The teachings of the Tao have offered wisdom and guidance for individuals seeking balance, peace, and harmony throughout the ages. Wise sages have utilized storytelling as a means of conveying the fundamental principles and profound mysteries of the Tao. Below, you will find a selection of these timeless stories that offer insight into the Tao’s essential teachings.
A young disciple, newly initiated into the practice of meditation, poses a seemingly simple question to the Master: “Master, what should I be thinking when doing meditation? Should I think about my place in the vast universe and the technique of meditation itself, or empty my mind of all thoughts?” The Master shakes his head…
Keep Things Simple The new disciple embarks on a journey to the mountain, yearning to uncover the hidden secrets of Tao. However, he finds himself unable to engage in a personal conversation with the revered Master. After much anticipation, the day finally arrives when he is granted this coveted opportunity. Overflowing with excitement, he summons…
The Art of Doing Nothing – Tao Stories Once, in a distant village, there lived a farmer known for his impatience. Having sown the seeds in his paddy field, the farmer eagerly awaited the bountiful harvest that would soon grace his land. However, as days turned into weeks, he grew increasingly frustrated by the sluggish…
Story of Singing Bowls – Tao Stories A man is on a quest to find a bowl of exquisite quality. It leads him to his venture into one of the most renowned porcelain shops in town. Equipped with a trick he has learned, he intends to employ it in his search. His method involves picking…
Once upon a time, a magnificent bird flew from the sea and landed in the countryside of a small kingdom. The bird was extraordinary, with its impressive size, breathtaking beauty, and elegant features. People were awestruck by its appearance and gave it the name “Sea Bird”. As word of the bird’s arrival spread, it eventually…
Deep in the remote mountains lives a renowned wise old man, whose insights into the meaning of life draw visitors from far and wide. Among them is a young man eager to transform his life. After traversing rugged terrain for days, he finally arrives at the modest dwelling of the wise old man. “I’m tired…
Shake It Off and Step Up: The Power of Resilience Once upon a time, there is a farmer who has an old mule. The mule fell into a well, which was deep and dry. Desperately the mule cries for help. Hearing its cry, the farmer rushes to the well. It’s not good at all. The…
If you want to be a good boatman, don’t worry about controlling the boat The art of control is to give up control. In the fable of Chuang Tzu, a disciple of Confucius meets the master boatman who is known for his dexterity of boating. Curiously he asks, “How marvellous! Can anyone learn how to handle…
Empty your boat before cruising the world What is the difference between an empty boat and a boat with someone on it colliding with yours head on? This is what Chuang Tzu says: “When you cross a river and an empty boat comes colliding with your boat head-on, even if you’re a hot-tempered person, you’re unlikely to be very…
Chinese parable narrated by Alan Watts British-born American philosopher Alan Watts used the Chinese parable, The Story of the Chinese Farmer, to illustrate the way of life where nothing is experienced as either an advantage or a disadvantage. He argues that it is the source of enormous empowerment and liberation. The farmer does not see life in terms of gain or loss or advantage…
End of content
End of content