to admit i am starting to get quite fascinated by it. There is a lot to take in and by the same idea it's oddly simple too.
If you read Lao Tzu, even commenting here is ironic. However, at least we watched
I've been in that emptiness while practicing Taoist meditation. Change yourself not the world.
You all are sounding racist in your comments. Dao is for everyone just as nature. Only looking to see the race of a person vs listening to what is said is ignorance. You are those who will follow based on the superficial even if there is no value in a thing.
The easiest way to see Dao in action is watch good surfers who know the way of the waves, where to catch them and how they sense when the good ones are coming. Unlike Martial arts, it's easier to see the intricate details like the timing and placement of catching the right wave, the balance and changes and manurers they make.
In essence, the Dao is riding the waves of change - time, seasons, health, social, economical, martial etc., adapting to them and in the best case, sensing them just before they're coming.
It's right there at 6:16. Authentic esoteric Taoism provides an amazing set of tools for understanding and working with the energies of the body. It is possible to unify meditation and martial arts as a practice through long training in Tai Chi, Baguazhang and Xingyiquan.
thank you very much for this beautyful documentary
Wonderful primer to Taoism for anyone interested. Great job!
Very good short documentary on Taoism
"There are ways but the way is uncharted, there are names but not nature in words"...
I still prefer R.B. Blakney's translation after all these years.
Anyone here knows which version of the Tao Te Ching is being narrated?
mmm... I hate when they use western "experts" to explain something like Taoism. lol
just an attempt to relate to the audience mate, being that the video is in English its easy to assume English People are the target audience
There is oc no reason why one would need to be of a particilair decent too be an expert on something
@Water is Water Some people just don't understand the most basic aspects of Tao. A human is supposed to see himself as one with animals, plants, the cosmos, everything, yet it is better if he or she is asian?
Qi can be translated to blood and breath/air, but it also translates to vital energy. The first level of Qi development is the small universe, the second is the grand or big universe.
Great angle on, and explanation of taoism. Thanks for sharing :)
I missed your documentaries ... :-(
absolutely beautiful, short film does anyone have suggestions for a more in depth documentary?
Take a tai chi class.
you can get info from a film, but you will learn to be alive again when you surrounded by the living. nature is where it's at, baby! ;)
Good day! This is Shiela Frias from the Philippines. We would like to ask permission if we could use this video as support material for our episode about different religions here in our country. Rest assured that once permitted, we will give proper credits and courtesy to you. We hope to hear from you. Thank you very much!
Thanks brodah.
So when the daoist looks at nature and says "how beautiful" and stops there, does it encourage not to think too much? Thinking too much made me very sick one time in my life, but my thinking also helped me to be succesful and pass university, so I dont now when to think and when to stop thinking.
It highly enthralled me
please where can i go to get those beautiful music that playing in the background..........
The Dao is the dark energy that scientist cannot explain that comprises the majority of observable universe
GREAT DOCUMENTARY WORK
Probably a futile try, but does anyone know any temple/place in China where one can go and practice the philosophy of taoism? I have looked online but most of them are too commercial for my taste.
Greetings! We would like to use this video as our video insertion on our film.
What do you require for permission? Thank you!
The Tao that can be spoken is not the real Tao. That's the problem with all these modern western intelectuals and even chinese modern "sages"
Tao doesn't just refer to 'way' it refers to 'essence' of everything that appears to exist
+Easy Math Why is it not the dao?
+John Hanley it is written in the tao te ching by lao tzu.
+John Hanley in my opinion this video is a very good example and well articulated. truly an amazing way to start a journey and find your own way.
The Dao that can be named is not the Dao
what is the name of the music that is played at the end? If anyone knows that would be cool.
Name of the music , from 06.37 minutes until 07.00+, please....
i really enjoyed this :)
The Most Unique Religion in Universe. Peaceful, Original, Powerful and Interesting as well apart from any other religion.
Namaste
What does he say at 2:55? I can't make it out.
What is theme song from this documentary? would love to train to it.
Beside what was already said, Dao is the creator, clearly mentioned in the Dao De Jing and Zhuangzi. Beside this, from the origin, Daoism has always had a religious dimension coming from the ancient Chinese religion which is older than Daoism itself and permeates the whole Daoist tradition. Dao is not Nature but the creator of Nature, Dao transcend Nature.
Lao Tzu would be horrified to see how the martial arts of today have corrupted the understanding of the Tao.
Martial arts and Academia represent the polar opposite of his teachings.
The Tao was lost long long ago.
Indeed many such artifacts remain.
I traveled to many shrines and temples when I lived & studied in China & Taiwan...
I consistently got the message that the militaristic artification of ALL culture began at the time of the first empire as vast amounts of shrines temples Tao and other ancient writings and teachings were destroyed.
The Taiwanese National museum has an exhibit which also displays this theme that the Ancient Wisdom posed a direct threat to the Unification and authority.
I am by no means an expert.And may have a narrow biased view.
I could not help reflecting as I was reminded of the frustration of the humble guardians of culture I lived with and grew fond of.
They had little respect for modern scholars
and took much interest to correct the impression I had from reading western translations..All agreed the Tao has been used as a political/cultural weapon for a long time and most strongly object that the Tao portrays Nature as cruel or indifferent but rather as balanced and cyclic in perfect harmony.
It is a fascinating history that one could spend several lifetimes of study on and still be intrigued by its mystery.
So true...Yes I was gwai lo in the south and wei gao mo gwai in the north and Ah do Ah (long nose) in Taiwan.
But after many years I became Da Long and DongShiZhan and often enjoyed being the Bi Lin...
thanks for the leads I'll be sure to look up
My friends surname is Garcia his name is Lucas are you related to him?
It's all about qi which requires deep relaxation. Find ways to relax.
3:00 ,why there is a monk, that's Buhda, not Dao. It is like a Mumhamad showing in a church.
the real question what is the right way or mix and mash martial spirt or arts.
+Joseph wilson No the real question is "what is Tao ?" and this documentary gives a fairla good view of it. Once you get the "grip" of it all the rest comes of its own and the "martial" part of the art becomes a gymnastis/practise to naster your own being. Ha ve a safe and happy journey on your ownn "path".
cool
Yep! We'll tell you all about that thing you all do. Then you'll be sorted.
"a stiff character is easy to be broken"
Taoism or Daoism whichever or whatever way you want to pronounce it has some pretty common sense type of perspectives given just as Shintoism and Confusism and Buddhism does The Doctrines are pretty all inspiring and leave lots to be admired from the readers and listeners and hard thinkers. And Martial arts like Kung Fu, Karate, Tai Quan Doe, Zui Quan, and more fighting styles of The Far East are looked up to the most after Israeli fighting styles of Krav Magah or however you say it I may not say all the names right or spell them right making me kinda sloppy in some ways.
0:50 somebody put this guy in the next Street Fighter movie as Gen!
Thanks, music source?
look for Karunesh for example.
Taoism, like all "religions" and "paths" offers a solution to a problem that does not exist. Who cares what these guys, may have, thought several thousand years ago? They, like their books, are dead. Does it require belief in anything to appreciate a sunset? Our ability to think is a serious problem.
This is soo #Absztrakkt
Love it
Cool
The little sparow fights no one!
cool
YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
@1:35 he's doing this with his "hands".
This is why I hate it when more westerners talk about Taoism than the Si-Fu's who are truly qualified for this.
this is EXACTLY what taoism is opposed to.... it is a `performance`...depressing ;(
Then there's that old saying, of describing water Vs. drinking a glass of water. Drink The Tao.
kool
Maybe this is an attempt to bring easily understood elements to the public. But if this an attempt at explaining the mystery than it has fallen short. Also the attempts to explain with false metaphors undercuts the message.
The Dao is a mystery that cannot be explained.
That's why it is the Dao
Good good use Logocentrism
china always avoidedwars and global calamaties>global crisis>>>why they always a lot of? because they always were logical>>peace and harmony is important>>> chinse are most non karmic nation>>love chinese>>>yang and yin
Daoism = Methodism
The way in which to be
8:24
Get away from me, you're an ignoramus.
But I want to learn.
Then free your mind in calmness, combine your energy with openness, harmonize with things naturally and have no selfish biasness therein and the world will be orderly.
...western mind is funny when try to explain the "unexplainable"!
Certain minds from The West I will not say far West that belongs to The America's from all coasts. The Far Western teachings might be more similar to the Near Western Philosophical writings and sayings.
becoming obsessed with china.
道可道，非常道。说出来就不是道了
Such stupid explanation of Tao...
a few beautiful parts but they ruin it with poor documentary from two men that are not in harmony with Tao
+Gaia Best ...
+Gaia Best they said things that aren't talked about as much as others.
+Gaia Best yin and yang interconnected good bad left right tao dao too me it all seems relative and not so. I don't know or maybe just a idea
+Gaia Best Your comments show that neither are you "in harmony" with the Tao.
Frederick Lindemann
precisely why I replied as such
great documentary. the white "daoists" didn't add much tho. especially the American with glasses didn't seem to know the dao so well and only detracted from the video. maybe he can write a book, but he doesn't belong on this documentary.
Mik Sivac well both the Americans had glasses. I do feel that some American Academics who claim to understand foreign philosophies are motivated more about writing books for social recognition or even for money. The thing that impresses about these Daoists who live in the Mountains is that they attempt to disassociate themselves from the mess of Human society in order to better understand Dao.
Mik Sivac Being white somehow precludes one from being a daoist?
Dao isn't path, isn't shape, isn't law....so many words about nothing behind nothingness. DaoRen
exactly
+Bayo106 You may be right but the whole point of this video is to try to help us understand what is "Tao" just in case it couls be "useful" for each of us; and in that respect, I think they do it razher well. If you don't think so, be kind enough to tell us "in your own words" what is Tao. i am intrerested.
Frederick Lindemann thats what the tao te ching is for
+Bayo106 Indeed, but the Tao te King has been subject to various translation with slightly different meanings, it is not so easy to understand for a layman and it is not the only reference text concerning the tao and Taoisn. As a result, one can undertand that Scholars, Masters, and other comentators endeavor to give us acommentary for it what it's worth. personally, I welcome this effort which I do not take for a "dogma" but a guidance.
Frederick Lindemann thats cool, its all perspective but even the tao te ching is not needed because chapter one said that the tao that can be spoken is not the tao.
the book, like this video is just a reference to what is INNATE within us all. if only we stop distracting ourselves we will realise the inexplicable truth
this suxxxx. not about Nature at all ;(
+remy zero Mark, u said it perfectly !!
Blablablabla...
Tao/Dao is not "way".
Ken Able
It means how this university works, how this world works, how people living and doing. Why? Because I have read Tao Te Ching.
Western civilization cannot understand the concept of TAO, yet...because of its parameter of undetstanding the concept of reality..
The Dao is the dark energy that scientist cannot explain that comprises the majority of observable universe