Taoist Arts & Culture

An introduction to eight important Taoist visual symbols: the Yin-Yang symbol, the Taijitu, the Five-Elements chart, the Ba Gua, the Lo Pan compass, the He Tu and Luo Sho charts, the Neijing Tu, and the Guodian bamboo strips.

What is the meaning of the Taoist Yin-Yang symbol?

Short reviews of eight (Taoist and related) books that have had a profound effect on my life, including the work of Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Shunryu Suzuki and Paramahamsa Yogananda.

A computer animation in Chinese ink-painting style which illustrates the emergence of Yin/Yang from Tao, the birth of the Bagua (eight trigrams), and the creation of the "ten-thousand things" which flow and change continuously. Wonderful!

Kyudo is the Zen/Shinto practice of contemplative archery. While not belonging formally to the Taoist path, it embodies much of the Taoist aesthetic, and is a beautiful example of using an art-form as a spiritual practice.

An amazing computer animation in Chinese ink-painting style, which illustrates beautifully the Taoist insight that everything is in constant flow and change ... don't miss this :)

In this delightful video introduction, Yo-Yo Ma touches on the importance of "beginner's mind" - being guided by a child-like enthusiasm, joy and curiosity - as well as the importance of a teacher/mentor ... themes which resonate clearly with Taoist practice. Enjoy!

The Tang Dynasty witnessed a flourishing of Chinese arts & culture. Here's a nice article which traces this development ...

"When you can walk the rice paper without tearing it, then your steps will not be heard," says Master Kan to the young Caine, in the TV series "Kung Fu."