Traditionally, the right-wing or conservative Taoists in China tended to isolate themselves in the mountains, where they struggled to attain spiritual clarity and balance (that is, connection with the universal Tao) primarily by using moving and seated meditation techniques. The right-wingers attempted to achieve wisdom and peace through a highly regulated, moderate, and often celibate lifestyle that was fairly quiet. In this way, they gradually disengaged from the distractions of worldly life. They often lived in small, secluded mountain communities, either alone or in groups of three to five. Lone hermits or small groups sometimes resided inside a cave or mountain hermitage, perhaps not emerging for fifty years. Less often, they banded together in monasteries, which were not nearly as big as the hugely populated monasteries one can find in the history of Buddhism and Christianity.
In stark contrast, the wandering left-wing Taoists were known for being outrageous in their lifestyles and sexual behavior. There was nothing a leftist Taoist would not do. Taoists of the left frequently scorned or ignored social conventions and expectations outright. But while they often repudiated many specific aspects and values of society, they (and this is an important point) adhered to awareness in all they did, avoided casing harm, and attempted to balance all they came in contact with.
Taoist Lineage Holder Bruce Frantzis talks about these two philosophical approaches found within Taoism; the left wing extremely liberal approach epitomized by Chuang Tzu and the more conservative one embodied by Lao Tzu.
Bruce explains how many of Chuang Tzu's seemingly eccentric actions directly allowed him to manifest a fundamental doctrine of Taoism-spontaneity and its necessity towards letting go.
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Today most people can’t go to monasteries. They have to live immersed in “life”. Being immersed in life teaches you the ever changing nature of life. And also teaches you that you are part of this life, not a separate entity. Which means that you cannot stay static and unchanging while everything else around you changes all the time. Which is the essence of Bagua.
