Tao and Zen

Zen Master Ji Bong: "Contemporary Taoist practice might be described as the process of finding one's natural and true energy. Zen is more concerned with the mind, what is usually called our true nature or universal mind. This may be an oversimplification, but it points at the essential difference between the two approaches. Contemporary Taoist teachers are usually skeptical about the simplicity of Zen practice and teach a much more elaborate system of standing, sitting, martial, and visualization exercises. This is paradoxical, considering the ultimate simplicity of classical Taoist philosophy, but perhaps it is no more paradoxical than Buddhism with its 84,000 sutras aimed at cultivating no-mind.
At first I was fascinated by the special powers promised by Taoist practices, but now I feel that is also its greatest pitfall. A lot of contemporary Taoist practices are similar to Western white witchcraft. For most Taoist students in my observation, the struggle to attain these powers has been the greatest block to genuine insight into a clear and helpful mind."

I can really relate to this - my biggest critisism of some Taoist methodology is its pre-occupation with the physical; longevity and supernatural or metaphysical powers. To me this is not the point at all. It is ego getting in the way. Look after yourself, yes. Cultivate yourself, yes. But die when you die and accept this as Tao. And forget magic powers, they are for children. Look around - is this amazing world not full of enough magic for ten thousand lifetimes? Why do you seek more? Let me spell it out for you - C - R - A - V - I - N - G. The Shallow Consciousness causing great suffering while the Deep Consciousness quietly waits, an offering of happiness and lasting joy in it's hand.