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Author, activist, and tai chi master, Yunrou (formerly known as Arthur Rosenfeld) has a lifelong relationship with Taoism. A 35-year master of Taoist arts, he was born in America and ordained a monk, by official leave, at the Pure Yang Temple in Guangzhou, China. Combining his overarching spiritual focus with a Yale literary education, the pursuit of natural history at the University of California and Cornell, he is an authority on the cultural, social, and spiritual dimensions of Eastern th ...
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Did the advent of agriculture and the industrial revolution change the way we trade time for money? In this talk Yunrou explores this trade along with many of the other modern ways that technology tempts and encourages us to spend our time and money. But who is behind this temptation? Are the promises of a "better life" really true? Join Yunrou as …
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Freshly returned from a trip to Laos, Yunrou explores a way for you to enjoy some of the flavor of that Southeast Asian country. Laos, at least for the near future, hasn't become overly mechanized, sped-up, and crowded. Colin Cotterill, an author based in Thailand, really captures the primitive, beautiful, and simple life that still hangs on in Lao…
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Is the constant flow of digital information actually changing our brains? Are we addicted to our phones and devices? Some studies say that they're more addictive than crack cocaine! In this talk Yunrou explores how a "digital addiction" makes it impossible to sustain deep focus. Investing yourself in deep study or simply reading a book becomes a st…
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Have you ever read or explored Chinese wilderness poetry? In this episode Yunrou provides some background and history to this Taoist themed poetry and the poets who composed it. Yunrou also gives a review of David Hinton's book, "Classical Chinese Poetry"; an anthology of this type of poetry. Listen in - perhaps you'll get hooked and explore this b…
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The Tao is Big! How do you approach the challenges of daily life? Can you see the context and surroundings in which a conflict occurs? In this talk, Yunrou explores the Taoist approach to dealing with the world with a "big picture" perspective. Listen in and see how big the Tao really is.Welcome to the Forbidden Rice Podcast, an ongoing series of t…
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Taoist philosophy tells us that, in cycles, when things go too far in one direction they will inevitably come back in the other. An awareness of these cycles can help us look and understand the events that unfold around us. This is equally true in nature as it is in our society or politics. The problem with the natural swinging pendulum of these cy…
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In this episode Yunrou recounts a dream in which he meets old Taoist masters. It was a grand reunion full of laughter. Have you thought about the role of humor in Taoism? Zhuangzi, one of the early Taoist masters is famous for using humor to convey Taoist ideas. Indeed a relaxed mind and body leaves you open to new ideas and insight - the kind of r…
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What is the difference between facts and knowledge? As science evolves, it becomes apparent that facts can change over time. Perhaps it is best to not get too attached to facts and instead embrace the joy of learning. Real knowledge - real knowing is a direct experience that transcends facts. Tai chi and meditation are practices that allow your bra…
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Should profit rule our corporate and business culture? The misunderstanding of the role of profit and the greed that stems from it is an abomination! In this talk Yunrou explores greed and how it infects the core of our society. The founding fathers had an understanding and appreciation of the danger greed presents. It is time to redefine the purpo…
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For those of you practicing tai chi, you'll enjoy this discussion of making and directing "power". Yunrou lays out and explores a model and way of thinking of the body that will give you a greater understanding of how power is created. Using the analogy of a car's power-train, you'll also see how that power makes it way through the body. Listen in …
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The early ideas that underpin Taoism came from shamans spending time looking at the natural world. Later Taoism became a coherent philosophy - a gorgeous way to understand how the world works. Later the Taoists salted their philosophy with myths, legends, and stories to help people understand our place in this world. This greatly broadened the appe…
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In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, top lamas are reincarnated and must be identified by specific tests administered by scouts. Sometimes a child is discovered to be the next Dalai or Panchen lama because he recognizes a favored food he used to love (in a previous life) or particular amulet, garment, or song. We Taoists don’t have this exact traditi…
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What's the problem with sugar? Are we the victims of a vast corporate conspiracy to addict us and command our dollars? Sugar is in everything! Why? What is going on? No matter the reason, the sugar is there and the science is clear. Too much sugar is bad for you. So, do yourself a favor - cut it out!Welcome to the Forbidden Rice Podcast, an ongoing…
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Can a concern for the welfare of the world and spiritual things coexist with a weapons practice in the martial arts? Yunrou recounts a conversation with his godfather that led to some interesting insights. What do the weapons represent for tai chi players? Listen in as Yunrou asserts that their use and symbolism can work to free our minds, raise ou…
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While in Hawaii on a writing retreat, in a small shop, Yunrou discovers a pair of neolithic shamans in the guise of small stone statuettes. They come from the ancient Chinese culture of the Sanxingdui (Sahn-shing-dway) - the very topic of which is the subject of Yunrou's writing. Coincidence? Isn't it marvelous the way the world works sometimes?Wel…
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Has the idea of service lost it's meaning? Has service become a menial, dirty word? Yunrou offers a few stories on the failure to serve and what a loss it is for both those who serve and those being served. Conversely, he reveals how gratifying it is to serve, especially when it isn't expected.Welcome to the Forbidden Rice Podcast, an ongoing serie…
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In this episode, Monk Yunrou discusses animal intelligence and consciousness.Welcome to the Forbidden Rice Podcast, an ongoing series of talks in which I don rose-colored glasses and address subjects that can be sticky, gritty, and challenging. I hope what I say will help you keep your highest ideals in mind all the time, shoot for the stars, make …
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