Glossary Of Taoist Terms
Brief definitions of Chinese (and Sanskrit) terms used in Taoist practice.
Baxian
The Eight Immortals of Taoism.
The Eight Immortals of Taoism.
Chakra
Chakras are energy-centers located along our energetic core.
Chakras are energy-centers located along our energetic core.
Cun
A unit of measurement used in acupuncture and qigong practice.
A unit of measurement used in acupuncture and qigong practice.
Dantian
The Dantian are the main locations where qi is gathered and transformed.
The Dantian are the main locations where qi is gathered and transformed.
De (Te)
In Taoist practice, "De" refers to the power or virtue that manifests as a result of aligning with the Tao.
In Taoist practice, "De" refers to the power or virtue that manifests as a result of aligning with the Tao.
Fengshui
The art and science of Fengshui seeks to promote health and happiness by balancing the flow of energy in a natural or man-made space.
The art and science of Fengshui seeks to promote health and happiness by balancing the flow of energy in a natural or man-made space.
Jing
Jing is the most densely-vibrating energy of the "Three Treasures."
Jing is the most densely-vibrating energy of the "Three Treasures."
Mai
The channels through which life-force travels, within the human body.
The channels through which life-force travels, within the human body.
Nei Jing Tu
A visual rendering of internal energetic circulation.
A visual rendering of internal energetic circulation.
Neidan
The practice of Inner Alchemy.
The practice of Inner Alchemy.
Qi (Chi)
Qi is life-force energy.
Qi is life-force energy.
Qigong
Practices whose aim is to cultivate life-force energy (qi) are known as qigong.
Practices whose aim is to cultivate life-force energy (qi) are known as qigong.
Shen
Shen refers to spiritual energy.
Shen refers to spiritual energy.
Wuwei
The paradoxical "action of non-action."
The paradoxical "action of non-action."
Yi Jing (I Ching)
The Yi Jing (I Ching), or "Book of Changes," is one of the most important of classical Chinese texts - known in the west primarily as a tool for divination.
The Yi Jing (I Ching), or "Book of Changes," is one of the most important of classical Chinese texts - known in the west primarily as a tool for divination.
Yoga
Yoga is the binding of our small self with the larger Self of Spirit.
Yoga is the binding of our small self with the larger Self of Spirit.
Zhenren
Zhenren is Taoism's name for a spiritual master or "real human being."
Zhenren is Taoism's name for a spiritual master or "real human being."
Ziran
Ziran refers to a state of naturalness, clarity and spontaneity.
Ziran refers to a state of naturalness, clarity and spontaneity.