Lao-tzu, “the Old Master”
probably wasn’t the first Taoist. And like Homer, probably never existed.
But the earliest Taoist thoughts to survive are set down in the Tao Te Ching and attributed to him:
The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named is not the eternal Name . . .
Lao-tzu, like those who went before, didn’t need a God to start everything off:
The Tao is like a well: used but never used up.
It is like the eternal void: filled with infinite possibilities.
It is hidden but always present.
I don’t know who gave birth to it.
It is older than God.
But man has struggled to live without gods. So in all cultures everywhere they arose from the depths. Taoism now has many, and for those in Taiwan who live on or near the sea, the most reverend is Mazu.
Born human, it’s said she demonstrated “supernatural gifts” at an early age. Later she was deified as the goddess of seafarers, fishermen, and sailors.
Pa and I were fortunate to have a personal guide introduce us to Mazu at her Temple in Taitung,
the most prominent Temple in the city.
We met River at the Tiin Tinn Inn. An expert in permaculture, she’s been attending a workshop in a nearby indigenous community.
River grew up both Buddhist and Taoist. And while she doesn’t take literally all of her childhood teachings, she nevertheless has a deep respect for their underlying spiritual and psychological messages.
At the start, we were given seven long incense sticks.
We lit them then placed them one by one throughout the Temple.
At each location a prayer was offered
or a request made.
Though Pa didn’t grow up using incense, he said the process reminded him of the Stations of the Cross.
Mazu was up front,
and in the center.
Rightfully so, given her stature. But on either side were other deities.
Pa particularly liked the old man,
whose name we can’t recall.
Couples soon to marry go to him for advice and counsel. If all goes well they return, offering thanks with notes and photos.
Believer or not, Mazu’s Temple is a treasure of art
and inspiration.
I once read a book by a scholar from Norte Dame. He made the argument that the great value in studying the religious traditions of other cultures, is that we return with insights relevant to our own. Ultimately, it seems, all traditions offer a glimpse of the ultimate reality.
But as the Buddha taught, or so I’ve been told,
Never mistake the finger for the moon.
ADDENDUM
River,
an amazing young woman.
Comments