What's This Tao All About?
106 episodes — Page 2 of 3
Show 56 — The Tao of Happiness and Chapters 46 and 47
On this show we discuss what Lao Tzu has to say about happiness and delve semi-deep into chapters 46 and 47 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show 55 — The Tao of Carl Jung and Chapter 44
Dr. Totton digs deep into psychologist Carl Jung and his deep connection to the Tao. Later, we crack open the “Tao Te Ching” and investigate Chapter 44.
Show # 54 — Feeling the Tao, Dude and Chapters 35 and 43
Dr. Totton and Tod consult the wisdom of “The Big Lebowski”-inspired “Dude De Ching” to discuss societal organization and chapter 35 of the “Tao Te Ching.” Also, a listener writes in asking how to feel the Tao.
Show # 53 — The Environment and Tzu-Jan
Dr. Totton and Tod discuss Tzu-Jan which is known as the “heart of the Tao” and give some Taoist perspective on the environment.
Show # 52 — Taoist Morality and Chapter 28
What is the basis for Taoist morality? Dr. Totton and Tod take a look into the moral principals of Taoist thought. Later, an examination of Chapter 28 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show # 51 — Psychic Cleansing and Chapter 45
Dr. Totton shares some techniquesto help us cleanse our minds and free ourselves from attachment. Later, Chapter 45 of the “Tao Te Ching.” Right click to download The Mind, Cleaning, Karma, and Life.
Show # 50 — The Meaning of Life and Chapter 38
From a Taoist perspective, what is the meaning of life? Dr. Totton and Tod attempt to address this massive question in under 20 minutes. Later, chapter 38 of the “Tao Te Ching” a verse that Dr. Totton refers to as a “power chapter.”
Show # 49 — Your True Self and Chapter 27
How do you really find your “true self”? Does such a thing really exist? Dr. Totton and Tod examine the idea from a Taoist perspective.
Show #48 – 10-Day Gong and Listener Mail
Dr. Totton has created a ten-day gong to help people become more in touch with themselves and the Tao. Later, Dr. Totton and Tod answer a listener’s question about being in tune with reality. Right click to download a .doc of Dr. Totton’s”10-Day Gong.” >>
Show # 47 – Peace in Chaos, Chapter 10, More Alan Watts
Tod and Dr. Totton finish up their discussion on Alan Watts’Tao: The Watercourse Way, reply to a listener who’s having trouble living in these chaotic times, and break open Chapter 10 of the Tao Te Ching.
Show # 46 — Alan Watts’ ‘Tao: The Watercourse Way’ and Chapter 9
Alan Watts was one of the first major Taoist philosophers in the Western world. Here, Tod and Dr. Totton dig deep into his book, Tao: The Watercourse Way. Later, they crack open the Tao Te Ching to examine chapter 9.
Show # 45 – The Tao of Love and Chapter 39
On this show, we talk address a subject that isn’t often referenced in “The Tao Te Ching”: Love. Later, Tod and Dr. Totton discuss Chapter 39 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show #44 — “The Te of Piglet” and Chapter 25
Dr. Totton and Tod crack open the pages of “The Te of Piglet,” Benjamin Hoff’s sequel to the “Tao of Pooh.” Later they dissect chapter 25 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show #43 — The Tao of Anarchy
Was Lao Tzu an anarchist? Dr. Totton and Tod take a look into the politics of the “Tao Te Ching” on episode 43. “Anarchism and Taoism” by Josh
Show # 42 — Death, Forgiveness, and Chapter 24
Dr. Totton and Tod open the show with the story of a dying man who found strength in the final months of life through the Tao. Later, a listener has questions about forgiveness and Chapter 24 of the Tao Te Ching. “Accepting Cancer’s Challenges with a Little Help from the ‘Tao Te Ching'” by Jeffrey […]
Show # 41 — Chapter 13 and The Last Jedi
On this episode, Dr. Totton and Tod dig deep into chapter 13 of the Tao Te Ching to learn how to embrace disgrace. Also, some thoughts on the not-so-subtle Taoist messages in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Show # 40 – Balance and Chapter 23
What does Lao-Tzu mean when he talks about balance? Dr. Carl explains in our first episode of the new year. Tod and Dr. Totton also dig deep into Chapter 23 of “The Tao Te Ching.”
Show # 39 – Zen and Taoist Perspective on Knowledge
Tod’s book review of “Zen and the Art of Archery” sparks a conversation about Zen. Later, Tod and Dr. Totton discuss what Lao Tzu means by “abandoning knowledge.”
Show # 38 – Tao of Creativity and Chapter 19
Dr. Totten explore how the study of Taoism can help with creativity and dig deep into Chapter 19 of “The Tao Te Ching.”
Show # 37 — Chapters 11 and 18
Tod is going through a major life change so he asks Dr. Totton for some Taoist perspective on the issue. Later, they dig deep into Chapters 11 and 18 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show # 36 – Chapter 6, Listener Mail, Taoist Priests
On episode 36, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss how one becomes a Taoist priest. Later, they answer an email from a professional athlete and review Chapter 6 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show # 35 – The Western Mind, Taoist History, and Chapter 4
On episode 35, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss how Taoism acts as antidote for the Western mind. They also touch upon the history of Taoism and dig deep into chapter four of the “Tao Te Ching.”
34 — Digital Detatchment
Dr. Totton and Tod try and help a listener who’s addicted to social media. Plus, Tod has some great news about a potential guest. Brian Diedrick’s Digital Detachment blog
Show # 33 — The Essence of Tao and Listener Mail
What is the Tao, really? Is it metaphorical, physical, metaphysical? Tod and Dr. Totton discuss. Later, some hard-hitting questions from the show’s listeners.
Show # 32 — 10% Happier and Te
Dr. Carl Totton and Tod open the show with a discussion about ABC News‘ Anchor Dan Harris’ new book “10% Happier.” Later, they take another deep dive into the mysterious Taoist concept of Te.
Show 31 — The Tao of Pooh
Dr. Totton and Tod discuss The Tao of Pooh, Benjamin Hoff’s book that introduced the Western world to the Tao. Later, Chapter 25 of the Tao Te Ching.
Show 30 — Martial Arts and Christianity
Dr. Totton and Tod clear out their listener mailbox by answering some questions on martial arts and how Taoism, relates to Christianity.
Show 29 — Chuang Tzu and Indoctrinating Your Kids
Our show opens with a discussion about indoctrinating children into Taoism. Later, Dr. Totton and Tod crack open Chuang Tzu’s Inner Chapters to talk about his thoughts on what it means to be the “True Man.”
Show 28 — Tao Te Trump
The election of Donald Trump as president of the U.S. has sent shock waves though the world. So Dr. Totton and Tod share the Taoist perspective on political upheaval while working to better understand the Trump voter.
Show 27 — Women in Taoism, Chapters 22 and 26
Show 27 opens with a powerful email from a female listener with some questions about women and the Tao. Later, we dive deep into chapters 22 and 26 of the Tao Te Ching.
Show 26 — Tod’s Top 15 Finale, Meditation and Creativity
We open our show with the final five of Tod’s top 15 favorite couplets from the Tao Te Ching. Later, Dr. Totton discusses the two different approaches to Taoist meditation: active and passive.
Show 25 — Tod’s Top 15 and Listener Mail
After scouring through the Tao Te Ching with a highlighter, Tod shares his top 15 favorite couplets from the book. Later, Dr. Totton answers an email from a listener who wants to be more like Lu Dongbin.
Show 24 — Chapter 21 and Listener Mail
Our show begins with an email from a listener in Spain who has questions about a major change in life. Later, Dr. Totton and Tod dig deep into Chapter 21 of the Tao Te Ching.
Show 23 — Lu Dongbin and Chapter 20
Who is the mysterious Lu Dongbin? Dr. Totton and Tod look into the life and teachings of a Taoist immortal. Later, we discuss one of the most challenging chapters of The Tao Te Ching.
Show 22 — Re-Igniting Your Practice and Disagreements
After the birth of his son, Tod asks Dr. Totton how he can get back into good Taoist habits. Later, a listener has some intriguing questions about how to handle disagreements and veganism.
Show 21 — Chapters 16 and 14
Our show begins with an apology for a mishap that screwed up the audio on show 21. In this episode, Dr. Totton and Tod take on two very important chapters from the Tao Te Ching, 14 and 16. They also discuss how to develop empathy, dealing with difficult people, and an odd experience Tod had […]
Show 20 — Taoist Health and Tod Translates The Tao Te Ching
Dr. Totton discusses the Taoist perspective on health and how one can find balance through multiple practices. Later, Tod shares his translation of the Tao Te Ching that he’s written for the common man. The show ends with a discussion of Chapter 12 of the Tao Te Ching. The Immortals Weekend is coming May 21 […]
Show 19 — Living in the Moment and Listener Mail
The show opens with a question from a listener in Hawaii about how to raise a disciplined child. Later, Tod and Dr. Carl discuss one of the most important aspects of Eastern spirituality: living in the moment.
Show 18 — Binary Thinking, Mirror Mind, and Chapter 19
Tod and Dr. Totton discuss how the Tao is an antidote for binary thinking and can help people free themselves from entrenched worldviews. Later, they discuss the concept of the “mirror mind” and Chapter 19 from the Tao Te Ching.
Show 17 — Chuang Tzu pt. 2 and Chapter18
Tod cracks open Chaung Tzu’s Inner Chapters for another book report on the sacred Taoist text. We also discuss chapter 18 of the Tao Te Ching and personal energy.
Show 16 — Listener Mail and Chapter 36
Dr. Totton and Tod open up the listener mailbag to discuss an important question about injustice from a listener in Australia. Later, we discuss Chapter 36 from the Tao Te Ching.
Show 15 — Being and the I Ching
For the first time on the show Dr. Carl and Tod discuss the meaning and importance of “being” and “non-being” as they relate to Taoism. Also, we discuss the the Taoist embrace of “flow” and the I Ching’s place in the Taoist cannon.
Show 14 – Daily Taoist Practices and the Wu-Wei of Business
Our show opens with an article about how one can practically use the art of wu-wei in the business world. Later, Dr. Carl Totton reveals his three ways to cultivate the Tao on a daily basis.
Show 13 – Chuang Tzu’s Inner Chapters
On show 13, the ever-studious Tod Perry presents a book report on the first half of the seminal Taoist text Inner Chapters by Chuang Tsu. Here, we uncover the mystery of Tzu’s famous butterfly dream and discuss his timeless humor, insightful parables, and importance in the Taoist cannon. Subscribe to What’s This Tao All About? […]
Show 12 – Chapter 81 and Qigong
In show 12, Dr. Carl and Tod discuss chapter 81 of the Tao Te Ching. They also go in depth on the practice of qigong and discuss other texts in the Taoist cannon besides the Tao Te Ching. Subscribe to What’s This Tao All About? on iTunes >>
Show 11 – Immortality and Star Wars
The show opens with some musings about the similarities between The Force in Star Wars and the Tao. Later, Dr. Carl Totton disucusses his journey to become a Taoist priest. The show ends with a talk about the concept of immortality in Taoism and a discussion on Chapter 16. Subscribe to What’s This Tao All […]
Show 10 – The Three Treasures and Chapter 17
After a brief hiatus, Dr. Carl Totton discusses his time at the Taoist Gathering in Oakland, California. Then Dr. Totton and Tod discuss the Three Treasures and Chapter 17 of the Tao Te Ching. Subscribe to What’s This Tao All About? on iTunes >>
Show 9 – The Uncarved Block and Chapter 57
Are there hard-set rules to being a practicing Taoist? What is Pu? What style of governing is most beneficial to the people? These questions and much more are answered on episode nine of What’s This Tao All About? Subscribe to What’s This Tao All About? on iTunes >>
Episode 8 – Chapters 13 and 33
Tod’s smart phone is driving him nuts so he asks Dr. Carl how to find balance in a world ruled by technology. After missing a chapter last week, Dr. Carl and Tod cover chapter 13 of the Tao Te Ching, a verse dealing with ego. They finish the show with a discussion on chapter 33 […]
Episode 7 – A World out of Balance
Our show opens with Tod reporting back after five weeks of practicing meditation. Is he doing it right? Would he know if he was? Later, Dr. Carl discusses how the teachings of the Tao can help right a world that’s gone out of balance. Subscribe to What’s This Tao All About? on iTunes >>