Re: To compare is to judge?
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 5:43 am
I think that the assertion of value judgment as far as the tao te ching itself goes is just an example, I imagine it might be wise to assert all kinds of (relative) value judgements not directly related to the tao or the tao te ching itself, eg with the dog example, or, as is done in the tao te ching itself. So one should be free to speak their mind if they know something is true and should be saidPam Seeback wrote: ↑Mon Jan 07, 2019 5:38 amGood thought and I see your point. What is unique about philosophical wisdom texts (to include the Tao te Ching) is that their central message is that of non attachment, but of course in order to receive the value of wisdom of non-attachment one must first become attached to the wisdom text and not only attached, but passionately attached. So I concede to your logic and assert that because the Tao assists in the end of suffering caused by attachments, the Tao is valuable. Of course, my assertion means nothing unless the reader hears some truth in the assertion and is inspired to study/meditate on the Tao te Ching for his or herself.Avolith wrote: ↑Mon Jan 07, 2019 2:10 amDo you see the irony in the situation where you're saying that it's against the tao to assert value judgements, which is in itself the assertion of a value judgement, given that you value the tao and the end of your sufferingPam Seeback wrote: ↑Mon Jan 07, 2019 1:55 am Yes, I no longer suffer, but not because of avoidance but because of pushing through it - transcending it - in the light of understanding its nature, and using this wisdom to do what needed to be done to bring it to an end. The Tao te Ching, the subject of this thread,