But I
have to add, the religion of taoism nowadays is very different.
i.e. religious Taoism. As Longchen said before, "There is some
similarities in the beginning as the Founders expound on certain
fundamental truths.
But what the various religions have become is utterly different
now."
This is
the same for ALL other religions including even Christianity. (the
general Christianity, with exception of certain
contemplative/mystical Christian groups which emphasize on
self-realisation or rather in their terms realising union with god
or ultimate reality)
With
regards to religious Taoism IMHO there are many elements related to
spirit mediumship etc which imho are best to be avoided... they are
very different from the teachings of lao tzu, unrelated in that
sense... but rather are dealings with spirit realm... and other
related superstitions all brings us no closer to enlightenment and
simply increases superstition, dependency and our affinity with the
spirit/lower realms.
As my
Master said Taoism starting from Zhang Tian Shi has deviated so
much from the original teachings of Lao Tzu... it is not the 'Tao'
that Lao Tzu is speaking of. Hope it doesn't offend anyone, just my
honest opinion on these matters. :)
