Reflections on Tao： Voices of our Temple Youth (e-Book)
- I-Kuan Tao Michigan Zhong Shu Temple
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Passing on the Tao and nurturing the next generation are at the heart of every temple’s purpose.
For children growing up in North America—surrounded by both Eastern and Western cultures, and shaped by the fast pace of the digital world—deep questions often arise: What is Tao? How can it be lived in everyday life? What is true happiness?
During a recent visit to the Toronto temple, a gentle thought came to us:
What if we let the children explore and express those timeless questions?
A child’s heart is pure, open, and full of wonder. Yet in the face of outer pressures and an uncertain future, that light can sometimes grow dim. Each child has a unique soul, longing to be seen and understood with love. Without the patience to listen and lack of respect towards them, even a kind soul will cry out to be heard.
The journey of growth is one we must walk ourselves.
A decorated Lau Mu (Heavenly Mother) symbol by Emma, Age 8
In two months’ time, we’ve brought together the children’s creative expressions—through drawings and writing—showing the inspiration and understanding they’ve found in the Tao community.
We are deeply grateful to all the helping hands and fellow cultivators at Ming Hwa Temple in Toronto, who helped create this space for the children’s voices to be heard.
“The Tao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao.” The Tao is a quiet, formless love. It accepts without condition, walks beside us without judgment, and seeks harmony over division. The Tao is not something we explain, but lived—felt in our presence, shown through our example, and carried in the gentle spaces we hold for one another.
When we honor a child's spirit and guide them with love and example, we begin to touch something sacred.
Details of a day spent at the Tao community, by Elijah, Age 8
May we all become humble sowers of the Tao, so that the next generation may reap even greater fruits—more beautiful and noble in character. What we plant with care today will blossom into a brighter and more beautiful tomorrow. Now please enjoy this complimentary e-Book online at this link below, as it took almost one year for this to become a reality.