All about Taoism!

INTRO:

There are many different religions in the world, one of which is called Taoism. In this post I will be telling you all you need, or would want to know, about that particular religion.

FOUNDER:

The founder of this religion goes by the name of Lao-Tzu (picture on left). He introduced and explained the main Taoist concepts such as non doing, fu, and emptiness. Lao-Tzu applied the Taoist philosophy to humans as well. He also designed the behavior of political leaders and

princes. The religion was founded in China around 500 b.c.

FOLLOWERS & LOCATION:

Even though I do not fallow this religion there are 245 million people who do believe in Taoism. Only 20 million of which are actual Taoists, and 225 million of them are of the Chinese religion. But all are located mainly in China.

HOLY TEXT:

This religion only reads one holy book which is called the Daodejing, this book contains teachings of Lao-Tzu and translates as "The way of power".

TAOISM HOLIDAY:

Much like any other religion Taoism has a religious holiday. This holiday is called The Ghost Festival (picture on left). To honor this day, people who fallow Taoism put out offerings to please dead souls who are released from hell and walk on earth during this day.

RITUALS/CUSTOMS:

To practice this religion there are many things you must do to worship. First, you must meditate. Meditation is a self-directed practice used to relax the body and calm the mind. By meditating you are freeing your mind from harm and bad thoughts, which is required by this religion. Also, you must chant. This is the rhythmic

speaking or singing of words. People often chant to worship or to pray to their gods. Physical exercise is a great way to keep your body coordinated and your spirits high. Exercise is also promoted in this way of life. They also promote the use of natural medicines which are used to detoxify and clear the body of harm. Lastly, they believe in the concept of the yin and yang (picture below on the right). The yin and yang means good and evil and is known as the Taoist symbol. They believe it represents looking in the mirror and seeing that dark side of yourself, and they believe if you can see that side, you can change it.

DRESS/CLOTHING:

In china the Taoists don't have a certain dress code. Since Taoism is a way of universal life, they cultivate with the mind and not the body. Based on that, their clothing brings nothing to the way they express their ideas and free their minds.

ORGANIZATION:

Organization in this case means class. Who is on top and who is below them? Well, I'll tell you. In this religions social class the abbot dominates. An abbot is the spiritual and administrative leader of the Taoists. Prior to the abbot is the key manager. The key manager,which is assisted by an overseer and several scribes, who is in charge of the people who are willing to obey orders. Next is the provost, his duty is to be the main administrator. Fallowing him would be the meditation master who is in charge of spiritual practices.

Goodbye (=

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog about Taoism, if you are interested in reading more about this religion try out this link, it is very resourceful.

Until next time,

Mw3.

Why do people spread rumors?

So I was reviewing everything I have written up to this point and i decided to elaborate. One conflict that popped into my head is why DO people start rumors? In my opinion I think there are two reasons. One, is so that they can have something to talk about with other people. For example, you know when someone walks up to you and tries to start a conversation? I mean you respond, but after awhile your just kind of standing there in awkward silence. So you rack your brain to come up with a subject, and quick. The first thing that pops into your head is this rumor one of your friends told you. So before long you find yourself babbling out the whole story and without a second thought you are a contributor to a rumor. The second reason is to make you seem like a better person. If I went up to you and started talking to you about how you totally lied to your parents about where you were going, and actually went to a party, what would you do? Im not saying you would do this but most people would say "Yeah well did you hear what Kaitlyn last weekend?" Then you tell the whole story and BAM your problem suddenly seems rational. Even though these are not the most effective ways to solve a conflict, people find that they build themselves up by putting others down. To solve this common problem in our society I suggest "When in doubt, tell the truth." If someone like the person my second example came up to you and verbally attacked you about what you did this weekend, just simply respond "Yes I did all that, I'm sorry you don't approve, but it is nothing I am proud of either." You will get much better responses from people, because everybody understands that sometimes you just make mistakes. And it doesn't involve sharing someone else's mistakes, because you never know, they might regret their mistakes as well. Also, if your just standing there awkwardly, because you have nothing else to say, just simply tell them that you are drawing a blank and are tired of standing here awkwardly. It will most likely make them laugh, and before you know it you will be chatting it up about the most random things, that also don't involve putting others down. There, now you have the question AND the answer =)

Until next time,

Mw3

How to cope with conflict!

So about five minutes ago I read a blog on how to handle conflict in relationships, it was short, brief perhaps, but it helps if you think about it. One line of it that I absolutely adored stated, "All life is a dance. Most people try to move around the dance floor without stepping on anyone else's toes, but sometimes crushed feet are simply unavoidable!" How i took that is, basically most people don't want to hurt others, but sometimes, to get what we want, we hurt them anyways. Now I know I'm only in high school, what do we know, "blah blah blah" but I have opinions too and dealing with relationships maturely is something high schoolers don't usually think about. I'm into the whole sitting down and talking out the best way to solve a conflict, and most just ignore it, or scream and argue. Now I, personally, think those methods will get you no where! Ignoring the problem, only makes it come back to haunt you in the end (its better to just deal with it). And arguing, really? What in the world is that going to solve? If both/all of you are screaming your points at one another, do you really think its going to sink into the other persons common sense? Doubtful. So take my advice and calmly talk things out, you'll go a lot further. Well, there you have my opinion, if you want to read the other blog, feel free to do so, its quite interesting.

Until next time,
Mw3

Introducing My Community!

As part of Team Three I am excited to be blogging this year on the topic of co-existence
and you can call me Mw3. What I am introducing to you would be my social life! =) I have many problems that include my variety of friends, whether they be only the things I deem as a problem, internally, or what everyone else also sees as a conflict. All of these friends are within my school community, and some are ones that I have just recently met. This is basically an insight of all the drama that I usually don't like to include myself in, but if you have ever been a teenager you know how hard that is =) I have two really close friends, and all the others are basically just acquaintances. But because they aren't really close to me does not mean they Don't add drama to my life. I am extremely happy to be able to vent somewhere, and I hope you enjoy reading about my social conflicts.

Until next time,
Mw3