Dao with Ian Felton

People can create a depth of knowledge in a niche, or around an identity, but not see how the lack of wholeness creates a type of poverty.

When government leaders don't follow the wisdom of the sages, the people stop respecting authority. We compare the approaches of China and the United States and the effects on the common people.

Knowledge is necessary, but without moderation, it can also become a spiritual sickness. How can we use knowledge appropriately and stay spiritually healthy?

If we are listening for what our egos want, not what the universe is actually saying, it will be impossible to hear Laozi. To understand Laozi, we need a type of humility that requires a huge change in worldview.

War is part of the human condition, but how can we minimize it? What does it mean to win at war?

Daoist approaches aren't what we typically think of when talking about military strategy, but Laozi wrote about it. Today's episode wonders about what it would look like in comparison to today's national powers.

What are the occasions when Daoists might act when violence is a possible outcome?

What should a Daoist do when conflicts arise?

How do we apply the three treasures of kindness, moderation, and humility in our daily lives?

Laozi has three treasures: compassion, moderation, and humility. Today we explore walking the timeless way with compassion.

Practicing psychological flexibility can help us better understand and embody humility.

What is humility and where did it come from? Why do we need it and what forces work against us?

Laozi says leaders who are sages put themselves last. How do people lead in our modern world and is it very Daoist?

What knowledge does society need to move forward? We discuss knowledge as awareness and empathy and entertain an idea called civic empathy.

Staying close to the concept of zhi（智）we examine what knowledge is useful to us. What did Laozi mean by this type of knowledge?

A reading and translation of chapter 65 followed by a discussion about mysterious virtue. Why is a certain type of knowledge destructive to society?

Continuing with Chapter 64, we discuss growth mindset and the journey of ten thousand miles. The wisdom of time and timing can be used by the Daoist to achieve great things.

In Chapter 64, Laozi tells us to ignore the small at our own peril. Whether avoiding huge problems, or accomplishing immense tasks, our focus must stay on what is small and minuscule.

Continuing to discuss chapter 63, we ask how discernment plays a part in Daoist virtue.

Chapter 63 is our focus. What is virtue and how do we make it come to life rather than just live as an idea in our head?

We discuss chapter 62 which explores themes of virtuous and non-virtuous people. What does a Daoist approach to the presidency look like?

A welcome to Walking the Timeless Way, a podcast that explores the ancient text of daodejing and how to apply it to today's chaotic world.