Mystery and Magic in the Tao
I have often made a point of distinguishing the philosophical Taoism of Lao-Tzu from the more “religious” Taoism of rituals, gods, goddesses, and beliefs that make up the primitive folk religion of China. Lao-Tzu carefully avoids prescribing beliefs or rituals, preferring instead to present a universal image of the great Tao that is the fundamental energy of the Cosmos no matter what belief systems cultures may pile around it. This distinction is helpful as we seek to discover a mature spirituality for ourselves without carrying all the rules, regulations, and control structures of our inherited “Desert Religion” traditions.
It would be a tragic mistake, however, to think of this philosophical Taoism as devoid of mystery, awe, and spiritual depth. Once we admit that we are not isolated, skin-enclosed, separate beings we are ushered into a world of possibilities; of mystery and what might even be called “magic.” The roots of Taoist experience could actually be categorized as an “indigenous” spirituality. It is built on the assumption that all things are connected in a Web of Life – from the tiniest sub-atomic particle/wave to the largest and farthest galaxy. The forest I see through my window is not an environment in which I walk but an eternal dance in which I swing and sway with the music of the Tao. The Tao is not merely a philosophical template. It is the numinous primal power of existence itself.
Consider the implications: The Douglas Fir that shines in the sunlit moisture from the melting snow is alive – I mean alive! I am connected to it not merely by the subjective appreciation of its beauty in the patterns of my brain cells, but by an energy field that is real and palpable. An energy field in which I affect the Fir and it affects me in subtle but discernible ways. Fold in the rest of the forest, the snow, the hidden life, and the majestic Mount Shasta in the distance, and I find myself back in the magic world of my distant ancestors; a world in which everything is alive and in which nothing can be considered separate from anything else.
We are not used to this paradigm of reality. It may be an uncomfortable awakening and a difficult path to walk. Mystical spiritual traditions can provide some guidance from older maps of this realm, but uncovering the way ahead will be a unique experience for each of us – one that will combine the sophistication of modern physics with the ancient more intuitive awareness of the world of Spirit.
New spiritual practices, perhaps modeled on ancient ones like dancing, drumming, singing, and chanting, may find a place in our lives. Silent meditation and silent walks may help us find a new experience of the natural world of which we are a part. Community celebrations of all types will reinforce our connection rather than our separation. The possibilities are limitless. I have just begun to take this entrancing journey from my intellect into my body and world, so I can’t give any expert advice. It is important that we each develop a trust in our own mystical heart, that place of knowing that we left behind early in childhood. The life we sense around us is part of us and we are part of it. All of this life will be available to assist our understandings in ways we haven’t yet imagined. So let’s begin to imagine it; to step into the broader and deeper world of Reality that is our true home. It is perhaps our only hope for continuing to be a part of the Dance here on Earth.
