tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5842932455093396534.post7709337401859168992..comments2023-10-11T05:53:28.724-06:00Comments on Diary of a Daoist Hermit: A Few Words About the Gods of DaoismThe Cloudwalking Owlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753861683491740903noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5842932455093396534.post-43054283706063372542007-05-16T11:59:00.000-06:002007-05-16T11:59:00.000-06:00I really liked this entry, I felt like you really ...I really liked this entry, I felt like you really explained the dual importance of inner, mystical/philosophical/alchemical practices *and* the more exoteric, devotional aspects. In a sense I'm something of a religious "hermit" myself, but I have no problem in principle with revering xians or bodhisattvas.<BR/><BR/>As for symbolism being meaningless, I would suggest human beings are symbolic creatures. The very fact we are writing to each, employing symbols for communication, attests to that. <BR/><BR/>Religious symbolism is simply another form of symbolism. I see phil's point in that ultimately, we cannot express the inexpressable (the Dao that can be dao'ed is not the eternal/constant Dao, after all...). But if religious expression can *direct* us to Dao without trying to define or delimit Dao, then I think it serves its purpose. <BR/><BR/>The only time I have a problem with religious symbolism is when people claim to have completely grasped the Divine (which cannot be "grasped") through such symbolism. <BR/>But I also think Daoism in particular tends to avoid many of the common pitfalls because of how it regards the Gods.The Imugihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03122746089573605909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5842932455093396534.post-65763650755812819482007-05-14T20:37:00.000-06:002007-05-14T20:37:00.000-06:00A lot of things are benefits or problems depending...A lot of things are benefits or problems depending on how you look at them. What you call being "structured for the lowest common denominator" I tend to see as being "inclusive". <BR/><BR/>It is true that hierarchical religions tend to attract the power hungry, and I won't try to say that this hasn't happened in Daoism too. But there are elements to Daoism that have tended to minimize this tendency. First of all, because Daoism tends to be based on local tradition instead of a centralized ecclesiastic structure, anyone who wants to can simply walk away from any organization that they find oppressive. Secondly, there is a tradition in Daoism that no Daoist should ever criticize another Daoist. This minimizes doctrinal disputation and allows people the freedom to "do their own thing". <BR/><BR/>As to symbols being meaningless, I will simply beg to disagree and leave it at that.The Cloudwalking Owlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12753861683491740903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5842932455093396534.post-42816247479323305802007-05-14T16:02:00.000-06:002007-05-14T16:02:00.000-06:00One problem that I see with religion is that it is...One problem that I see with religion is that it is structured for the lowest common denominator. The hierarchical nature of religions, versus philosophies, tends to draw those who are hungry for power at the expense of those who are interested in their fellow travelers' well-being. <BR/><BR/>Symbolism in the end is meaningless.<BR/><BR/>Good article, though! ;>)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13631321885930210103noreply@blogger.com