Tao- the real

Hello,
In research for one of my other classes I came across a definition of the Tao (an East Asian religion) that strikingly resembles many of our discussions on the real. From what I understand the Tao represents the underlying universal oneness and energy of the universe from which all other things are derived. The Tao is often said to be something that cannot be described in words or symbols and its ineffable qualities cannot be described, only experienced. All other things that can be named in our universe are simply manifestations that derive from this eternal oneness. The word Tao has a variety of translations but some of the most common are road, way, or path. The similarities with our understanding of the real are uncanny. The real is an indescribable phenomenon that we cannot describe in words from which all manifestations of reality derive. Professor Kalmar speaks often of how in this theory humans are said to have a desire to return to the real even though it can be frightening as it threatens our understanding of reality. I am pondering and I feel as though this desire to return to the real is much like the Path, road, or way through which we can experience the Tao. The experience of the Tao is often considered to be spiritual enlightenment in which one reunites with the entirety of the universe. I remember in our very first class one of our classmates mentioned that perhaps a way to escape the grasps of this liberal capitalist reality is through meditation. If abiding by the way of the Tao, I do believe that one could detach from this reality and experience the real through meditation without the aids of capitalist society, such as a book. all you need to experience enlightenment(the real) is your own self and your own path.


But this is simply my opinion, I would be very interested to hear what others have to say on this concept. In this realm of thought there will always be varying opinions and I'd like to see how aware any of us might be of our desire to return to the real.