Sacred Texts, Shared Thoughts: A Religious Exploration Discussion Group
Sacred Texts, Shared Thoughts is a casual, biweekly discussion group that meets at Rhizome DC to explore practical philosophies and lived wisdom from a wide range of world spiritual traditions. Each session focuses on short, accessible excerpts from a different tradition, and no background in religious studies is required—attendees simply come ready to chat about the ideas that resonate. The July 12, 2026 meeting, which falls within the group’s first 12-week cycle, is dedicated to Taoism. Participants will read the entirety of the *Tao Te Ching* (along with *Tao Te Ching Explained*) and the first seven chapters of *The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu*. The discussion will center on concepts such as *wu wei* (effortless action), the relationship with control and productivity, how Taoist ideas apply to daily life, and Chuang Tzu’s humorous critiques of conventional thinking. Readings are free and available online via a working syllabus linked on the group’s Meetup page.
When: Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The group meets biweekly; this session is part of a series that began June 28, 2026, and is scheduled for at least 12 weeks.
Venue: Upstairs at Rhizome DC, 6950 Maple St NW, Washington, D.C. 20012.
Cost: Free to attend, with a suggested donation of $5–$10 to support Rhizome’s community space.
Readings for July 12: *Tao Te Ching* and *Tao Te Ching Explained* (complete), plus *The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu* Chapters 1–7. A summary of the Chuang Tzu reading will be provided during the meeting for those unable to finish.
Discussion Focus: Taoism’s philosophy of alignment with the natural flow of the universe, including the practice of non-action (*wu wei*), questioning rigid perspectives, navigating ambition while preserving natural harmony, and applying Chuang Tzu’s skepticism to modern ideas of success and morality.
How to Participate: No background needed. Attend in person or check the group’s Meetup page for updates. The working syllabus and reading links are available at tinyurl.com/explorefaiths. Questions or suggestions can be sent to crichardson1399@gmail.com.
Note: This event is part of an ongoing series that covers traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Taoism, Stoicism, Shinto, Yoruba, Animism, Christianity, Islam, and modern faiths. If interest continues, the group may extend beyond the initial 12 weeks.