Expert: Joe McSorley - 3/3/2005

Question
I'm a high school student, enrolled in an Eastern/Western philosophy class. My assignment is to interview an expert...

1. In our hectic modern society, is it sometimes difficult to find harmony and inner calm?
2. Or do you find that your beliefs actually mitigate the stresses of life?
3. May I ask how you became involved in Tao?
Thank you for taking the time for my questions!

Answer
Hi Lily,
  Here's my answers to your questions:
1. In our hectic modern society, is it sometimes difficult to find harmony and inner calm?
  Sometimes it is but rarely.   I work in one of the most hectic businesses there is, TV, and it doesn't get to me.  You have to ask yourself, what does this really matter?  There are few things in life that are life and death situations so getting worked up about them is fruitless.  Even in the most hectic of environments I am usually calm and at peace.

2. Or do you find that your beliefs actually mitigate the stresses of life?
 No, beliefs do not mitigate anything.  It's like believing you can swim and being thrown in the water only to drown.  You must actualize the practice, not just believe in it.  Belief is a Western Judeo/Chrisitian concept, not an Eastern one.  For the West, they just believe and put nothing into it but in the East you must do it, not believe in it.  So it is the actual practice that mitigates the stress.

3. May I ask how you became involved in Tao?
 I studied Eastern Philosophy in college and through that was introduced to Taoism.  At the same time I began studying kung fu with a Chinese Master who was raised in a monastery in Kwoloon and in a Shaolin Monastery where the Taoist teachings were predominant.  The heart of all real kung fu is in the Tao.
 Take care,
            Joe