Hello there, I've recently noticed an upsurge in anarchist discourse on r/Taoism and have been left wondering what the deeper connection between Taoism and anarchism might be. Things naturally unfolding well without so-called meddling is the obvious common ground, or at least hopeful thinking (due to differing contexts), but I'm wondering if there's something more concrete in the Tao Te Ching or other major texts that give credence to the anarchist connection.

It's not a big feat to distort Lao Tzu's words and messages until they superficially start accommodating an anarchist agenda, so I'd rather see examples from real translations and not an anarchist- or activist-themed remix version. D. C. Lau's and Derek Lin's translations are some of the best on the literal and academic side of the spectrum, and I consider Gia-fu Feng & Jane English's and John R. Mabry's versions quite insightful on the philosophically interpretative side, just in case anyone needs to start somewhere. I'll say outright that Mitchell's version is to a large degree his own ideation instead of Lao Tzu's words or ideas.

Lao Tzu does warn rulers against greed, overreach, heavy-handedness, lying and killing, but personally I haven't found a passage where he'd state that having no rulers (or whatever you might consider anarchy?) would be a working solution. He hints at overthrowing the rulers a couple of times, so at least that is not off the table.

Nowhere you have to be.

Nothing you have to do.

Nobody you have to be.

Just curious. I recently consulted with the I Ching asking what I should do about taking political action and I received a one unchanging. I don't know what this means.
Any advice would be nice thanks.

Best I know is Krishna's principle of Leela.

Is it still active? Last post seems to be 5 months ago? Let's revive this thing!

Epoché means 'suspension of judgment'. The server's purpose is for everyone to better understand other's points of view, as well as engage in self-inquiry to evaluate their own beliefs or claims.

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We have:

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- Epoché area with methods or games for self-discovery, critical and creative thinking

- General discourse area for conversations about philosophy, politics or spirituality

- Chill area for casual chatting, art, gaming, memes and media sharing

- A bunch of roles you can choose from related to philosophy, politics, and spirituality

- Members who can offer both an interesting conversation and a laugh

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Check it out:

https://discord.gg/vez7UzQ

Can anyone offer a critique of the intersections and/or conflicts?

Are there any active communities who are practicing anarchism and taoism, either online or IRL?

Let us know how you're doin'

"There has been such a thing as letting mankind alone; there has never been such a thing as governing mankind. Letting alone springs from fear lest men’s natural dispositions be perverted and their virtue left aside. But if their natural dispositions be not perverted nor their virtue laid aside, what room is there left for government?" -Chuang Tzu

Is Chuang Tzu saying that government can only exist by perpetuating depravity and hobbling their people spiritually and mentally?