Living the Tao-A Spiritual Podcast

• Why Taoists No Longer Fly

  Why do Taoist masters fly in legends—but not in real life today? In this Living the Tao Short, Master Mikel Steenrod explores the idea that some extraordinary abilities once attributed to Taoist practitioners depended on conditions that no longer exist. Rather than fantasy, the discussion focuses on history, training, and the Daoist principle of time and place. This short episode separates cinematic myth from classical Daoist understanding, offering a thoughtful look at why certain abilities faded—and what Taoism actually teaches instead. 🌐 Explore more Taoist teachings: https://www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com 🎧 Listen to more Living the Tao Shorts & full episodes: https://podcast.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com   Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Source: incompetech.com

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• Trailer | I Ching Dyad: Following and Repair

  Living the Tao – Episode 1-157 (Subscriber Trailer) I Ching Dyad: Following (17) & Repairing What Has Been Spoiled (18) There are times when following an established path leads to success—and times when that same path begins to fail. In this short trailer for a subscriber-only episode of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Michael Steenrod introduces a classical I Ching dyad that frequently appears together: Hexagram 17, Following, and Hexagram 18, Repairing What Has Been Spoiled. Rather than treating the I Ching as symbolic abstraction, this episode explores it as a practical system of pattern recognition. Following is not blind obedience, but an aware alignment with momentum that conserves energy and produces results. Repair becomes necessary when that momentum decays, calling for assessment, effort, and intelligent adaptation. The episode also introduces the “karmic bus driver” metaphor—explaining when it is appropriate to lead, when it is wiser to follow, and when repair or withdrawal is the correct response. This subscriber episode is especially relevant for anyone navigating change in personal practice, leadership, work, or life systems, and clarifies a common misconception: Taoism is not passive surrender—it includes decisive action when conditions call for it. 🎧 Full episode available to subscribers.   Subscribe now at https://living-the-tao.supercast.com

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• Why Some People Stay Lucky: A Taoist Guide to Prosperity and Synchronicity

  Why do some people seem to catch every break while others struggle no matter how hard they try? In this free episode (1-156) of Living the Tao, Master Steenrod explains the Taoist view of luck, prosperity, and synchronicity—and why “good fortune” is far more structured than most people realize. You’ll learn: • Why luck isn’t random or a moral reward • How prosperity and abundance actually behave in the world • Why luck “pools” in certain places and around certain people • The difference between luck, karma, and synchronicity (Shi) • How environment shapes your chances more than intention • What Taoism calls the “arts of living” and how they stabilize your life • Why even people with bad behavior can appear intensely lucky This episode blends practical living with classical Taoist insight, offering a grounded, realistic way to understand the “hidden mechanics” shaping everyday life. If you’ve ever wondered why luck feels unfair—or how to position yourself where prosperity naturally gathers—this conversation offers a clear, Taoist-informed answer. The video version of this episode is also available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Ue1_VvpHmZQ 🎧 Subscribe for full archives and bonus content: https://living-the-tao.supercast.com Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: Incompetech.com

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• Shorts | When the Dao Pushes Back: Real Taoist Power

  What is Taoist power really—and how do you recognize it in your own life? In this episode of Living the Tao Shorts (2-10), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores De, the form of spiritual power described in the Daodejing. Instead of treating De as serendipity or good luck, Master Steenrod explains how true Taoist practice produces alignment, insight, and direct Dao interaction. Inside this episode: What De actually means in classical Taoism How Taoist “sagecraft” shapes your life and decisions The Four Ascendant triangle of Dao → Teacher → Student Why tiny “signs” aren’t reliable indicators of spiritual growth What creates Dao intrusions—and what they mean for your path Why the Dao responds as if you already know the rules This short episode is ideal for listeners exploring Taoist spirituality, personal transformation, inner alignment, or the deeper teachings behind the Daodejing. The video version of this episode can be found on youtube: https://youtu.be/oI-7InGpQs4 🌐 Explore more Taoist teachings: https://www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com 🎧 Listen to more Living the Tao Shorts & full episodes: https://podcast.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com   Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Source: incompetech.com --- Show Notes In this lecture, we explore the concept of 'de' or power in Taoism, as presented in the Tao Te Ching. The discussion centers on what precisely this power signifies and how it manifests in the lives of those who align themselves with the Tao. The lecture delves into the idea of sagecraft, where a sage represents the epitome of being in perfect harmony with the Tao, allowing for both effortless movement within the world and the ability to influence its course. This concept bridges the connection between individual agency and the fundamental laws of the universe, illustrating how actions taken in accord with the Tao can yield significant changes in one's reality. The expansion into serendipity as a minor form of 'de' provides an intriguing framework for understanding how individuals can gauge their alignment with the Tao. Questions arise surrounding the desire for tangible feedback on one's spiritual path, probing whether an increase in serendipitous events could indicate a person’s attunement to the Tao. The discussion acknowledges the human inclination for clear indicators of progress in one’s spiritual journey and how these can manifest in a more tangible understanding of Taoist power. The lecture also touches on the historical evolution of Taoist practice, particularly with the emergence of sectarian movements around 200 AD. During this time, various Taoist sects introduced standardized hierarchies to assess an individual's progress in accumulating 'de'. While this brought structure to the practice, it also limited the possibilities for reaching higher realms of Taoist power, illustrating the trade-off between systematization and spiritual potential. The relationship between personal growth, mentorship, and the Tao itself is graphically depicted through a triangular model, where the interplay between the individual, the mentor, and the Tao is analyzed over time. As the student develops and grows in their practice, the relationship dynamics shift, ultimately leading to a reduced necessity for the teacher as the student’s own understanding becomes more aligned with the Tao. This progression indicates not only personal evolution but also a deepening connection with the universal truths represented by the Tao. The discussion reflects on the normalcy of doubt during this journey, suggesting that overcoming such doubt is an inherent part of the path to spiritual maturity. Furthermore, the lecture addresses the complexities of aspiration and the nature of requests made to the Tao. It emphasizes the importance of not just seeking small affirmations but rather being bold in one's desires for greater spiritual experiences and deeper insights. However, this ambition must be tempered with an understanding that the manifestation of such requests may not align with human expectations and can come in forms unexpected or challenging. The speaker concludes with a reflection on the limitless opportunities the Tao presents for spiritual advancement, urging individuals to understand the mechanisms put in place for their growth. The audience is encouraged to harness their innate capacity to engage with the Tao meaningfully, recognizing that the journey to spiritual elevation is a personal and transformative experience. Through this exploration, the lecture provides not only insight into Taoist power but also a roadmap for individuals seeking to deepen their connection with the Tao and their own spiritual paths.

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• Trailer | Gift-Giving in Taoism: A Lesson in Intention

  Discover the Taoist meaning behind giving. In this exclusive subscriber-only episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores a classic teaching story about generosity, sincerity, and the unseen forces that shape the outcome of every act of giving. In this trailer, you’ll hear a preview of the ideas discussed in the full episode—including why Taoism views gifts as something far deeper than objects exchanged. Whether the offering is grand or humble, the true weight of a gift lies in the intention behind it, and the state of mind of the giver. If you’ve ever wondered why some gestures resonate and others fall flat—even when you mean well—this story sheds light on what really matters. The full episode is available now for subscribers at https://living-the-tao.supercast.com. ✨ What subscribers get: Full access to deep-dive Taoist lessons Exclusive commentary and extended teachings A growing archive of private episodes Early access to new content Join us and step deeper into the path of wisdom.

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