Understanding Intuition in Taoism
In Taoism, intuition refers to an innate knowledge of outcomes, hidden threats, potential paths to success, and discerning the truthfulness of others. This understanding arises as sudden, visceral impulses rather than through intellectual deduction.
Intuition, within the Taoist framework, is deeply tied to the principle of Wu Wei, or effortless action. Wu Wei embodies the alignment with life’s natural flow, allowing events to unfold without force or interference. Intuition acts as a bridge between the individual and the Tao, guiding actions and decisions in harmony with the natural order. This connection makes intuition a vital component of living in alignment with Taoist philosophy.
Developing Intuition: Overcoming Barriers
Desire is the primary obstacle to intuition. For some, desire manifests as seeing only what they wish to see. For others, it may involve a longing for recognition, leading the intellect to generate fantasy impulses mistaken for intuition.
Intuition represents a natural human ability often suppressed by the Social Mind. When fully developed, intuition evolves into what is known as Taoist Vision. This advanced state of awareness functions as reliably as ordinary vision, yet it is subject to similar limitations.
The Limits of Taoist Intuition
Like physical vision, intuition has its constraints. There are areas it cannot perceive, things it may misunderstand, and details it might overlook. While intuition can reveal what others may not see, it is not infallible. It can be misled or provide information that is not immediately useful.
Acknowledging these limitations prevents over-reliance on intuition and emphasizes its realistic application. Taoist practitioners develop Taoist Vision as a natural extension of 4AS Taoist practice. As insight replaces the Social Mind and the tendency to impose intellect upon the world diminishes, intuition strengthens. Meditation allows these insights to coalesce into a consistent flow of information—a hallmark of Taoist Vision.
Steps to Develop Intuition Rapidly
For some individuals, intuition can develop quickly with modest changes to the Social Mind. A specific type of “no mind” (Wu Wei) serves as a fast pathway for cultivating intuitive abilities. This state can be conditioned by following a simple four-step protocol:
Avoid Trying to Explain: Avoid trying to explain what intuition is or how it works. You must be willing to abandon both the desire to explain and the desire to be accepted. These desires are human interpretations of an intuitive event and not the event itself. The event exists independently of any attempt to explain it. There is a great difference between having an experience and explaining an experience and having others accept it. Intuition exists outside of the Social Sphere. You must allow yourself to step outside of that Sphere to be intuitive.
Brief Focus and Relaxation: Spend brief periods of time both focused and relaxed with the topic in mind.
Trust the Process: Accept that intuitive knowledge is natural and will simply emerge in this state. Do not interfere with the process.
Repeat Regular Practice: The protocol, followed on a regular practice schedule, will quickly build repeatable, basic intuition. Of course, Taoist Vision requires more extensive training and practice.
Conclusion
By understanding intuition as a natural human ability and integrating it with the principle of Wu Wei, individuals can align themselves with the Tao. With dedication to meditation and insight practices, intuition develops into a reliable tool for navigating life’s complexities. While not infallible, its cultivation opens a deeper connection to the world and the natural flow of existence.
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2 Responses
Hello,
When the 3 minds come together and are balanced, a person can be known as a True or Natural Human in the terminology. That new person has the world with Teh (yup, Tao Teh Ching). Old Taoism has extensive training to help a person that can live in the Teh. 4 Ascendant Spheres has such an approach for those people willing to seek the adept life. An adept is one who has chosen to continue development in Teh after becoming Natural.
Exactly what is an Adept?
I just want to make sure I am understanding accurately.