This week at Kinship Cafe, we’re exploring one of the most powerful ideas in the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching): Absence and Presence. Not as opposites—but as a single, continuous process. We’ll look at how: - What we call “nothing” is actually the source of everything - What appears, changes—and returns - The world isn’t built from fixed objects, but from patterns of emergence and transformation This is an open, discussion-based gathering. No prior knowledge needed. Just curiosity. 📍 Drop in anytime 🗣️ All perspectives welcome ☕ Thoughtful conversation, grounded in a naturalistic reading of the Daodejing If you’ve ever felt there’s more to reality than what we name and label… this conversation is for you. Links for the online and in-person events are in the Calendar section of our community.

Just found out that my friend is helping to offer this event to support women learning Taoist practices. "The Immortal Sisters of the Tao Foundation is a spiritually-oriented educational organization rooted in Taoist philosophy and practices. We believe the cultivation of feminine (yin) energy is essential for both personal and global harmony and evolution. We are dedicated to empowering women through the study, practice, and teaching of Taoist principles, fostering a more balanced and enlightened world for all." https://www.immortalsisters.org/landing-page

What if the way we name things is distorting how we see reality? In the opening lines of the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching), we’re challenged to see the gap between reality… and the words we use to describe it. Names help us navigate life—but they also: * Simplify what’s complex * Fix what’s constantly changing * Turn living processes into static “things” In this session, we’ll explore the fascinating reflections on names in the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching). 1. Join the live online sessions on Fridays at 7am PT. The link is in the community's Calendar section.

We are starting a new series exploring the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) verse by verse. The Daodejing opens with a verse that contrasts two different ways of understanding the Dao. Translators are sharply divided on how it should be translated. How we understand the opening line of the Daodejing is significant because it sets the context for the rest of the book. Join us this week at Kinship Cafe as we explore the different options for translating this opening line and what each option leads to. You do not need any prior knowledge of the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) to participate in our meetings. All are welcome and encouraged. We have an online course called Foundations for Understanding the Daodejing, and each week's meeting is recorded for you to review past sessions. Links for our meetings are in the community Calendar.