Waysun Liao : Dimension One

Waysun Liao —- Dimension One : the Laws of the universe according to Tao

Does theoretical physics affirm the Tao Te Ching ?

The technical sounding title of this book led me to hope this issue might be addressed.  But all we get are dumbed-down affirmations like:  "old Taoist wisdom is no different than the latest findings and most brilliant theories coming from today’s modern scientists". As the author calls  those ancient Taoists "scientists", he joins that propagation of populist ignorance that has  become so successful at undermining expertise on issues like climate change and pollution. Yuck!

The essential content here is a spiritual cosmology and guide to living - accompanied by relevant passages from the Tao Te Ching.  And apparently the target audience has  been identified as "suffering": 

 "The lessons of Tao can also help you navigate the ups and downs of your personal life. How? By explaining what has confused so many for so long: why, despite our best efforts, we cannot individually or collectively seem to pull ourselves out of suffering. Through understanding why suffering is inevitable and what causes it, you can employ the laws of the universe to reduce your distress and start on a path of more effective living."

I can’t really relate to this.  Sure, I occadionally suffer from  tooth ache or illness - but mostly I’ve had a very easy, rich, and pleasant life. I also can’t relate to the idea that most human thoughts, emotions, and creations  can or should be dismissed as "artificial".  I like being human.   We talk, build, argue, ponder, give, take, bargain, scheme, love, meditate —- and the last is no more authentic than all the others.

Nor would I deny what appears to be the reality of evolution: cosmic, biological, social, personal.  I see progress:  from lifeless rock to living planet; from one-cell organism to whales and elephants; from huts and caves  to great cities; from group chants to grand operas.  I live for progress - to both benefit and contribute - not just to have "more power and potential"- the goals which the author has presented for meditation.

Finally, I reject the notion of "heaven’s net" -  a big sticky spiders web of inevitable karmic consequences - complete with big hungry spiders - eager to respond to every errant thought or deed without exception or time limit.

But still I found many of the ideas and metaphors to be useful. For example;  universal consciousness as an infinite sheet of paper that crinkles up to create all the stuff in our world. And I’m charmed by the notion that it is characterized by the ability to think - rather than any specific thoughts.  Though I would disagree that it is more to be feared than loved.

From the passages quoted from the Tao Te Ching it does appear that such pessimism has had  a long history in China.  I respect that - but it’s not the world I inhabit.

So this book has helped me grasp just where I stand with Taoism.  I love the meditations - but the philosophy is in serious need of update.  (Just as with Christianity.  I love the art and music but ….. ). Has anyone ever called himself a Taoist-Humanist ?

It’s also gotten me more acquainted with the inner life of its author.  Though I once attended his school, I’ve never met him.  But he has trained or collaborated with every Tai Chi teacher I’ve ever had and  I continue to rent some of his many videos.