If I were there personally to offer you a guided tour through this Taoism website, here’s the itinerary that I’d suggest:
1. Getting Oriented To Taoism’s Vast Terrain
Introduction To Taoism
In broad brush-strokes, paints a picture of Taoism’s history, world-view and practices. Start here!
Basic Concepts Of Taoism
Definitions of: Tao, Qi (Chi), Yin & Yang, Daojia & Daojiao, Five Elements, Ten-Thousand Things, Baibai, Inner Alchemy, Three Treasures, Three Dantiens, Three Purities, Bagua, Grotto-Heavens & Wholesome Earths.
A Note On Transliteration
Why is “qi” sometimes spelled “chi” and “Tao” sometimes spelled “Dao”?
Five Simple Lifestyle Recommendations
Things to do to begin embodying Taoist principles in your daily life.
Alchemy In Taoist Practice
Two kinds of “alchemy” important in Taoism’s history.
2. The Tao
Taoist Cosmology
Taoism’s story of the origin of the Universe.
Tao: The Pathless Way
What is the “tao” of Taoism?
Wu Wei
This paradoxical “action of non-action” is one of Taoism’s central values.
Practice “Aimless Wandering” To Cultivate Wu Wei
A practice to help you cultivate Wu Wei.
3. History Of Taoism
Shamanic Origins Of Taoist Practice
Taoism’s roots in the shamanic cultures that settled along the Yellow River.
Taoism Through The Dynasties
Various lineages and streams of practice that unfolded through China’s various dynasties.
4. Qi = Life-force Energy
What Is Qi (Chi)?
To cultivate direct experience of qi – the life-force energy that animates all of existence – is a central component of Taoist practice.
Kinds Of Qi In The Human Body
The different varieties of qi used in Qigong and Chinese Medicine.
The Meridian System
Like small rivers, the meridians carry qi through the body.
Eight Extraordinary Meridians
Even deeper reservoirs of life-force energy.
5. Ceremonial Taoism
The Taoist Altar
What are the elements of a typical Taoist altar?
Baibai – Offering Incense To The Altar
The practice of Baibai is one of the most important for Ceremonial Taoism.
Major Festivals Of Taoist Deities
Here are the holidays and festivals celebrated in most Taoist temples.
6. Internal Alchemy
The Three Treasures
The Three Treasures are energetic substances produced in the “laboratory” of the human body, via Inner Alchemy practice.
Inner Alchemy Overview
A mapping of the territory of Inner Alchemy practice.
Inner Smile Practice
Begin your exploration of Inner Alchemy with this simple and delightful practice …
Snow Mountain: Our Energetic Root (Practice)
… and then add this important practice, which wakes up our root energy as it connects us to the earth.
Turning The Light Around
The starting-point and essence of Inner Alchemy and Taoist Meditation practice.
7. Chinese Medicine
TCM vs. Five Element Approaches
Two schools of Chinese Medicine being practiced today, and how they came about.
Acupuncture
What is acupuncture? What does it feel like to receive a treatment?
Herbal Medicine
The healing energy of plants is an important part of Chinese Medicine.
The Five Shen
Each of our internal organs has a “spirit” which defines its function within the human body.
8. Gender & The Tao
Gender & The Tao
Men & Women, Masculine & Feminine Energy, Yin & Yang – how does it all play out within Taoist practice?
9. A Sampling Of Qigong & Taoist Meditation Practices
The Benefits Of Qigong
Lots of reasons why qigong practice is a really good thing!
Walking Meditation
A beautiful way of using a common activity to deepen our connection with ourselves and all-that-is.
Standing Meditation
One of the most important and powerful of Taoist qigong practices.
Developing Witness Consciousness
Learn how to simply observe sensations, thoughts and emotions, without getting sucked into or overwhelmed by them.
“Moon On Lake” Visualization
A qigong practice used in many of China’s qigong hospitals.
“Holding Heaven In The Palm Of Your Hand” Visualization
Channel the energy of all of the stars and galaxies into your Dantian (lower abdomen).
The Importance Of A Teacher
Having support is really important - here are some of the shapes it can take in Taoist practice.
10. Immortality
Esoteric Initiation & Immortality
The highest level of attainment in Taoism is what’s called “Immortality.” This essay explores Immortality in relation to the Christian Gospel Story and esoteric stages of initiation.
Puppetji: Are You A Puppet?
My favorite Immortal …
