First to Roy:
Again: if you write about the excepting of opposites and make the mistake of writing the opposite of what you intend to write - you are not acceting the very principle you are proposing when your only reaction is to delete the mistake but not to accept the fact of what you did there by saying so for instance. That's kind of cute and deserves some recognition which I tried to give to it.
The two-exercises-offer came from Dave not from you. I made a mistake.
The "make change by showing personal example" statement I agree on.
As a Taoist my main goal is to live a life in harmony I must confess I'm not really good in knowing what different religions stand for. I was brought up as a Christian. But actually I don't feel comfortable saying I am this or that. I am outside of any religion. Harmony is what I'm strivig for too. I find a lot of truth in many religions.
Throughout the day I try to interact in a way that doesn't create karmic mess ups. Nowadays I create the most karmic mess because I'm too tame.
I do NOT believe in a single God or deity. I believe man created the idea of God. I'm not so sure about that for me. I guess the belief in God or Godess has to do with the belief in oneself. To say men created the idea of god is for me as valid as to say god created the idea of men.
Taoists are not political by nature. I don't belive I belong to a certain group, as stated above. It gives me a shiver to imagine to be part of a man made religious-system that is outside of myself.
We believe in nature making balance and take the path of least resistance. This sounds much too opportunistic for me. I guess it is not intended so. I think everyone has to make a stand for their beliefs, even if that includes personal disadvantages.
To Dave:
Are you a monk? You don't have to answer that, if it is too personal. I'm only curious. Thanks for the detailed answers. I tried to answer my questions myself but whatever I came up with was so very wage and general that it bored me to death. I'm still awaiting the exercises you promised to send!
Ulrike
