What's This Tao All About?

“The Empty Boat” is a powerful parable by Chuang-Tzu, Dr. Totton and Tod take a deep dive to figure out what it means. Later, a listener asks a question about prayer.

On this show we discuss what Lao Tzu has to say about happiness and delve semi-deep into chapters 46 and 47 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Dr. Totton digs deep into psychologist Carl Jung and his deep connection to the Tao. Later, we crack open the “Tao Te Ching” and investigate Chapter 44.

Dr. Totton and Tod consult the wisdom of “The Big Lebowski”-inspired “Dude De Ching” to discuss societal organization and chapter 35 of the “Tao Te Ching.” Also, a listener writes in asking how to feel the Tao.

Dr. Totton and Tod discuss Tzu-Jan which is known as the “heart of the Tao” and give some Taoist perspective on the environment.

What is the basis for Taoist morality? Dr. Totton and Tod take a look into the moral principals of Taoist thought. Later, an examination of Chapter 28 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Dr. Totton shares some techniquesto help us cleanse our minds and free ourselves from attachment. Later, Chapter 45 of the “Tao Te Ching.” Right click to download The Mind, Cleaning, Karma, and Life.

From a Taoist perspective, what is the meaning of life? Dr. Totton and Tod attempt to address this massive question in under 20 minutes. Later, chapter 38 of the “Tao Te Ching” a verse that Dr. Totton refers to as a “power chapter.”

How do you really find your “true self”? Does such a thing really exist? Dr. Totton and Tod examine the idea from a Taoist perspective.

Dr. Totton has created a ten-day gong to help people become more in touch with themselves and the Tao. Later, Dr. Totton and Tod answer a listener’s question about being in tune with reality. Right click to download a .doc of Dr. Totton’s”10-Day Gong.” >>

Tod and Dr. Totton finish up their discussion on Alan Watts’Tao: The Watercourse Way, reply to a listener who’s having trouble living in these chaotic times, and break open Chapter 10 of the Tao Te Ching.

Alan Watts was one of the first major Taoist philosophers in the Western world. Here, Tod and Dr. Totton dig deep into his book, Tao: The Watercourse Way. Later, they crack open the Tao Te Ching to examine chapter 9.

On this show, we talk address a subject that isn’t often referenced in “The Tao Te Ching”: Love. Later, Tod and Dr. Totton discuss Chapter 39 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Dr. Totton and Tod crack open the pages of “The Te of Piglet,” Benjamin Hoff’s sequel to the “Tao of Pooh.” Later they dissect chapter 25 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Was Lao Tzu an anarchist? Dr. Totton and Tod take a look into the politics of the “Tao Te Ching” on episode 43. “Anarchism and Taoism” by Josh

Dr. Totton and Tod open the show with the story of a dying man who found strength in the final months of life through the Tao. Later, a listener has questions about forgiveness and Chapter 24 of the Tao Te Ching. “Accepting Cancer’s Challenges with a Little Help from the ‘Tao Te Ching'” by Jeffrey […]

On this episode, Dr. Totton and Tod dig deep into chapter 13 of the Tao Te Ching to learn how to embrace disgrace. Also, some thoughts on the not-so-subtle Taoist messages in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

What does Lao-Tzu mean when he talks about balance? Dr. Carl explains in our first episode of the new year. Tod and Dr. Totton also dig deep into Chapter 23 of “The Tao Te Ching.”

Tod’s book review of “Zen and the Art of Archery” sparks a conversation about Zen. Later, Tod and Dr. Totton discuss what Lao Tzu means by “abandoning knowledge.”

Dr. Totten explore how the study of Taoism can help with creativity and dig deep into Chapter 19 of “The Tao Te Ching.”

Tod is going through a major life change so he asks Dr. Totton for some Taoist perspective on the issue. Later, they dig deep into Chapters 11 and 18 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

On episode 36, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss how one becomes a Taoist priest. Later, they answer an email from a professional athlete and review Chapter 6 of the “Tao Te Ching.”

On episode 35, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss how Taoism acts as antidote for the Western mind. They also touch upon the history of Taoism and dig deep into chapter four of the “Tao Te Ching.”

Dr. Totton and Tod try and help a listener who’s addicted to social media. Plus, Tod has some great news about a potential guest. Brian Diedrick’s Digital Detachment blog

What is the Tao, really? Is it metaphorical, physical, metaphysical? Tod and Dr. Totton discuss. Later, some hard-hitting questions from the show’s listeners.