Breathe (How to Surf the Tao 10)

Whether you are an atheist or a believer, into Eastern or Western traditions, we suggest that a physical practice is perhaps the best way to actually experience and realize what it is to surf the Tao. Sometimes, we imagine this “surfing” is a state of constant euphoria. Instead, we note that the spiritual traditions that meditative practices help us face reality with silence and stillness. You don’t need to get into some spiritual zone or commune with celestial beings; rather, we’re talking about a taking time to wake up to reality, allow space for awareness, and notice what you are thinking and feeling without judgment. This leads to clarity as we seek to find peace and outfox religious and ideological wolves.

Tao Te Ching chapters discussed: 26, 33, 36 & 77

Topics Discussed

·      Meditation

·      Embodiment

·      Prayer and meditation postures in yin yoga

·      Zazen

·      Hineni as a great prayer word or work of intention

·      Patience

·      Ram Dass’ Guru Neem Karoli Baba, who allegedly sexually harassed women in his circles

·      Leonard Cohen’s roshi Kyozan Joshu Sasaki, who also acted in sexually inappropriate ways

·      The Zen-like nature of Lent

·      Lutheran preaching of law and gospel

·      Ādittapariyāya Sutta or the fire sermon

·      Guanyin/Kwan Yin and Maria Kannon

·      Garbaldi fish (see the second video below)

·      St. Mark’s Seattle compline service