Practices
Rituals & ceremonies; the use of talismans and divination; techniques for calming the mind and strengthening the body; wandering in the mountains: many are the options for practice available to the Taoist initiate! And how does one choose? Some combination of intuition, availability and (if you're lucky) the guidance of an authentic Taoist Master.
Moola Bandha: The Master Key
An introduction to the practice of Moola Bandha, which awakens the energy of the Snow Mountain/Golden Urn area at the base of the spine.
An introduction to the practice of Moola Bandha, which awakens the energy of the Snow Mountain/Golden Urn area at the base of the spine.
Addiction, Habit, & Ritual
A hallmark of Taoist practice is its emphasis on and celebration of naturalness and spontaneity. The way of cultivating a truly authentic naturalness, however, seems often to involve structured forms: rituals and disciplines of various sorts. Let's explore this paradox ...
A hallmark of Taoist practice is its emphasis on and celebration of naturalness and spontaneity. The way of cultivating a truly authentic naturalness, however, seems often to involve structured forms: rituals and disciplines of various sorts. Let's explore this paradox ...
Use The "Polarity Processing" & "Squares" Techniques
To access a balance and fluid Yin/Yang "dance of opposites" requires that we make conscious both sides of all mental polarities. The Polarity Processing techniques are a tool for doing this.
To access a balance and fluid Yin/Yang "dance of opposites" requires that we make conscious both sides of all mental polarities. The Polarity Processing techniques are a tool for doing this.
Index Of Taoism Articles
A guided introduction to this Taoism website.
A guided introduction to this Taoism website.
Benefits Of Qigong
Qigong practice has many benefits: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Qigong practice has many benefits: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Shaolin Monk Rain Demonstration
A stunning demonstration of Shaolin martial arts forms - one example of Taoist "body cultivation" practices - performed outside in a gentle rain. A must see!!
A stunning demonstration of Shaolin martial arts forms - one example of Taoist "body cultivation" practices - performed outside in a gentle rain. A must see!!
What Meditation Really Is
A lovely short video-introduction to meditation, by the Tibetan Buddhist teacher Sogyal Rinpoche. Enjoy!
A lovely short video-introduction to meditation, by the Tibetan Buddhist teacher Sogyal Rinpoche. Enjoy!
The Human Body Energy Centers
Enjoy this gorgeous video, which uses light, sound and color to take us on a journey through the internal energy centers of the human body. This is part 1 of 3 - be sure to view all three!
Enjoy this gorgeous video, which uses light, sound and color to take us on a journey through the internal energy centers of the human body. This is part 1 of 3 - be sure to view all three!
Meditation FAQ
What is meditation? Why should we meditate? What are the different kinds of meditation? Is it important to have a teacher? Are there meditation techniques that are common to many different spiritual traditions? What are some good suggestions for beginners? What kinds of experiences can we expect? Are there dangers? Samdhang Rinpoche answers these and more.
What is meditation? Why should we meditate? What are the different kinds of meditation? Is it important to have a teacher? Are there meditation techniques that are common to many different spiritual traditions? What are some good suggestions for beginners? What kinds of experiences can we expect? Are there dangers? Samdhang Rinpoche answers these and more.
The Great Heavenly Circuit - Qigong Practice
Here's a powerful qigong practice, with nice instructions on how to begin practicing yourself!
Here's a powerful qigong practice, with nice instructions on how to begin practicing yourself!
Elixir Qigong
A simple powerful qigong practice to cultivate jing (reproductive energy).
A simple powerful qigong practice to cultivate jing (reproductive energy).
Ziyi Zhang vs. Michelle Yeoh
This fight scene from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" highlights the use of the sword and other weapons in Taoist martial arts practice, and reminds us that it's not only men that become Masters of these art-forms!
This fight scene from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" highlights the use of the sword and other weapons in Taoist martial arts practice, and reminds us that it's not only men that become Masters of these art-forms!
Tree Healing Qigong Practice
Learn to exchange energy with a tree, for your mutual benefit ... so pleasant!
Learn to exchange energy with a tree, for your mutual benefit ... so pleasant!
"Caught"
In David Parsons' "Caught," the skillful coordination of a strobe-light with the dancer's leaps creates the illusion of flight. Notice the qigong and taiji-like movements at the beginning - a way of gathering energy for the flight. Can you find Taoist cosmology within this performance? (Hint: What's the relationship between the seen and the unseen? Who or what is "caught"?)
In David Parsons' "Caught," the skillful coordination of a strobe-light with the dancer's leaps creates the illusion of flight. Notice the qigong and taiji-like movements at the beginning - a way of gathering energy for the flight. Can you find Taoist cosmology within this performance? (Hint: What's the relationship between the seen and the unseen? Who or what is "caught"?)
"Sit Like a Bell, Stand Firm Like a Pine"
Essential instructions on bringing meditation into every aspect of our lives, from the great Master Da-Mo (Bodhidharma): "Sleep with the body bent like a bow. Walk swiftly like the wind. Sit like a bell. Stand firm like a pine." Beautiful!
Essential instructions on bringing meditation into every aspect of our lives, from the great Master Da-Mo (Bodhidharma): "Sleep with the body bent like a bow. Walk swiftly like the wind. Sit like a bell. Stand firm like a pine." Beautiful!
Transferring the Consciousness
For the Taoist practitioner, the dying process can be a great opportunity. Here, we see Master Hongyi - immediately following this transition - looking as joyful and serene as someone taking an afternoon nap. So much to learn from this image!
For the Taoist practitioner, the dying process can be a great opportunity. Here, we see Master Hongyi - immediately following this transition - looking as joyful and serene as someone taking an afternoon nap. So much to learn from this image!
Sitting Meditation Posture
Sitting Meditation is an important part of Taoist practice.
Sitting Meditation is an important part of Taoist practice.