Is God a Taoist? is a very, very well written piece of wisdom literature by Raymond M. Smullyan, 1977. By reading through this text, it’s as if the author had gently held my hand and guided me through the process of realization, or perhaps the process of enlightenment.
In realizing the truth, perhaps it can be said that I have walked through the valley of death while reading this text, or that I have seen a glimpse of enlightenment, even though I may not have the capacity to retain the light for an extended duration. A very curious piece of literature indeed!
God, to a mortal questioning His existence:
First of all it is inaccurate to speak of my role in the scheme of things. I am the scheme of things. Secondly, it is equally misleading to speak of my aiding the process of sentient beings attaining enlightenment. I am the process.
The ancient Taoists were quite close when they said of me (whom they called “Tao”) that I do not do things, yet through me all things get done. In more modem terms, I am not the cause of Cosmic Process, I am Cosmic Process itself. I think the most accurate and fruitful definition of me which man can frame — at least in his present state of evolution — is that I am the very process of enlightenment.
I have mirrored the text into my notes (here), but I really do not wish to plagiarize Raymond’s work, and so if you do wish to read it, I urge you to check out his web site here:
http://www.mit.edu/people/dpolicar/writing/prose/text/godTaoist.html
I sincerely hope that you enjoyed the journey as much as I do.