What’s This Tao All About?

The show opens with a discussion on naturalness inspired by a chapter in “Lieh Tzu.” Later, a listener asks how one can act outside of the Tao which dovetails nicely into a discussion on Chapter 34, which is about the nature of Tao.

The New York Times had a great article on why Chuang Tzu was one of the first philosophers to embrace disability, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss. Later, a listener has a questions about guns, and we take a deep dive into Chapter 32 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Tod thinks the Tao sends mixed messages about the concept of self-discipline, so Dr. Totton is here to clear things up. Later, a voice message from a listener in Australia and a breakdown of Chapter 7 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

On this very special episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jane English, the co-creator of popular translations of “Tao Te Ching” and “Inner Chapters.” Here, we discuss her new book “Rainbow of Tao” and her life and work with Gia Fu-Feng.

You can buy her new book “Rainbow of Tao” on her website.

We’re also proud to announce the launch of “Ten Thousand Things,” Dr. Totton and Tod Perry’s new podcast that expands on the ideas discussed on “What’s This Tao All About?” and explores new areas of philosophy, psychology, and culture.

Right now, there are two episodes of “Ten Thousand Things” available on “Escape from Freedom” and a bonus episode with Jane English.

“Ten Thousand Things” is available exclusively on Patreon for $5.99 a month at Patreon.com/whatsthistaoallabout

Dr. Totton and Tod discuss a recent New York Times article on Taoism and death. Later, we dig into Chuang Tzu’s “Man of Tao” and learn why the “greatest person is nobody.”

A listener writes in asking about how to manage his strong emotions, so Dr. Totton responds with some solutions to help him find balance. Later, we take a look at chapter 79 of the “Tao Te Ching” which deals with reciprocity.

Right click to download Dr. Totton’s tapping technique >>

Psychologist Jordan Peterson is one of today’s most popular and controversial public intellectuals, and he talks about Taoism, a lot. Here, we take a look at his views on the Tao to see if he really knows what this Tao is all about. Later, a listener wants to know how it’s possible to act out of accordance with the Tao and we take a look at chapter 78 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Dr. Totton and Tod go over Edward Slingerland’s tips to incorporate wu-wei into your life. Later, a listener wants to know that the Tao would look like personified, and Chaptern71 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

A listener writes in asking about how he can climb the corporate ladder while still living in accords with Taoist principals. Later, Dr. Totton and Tod take a look at Thomas Merton’s translation of Chuang-Tzu’s “Action vs. non-Action.”

Dr. Totton shares some self-care techniques to keep you healthy and happy during trying times

In a world that teaches us to see things in black and white, Taoists prefer a more ambiguous view of the world. What are the benefits? Later, a listener asks Dr. Totton’s thoughts on education, Tod talks discusses his interview with Jane Goodall, and Chapter 69 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Dr. Totton shows us how to live a life where we accept and experience everything. Later, Chuang Tzu’s funeral, and Chapter 77 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Tod and Dr. T go through a list of Chuang-Tzu’s most memorable, profound, and funny quotes. Also, chapter 67 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Dr. Totton provides some practices to help people dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. We also discuss the Taoist idea of free will and break down chapter 80 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Right click to download a .doc of Dr. Totton’s”10-Day Gong.” >>

The dynamic duo of Dr. Totton and Tod dig deep into Alan Watts’ ‘Backwards Law.’ They also take a look into chapter 65 of the “Tao Te Ching” and touch on a controversial practice known as “sunning.”

Dr. Totton and Tod discuss how gratitude can dramatically improve our lives. Also, they dive deep into Chapter 64 of the “Tao Te Ching” and discuss how it relates to achieving goals.

Tod and Dr. Totton review Livia Kohn’s translation of Chuang Tzu to understand how to reach the ultimate state of oblivion. Also, there’s some drama at the weed shop outside the Taoist temple.

A listener writes in asking about how to “confront darkness.” Later, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss Chapter 41 of the “Tao Te Ching” and the art of “not joining the 27 Club.”

Dr. Totton explains how we can live a more simple, fulfilling life by reducing our karmic footprints. Also, Chapter 48 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Dr. Totton and Tod discuss how Taoist philosophy can help us manage our desires and gain self-control. Later, chapter 29 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Dr. Totton uses his vast knowledge of psychology and the Tao to discuss anxiety. Also, a few chapters from the good book.

Get to know a bit about the third most important author in the Taoist cannon.

“The Empty Boat” is a powerful parable by Chuang-Tzu, Dr. Totton and Tod take a deep dive to figure out what it means. Later, a listener asks a question about prayer.

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.”

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.

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.

Dr. Totton and Tod discuss Tzu-Jan which is known as the “heart of the Tao” and give some Taoist perspective on the environment.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.” >>

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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

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 Weiss

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.

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.”

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.”

Dr. Totten explore how the study of Taoism can help with creativity and dig deep into Chapter 19 of “The Tao Te Ching.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Totton and Tod clear out their listener mailbox by answering some questions on martial arts and how Taoism, relates to Christianity.

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.”

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We’re back in the Taoist temple recording some more episodes of the show. Can’t wait to share what comes next! Have a question you’d like answered? Email us at [email protected].

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 while reading 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 -22, 2016!

Learn more here >>

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Hear Dr. Totton’s recent appearance on the “Inspire Me Show.”

Dr. Carl Totton and two of his friends have just released new book to help you combat stress.

The Book on Internal STRESS Release teaches you to condition your body’s neural pathways to establish a new stress-free life!

Also learn how to create:

• Stress relief at the neurological level
• The ability to access your inner core by tapping into an area that can positively affect your overall well-being
• Perpetual mental-physical rejuvenation

Learn more here >>

Dr. Carl Totton and Tod Perry will be back with more “What’s This Tao All About?” in early January. ‘Til then, if you have a questions, email us and we’ll answer them on the show when we return. Email your questions to [email protected].

Thanks!

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.

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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.

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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.

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We’re taking a quick break, show 10 will show up in two weeks. Until then, May the Tao be with you!

“When there is no desire,
all things are at peace.” – Lao Tzu

Tod and Dr.Carl Totton

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?

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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 that deals with enlightenment, waking up, and embracing change.

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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.

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The show opens with some thoughts on the nature of the universe: is it friendly or hostile? Later we delve into a discussion of how the concept of god fits into the Taoist philosophy. The show closes with Dr. Carl’s thoughts on Chapter 5 of the Tao Te Ching.

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We open the show with a discussion on how to become a practicing Taoist. Later, Dr. Carl and Tod tackle the oh-so important Tao concept of Te. The Te helps put the Tao in action, Dr. Carl discusses how you can make it work for you. We end with a brief talk on chapter four of the Tao Te Ching which helps you discover your own cosmic nature.

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We open the show speculating whether some of the greatest minds of the last century were secretly Taoists. Later, Dr. Carl discusses mediation and we end with a break down of Chapter Three of the Tao Te Ching.

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Recently, Tod got stuck riding the bus to work, prompting a discussion on social status and how it relates to the Tao. Later, we get into a conversation on the Taoist principal of Yin and Yang. This week’s Tao Te Ching reading is from chapter 8.

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Our show opens with a discussion about the perils of the persistent business pervasive in modern society. Later, Dr. Carl Totton discusses the Taoist principal of wu-wei or the “art of non-doing.” The show ends with a break down of Chapter Two of the Tao Te Ching, a rumination on appreciating polarity and mutual arising.

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Our journey begins with an overview of the Tao, which proves a little challenging because, of course, “The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.” Then we get to know Dr. Carl and Tod and find out how they became interested in Taoism. Later, we take a look at Chapter one of the “Tao Te Ching.”

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