127: From Jesuit Priest to Taoist Teacher: A Conversation with My Ba
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In this special episode, I invite my Ba to share his remarkable journey from his experience as a Jesuit priest to leaving the religion to become a Taoist teacher. Born in 1931, Ba’s early life was shaped by his mother's devout Catholicism and his admiration for Jesuit priests, leading him to leave China to join the Jesuits in the Philippines. He shares how after moving to the U.S. to study anthropology, he became disillusioned with the Western-centric approach of the Catholic Church, prompting him to leave the priesthood. We explore his post-priesthood journey, which took him through various jobs, including running a laundromat where he engaged in deep spiritual conversations, and his profound discovery of Taoism during the New Age movement of the 1980s.
Ba shares how his interest in Taoism allowed him to find continuity with his previous spiritual life and how the core principles of Yin and Yang, divine energy, and interconnectedness have become central to his practice. You don’t want to miss his unique perspective on spiritual evolution and his practical advice for integrating Taoism into daily life, join us for this one.
We dive into:
- Ba shares his early life and the strong influence of his mother’s Catholic faith, leading him to join the Jesuits at 18
- His decision to leave the priesthood after moving to the U.S. and his adjustment to secular life
- His post-priesthood jobs, including working as a mechanic, teacher, and salesperson, and the spiritual conversations he had at the laundromat
- Discovering Taoism during the New Age movement of the 1980s and how it resonated with his previous spiritual life
- Ba’s insights into Taoism’s core principles and his advice on integrating these teachings into everyday life
- And more
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