Ep. 1 - Following the Taoist Way

The Zhuangzi is a compilation of writings attributed to Zhuang Zhou and his followers. It consists of 33 chapters, divided into 'Inner Chapters' (chapters 1-7), 'Outer Chapters' (chapters 8-22), and 'Miscellaneous Chapters' (chapters 23-33). The text advocates for embracing spontaneity, accepting the natural order of the universe (the Dao), and living a life free from the constraints of societal norms and conventions. It uses parables, anecdotes, and humorous stories to illustrate the arbitrariness of human distinctions and the importance of living in harmony with nature.

The Tao Te Ching is a central text in Taoist philosophy and religion. It consists of 81 brief chapters or sections that discuss the nature of the Tao, which is described as the source and ideal of all existence. The text emphasizes living in harmony with nature, the importance of simplicity, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. It critiques unnatural actions and social activism based on abstract moralism, advocating for a life of 'nonaction' (wu wei) and spontaneity. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and has been translated numerous times, making it one of the most translated texts in world literature.

Be Here Now is a seminal book on spirituality, yoga, and meditation written by Ram Dass. The book is divided into four sections: 'Journey', which details Ram Dass's transformation from a Harvard psychologist to a spiritual seeker; 'From Bindu to Ojas', a core section that includes spiritual themes and inspirational quotes; 'Cookbook for a Sacred Life', a manual for conscious living with practical advice on meditation, yoga, and diet; and 'Painted Cakes (Do Not Satisfy Hunger)', a list of recommended books for further spiritual exploration. The book emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, shedding ego and material attachments, and finding unity with the divine through unconditional love and mindfulness.

Four Quartets is a cycle of four poems by T.S. Eliot, each titled with a place name: 'Burnt Norton,' 'East Coker,' 'The Dry Salvages,' and 'Little Gidding. ' The poems are meditations on time, redemption, and eternity, blending Eliot's Anglo-Catholicism with mystical, philosophical, and poetic elements from various traditions. Each quartet has five sections and explores themes such as the conflict between individual mortality and the endless span of human existence, the nature of spirituality, and the relationship between the present and the past. The work is considered Eliot's masterpiece and his clearest exposition of his Christian beliefs.

Shobo Genzo, meaning 'Treasury of the Eye of the True Dharma,' is a collection of writings by Dogen, a pivotal figure in the development of Zen Buddhism in Japan. The work delves into the core principles of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of direct experience and the inherent Buddha-nature within all beings. Dogen's unique perspective on time, emphasizing the present moment, is a key theme explored in the book. His teachings challenge conventional notions of linear progression, highlighting the interconnectedness of all things. Shobo Genzo remains a profound and influential text for Zen practitioners and scholars alike.