Protect Your Noggin

We explore the ways in which New Age spiritualities and gurus might lead to disengagement from issues that matter in the world. Using chapter 67 of the Tao Te Ching, we contrast this with an engaged spirituality based on minimalism, compassion, and the way of non-domination. We also mention the potential problems with karmic thinking in Ram Dass and the value of a non-dogmatic inspiration from Jesus and his brother James on the importance of concern for the poor and downtrodden.

We aren't sure what this chapter is saying. We think we might disagree with what it's saying. This week, we discuss how we read the Tao Te Ching differently than we read the Bible during our youth in Evangelical youth groups and why indoctrination of even something we think is true is not helpful in the long run. Come experience the interpretive discomfort with us and consider the ways in which education plays into the emancipation of all minds, yet sometimes confuses minds.

Alongside our discussion of Tao Te Ching Chapter 62, we contrast New Age interpretations of the yin-yang symbol that is so familiar today. It turns out to be more about the ebbs and flows of existence and less about fining symmetry, balance, or moderation. Surfing the Tao also provides a perspective from which we can view our own failures compassionately and in a way that helps bring healing and freedom. protectyournoggin.orgtaosurfers.com

Friend of the pod, poet and rapper Micah Bournes is back at it with another powerful protest album. On it, he challenges us to consider seeking the freedom of even those who've committed crimes against humanity. This is a challenging but timely conversation, given our recent discussions of parts of the Tao Te Ching that encourage us to draw former enemies into the virtuous community (this of course, for Micah is inspired by Jesus' teachings on reconciliation, repentance and restoration).micahbournes.comtaosurfers.comprotectyournoggin.org

Lao Tzu explains how to cook a small fish and govern a great nation. A discussion of how the Tao Te Ching has been seen differently over the ages, due to different emphases throughout the commentary traditions. Regardless of whether one assumes that the ghosts of our ancestors and the demons of our human nature are literal or figurative (or somewhere in between) this chapter teaches warns against authoritarianism and aggressive governments.Toward the end, there's a discussion of the ways in which Ancient Chinese shamanism might have conceived of spirits and demons. www.protectyournoggin.org

Jeff and Stacie discuss Tao Te Ching 58's second half, which says the experts don't even know how history will play out in a certain situation. They share their plan for surviving the economic challenges ahead. Jeff explains the concept of "late stage capitalism." By the way, if you are serious about considering living a different lifestyle, in terms of your domicile, feel free to reach out and we will be glad to share what we've learned about living non-conventionally. The song at the end is a song Jeff wrote for a winter musical. He offers the script and music to anyone who might use and adapt it for educational or nonprofit purposes. For show notes and more: https://www.protectyournoggin.orgFor other services provided by Stacie and Jeff: https://www.taosurfers.com For Stacie and Jeff’s rendering of the Tao Te Ching, click here.

How might working with the gig economy factor into the pursuit of happiness and freedom? What are the similarities and differences between the Aristotelian tradition on happiness and that of Lao Tzu?

A survey of several issues in the news and reflection on how a warrior perspective might help us think about engaging issues of our day, albeit in nonviolent forms of "battle." Why the culture wars matter. Sinead O'Connor, and the hearings regaring UAE (UFO) technology.