Taoism: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Chakra
Chakras are energy-centers located along our energetic core.
Chakras are energy-centers located along our energetic core.
Eight Extraordinary Meridians
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians represent the body's deepest level of energetic structuring.
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians represent the body's deepest level of energetic structuring.
Internal Alchemy Overview
Inner Alchemy is the Taoist art and science of gathering, storing and circulating the energies of the human body. The Taoist practitioner learns to cultivate and transform the "Three Treasures" - Jing, Qi and Shen - producing radiant good health, longevity and - ultimately - Immortality.
Inner Alchemy is the Taoist art and science of gathering, storing and circulating the energies of the human body. The Taoist practitioner learns to cultivate and transform the "Three Treasures" - Jing, Qi and Shen - producing radiant good health, longevity and - ultimately - Immortality.
Daojia & Daojiao
Brief descriptions of Daojia, Daojiao, the Three Treasures, Bagua, Gotto-Heavens & Wholesome Earths, and a number of other key Taoist concepts.
Brief descriptions of Daojia, Daojiao, the Three Treasures, Bagua, Gotto-Heavens & Wholesome Earths, and a number of other key Taoist concepts.
The Meridian System
An overview of the meridian system - the network through which qi travels, to nourish and energize the human body.
An overview of the meridian system - the network through which qi travels, to nourish and energize the human body.
Yin-Yang Symbol
What is the meaning of the Taoist Yin-Yang symbol?
What is the meaning of the Taoist Yin-Yang symbol?
Inner Smile
One of the most well-known of Taoist neidan (Inner Alchemy) practices is the "Inner Smile" - in which we smile inwardly to each of the major organs of our body, activating within us the energy of loving-kindness, and waking up the Five-Element associational network. This article presents a variation on this classic practice.
One of the most well-known of Taoist neidan (Inner Alchemy) practices is the "Inner Smile" - in which we smile inwardly to each of the major organs of our body, activating within us the energy of loving-kindness, and waking up the Five-Element associational network. This article presents a variation on this classic practice.
Cosmology
Taoism's story of the origin of the universe.
Taoism's story of the origin of the universe.
Introduction To Taoism
In broad brush-strokes, paints a pictures of the landscape of Taoist practice: its rituals, ceremonies & systems of divination; its qigong & meditation practices; and its foundational text ~ the Daode Jing.
In broad brush-strokes, paints a pictures of the landscape of Taoist practice: its rituals, ceremonies & systems of divination; its qigong & meditation practices; and its foundational text ~ the Daode Jing.
Qi
In Taoism, the animating force behind all forms of life is "qi." In this article, we explore different forms of qi, and ways of training our perception in the direction of the vibratory nature of reality.
In Taoism, the animating force behind all forms of life is "qi." In this article, we explore different forms of qi, and ways of training our perception in the direction of the vibratory nature of reality.
Tao: the pathless Way
An introduction to "Tao" ~ perhaps the most important, though also most elusive, principle of Taoism.
An introduction to "Tao" ~ perhaps the most important, though also most elusive, principle of Taoism.
Tonic Gold
Tonic Gold is a potent alchemical formula, produced in India by the Hermetic alchemist Petri Murien. It's benefits are many, and a practitioner's discount is available.
Tonic Gold is a potent alchemical formula, produced in India by the Hermetic alchemist Petri Murien. It's benefits are many, and a practitioner's discount is available.
Ritual In Tao
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 ...
Snow Mountain
The energetic center which in Tibetan Yoga is called Snow Mountain, and in Taoist practice is referred to as the Golden Urn, is one of the most important physical/energetic “spaces” in qigong/Inner Alchemy traditions.
The energetic center which in Tibetan Yoga is called Snow Mountain, and in Taoist practice is referred to as the Golden Urn, is one of the most important physical/energetic “spaces” in qigong/Inner Alchemy traditions.
Chakras & Dantians
What is the relationship between chakras and dantians?
What is the relationship between chakras and dantians?
Shamanic Origins
The roots of Taoism lie in the shamanic cultures of ancient China and, specifically, in the practices of the "wu" ~ their visionary shamans.
The roots of Taoism lie in the shamanic cultures of ancient China and, specifically, in the practices of the "wu" ~ their visionary shamans.
The Three Treasures
The Taoist "Three Treasures" of Jing, Qi and Shen are substances that are cultivated and transformed in qigong and Inner Alchemy practice.
The Taoist "Three Treasures" of Jing, Qi and Shen are substances that are cultivated and transformed in qigong and Inner Alchemy practice.
Herbal Medicine
An introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine which - along with acupuncture, tuina, qigong and dietary therapy - form the core of Chinese Medicine.
An introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine which - along with acupuncture, tuina, qigong and dietary therapy - form the core of Chinese Medicine.
Immortality
An exploration of Taoist Immortality, and its relation to the Christian Gospel Story and Esoteric Stages of Initiation.
An exploration of Taoist Immortality, and its relation to the Christian Gospel Story and Esoteric Stages of Initiation.
TCM & Five Element
What is the difference between a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Five Element approach to practicing Chinese Medicine?
What is the difference between a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Five Element approach to practicing Chinese Medicine?
Xi Cleft Points
Xi Cleft points are where the qi and blood of a meridian pool.
Xi Cleft points are where the qi and blood of a meridian pool.
The Five Shen
The Five Shen - Shen, Zhi, Yi, Hun and Po - are the spirits, or aspects of consciousness, associated with the five yin organs of Chinese Medicine and qigong practice.
The Five Shen - Shen, Zhi, Yi, Hun and Po - are the spirits, or aspects of consciousness, associated with the five yin organs of Chinese Medicine and qigong practice.
Lifestyle Recommendations
The choices that we make moment to moment are the essence of Taoist practice. Here are some daily and yearly patterns that I've found to be supportive of my practice, and which have been recommended by the great Masters of the past, also!
The choices that we make moment to moment are the essence of Taoist practice. Here are some daily and yearly patterns that I've found to be supportive of my practice, and which have been recommended by the great Masters of the past, also!
Taoist Teachers
An overview of various kinds of external support available to us as we engage with our chosen forms of Taoist practice.
An overview of various kinds of external support available to us as we engage with our chosen forms of Taoist practice.
Giles DDJ1
Here, Lionel Giles gives us a very lucid translation of Laozi's Daode Jing - Enjoy!
Here, Lionel Giles gives us a very lucid translation of Laozi's Daode Jing - Enjoy!
Five Element System
An introduction to the Five Element System used in Chinese Medicine, Qigong and other Taoist practices.
An introduction to the Five Element System used in Chinese Medicine, Qigong and other Taoist practices.
Yuan Source Points
An introduction to and listing of the Yuan Source Points used in the practice of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
An introduction to and listing of the Yuan Source Points used in the practice of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
HoldingHeaven
In this beautiful qigong visualization practice, we invite the energy of Heaven - all the stars and galaxies - into the palm of our hand, circulate it through our heart-center, and direct it finally into our lower dantian. Wonderful!
In this beautiful qigong visualization practice, we invite the energy of Heaven - all the stars and galaxies - into the palm of our hand, circulate it through our heart-center, and direct it finally into our lower dantian. Wonderful!
Standing Meditation
Standing Meditation is a simple yet very powerful tool for opening the flow of qi through the meridians.
Standing Meditation is a simple yet very powerful tool for opening the flow of qi through the meridians.
Wu Wei
An exploration of the Taoist concept of wu wei.
An exploration of the Taoist concept of wu wei.
Glossaries
An introduction to five excellent Taoist Studies glossaries.
An introduction to five excellent Taoist Studies glossaries.
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.
Eight Inspirational Books
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.
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.
Walking Meditation
Walking Meditation is a wonderful way of turning something that we do every day into a deeply healing, deeply nourishing and enjoyable tool for our awakening.
Walking Meditation is a wonderful way of turning something that we do every day into a deeply healing, deeply nourishing and enjoyable tool for our awakening.
Major Festivals
These are the festivals celebrated in most Taoist temples ...
These are the festivals celebrated in most Taoist temples ...
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.
Qi-Forms
Explores the various forms of qi (chi) found within the human body, as used by acupuncturists and qigong/Inner Alchemy practitioners.
Explores the various forms of qi (chi) found within the human body, as used by acupuncturists and qigong/Inner Alchemy practitioners.
History
A brief history of the major events of Taoism, traced through China's dynasties.
A brief history of the major events of Taoism, traced through China's dynasties.
Witness Consciousness
Important to the practice of Taoist (as well as Buddhist and many other) forms of meditation is the cultivation of Witness Consciousness, or the energy of Mindfulness - the capacity to observe the contents of our mind, without identifying with them. Here's a simple practice to support you in developing the Witness Consciousness.
Important to the practice of Taoist (as well as Buddhist and many other) forms of meditation is the cultivation of Witness Consciousness, or the energy of Mindfulness - the capacity to observe the contents of our mind, without identifying with them. Here's a simple practice to support you in developing the Witness Consciousness.
Aimless Wandering
The practice of "aimless wandering" in a place of great natural beauty is a wonderful way of cultivating Wu Wei.
The practice of "aimless wandering" in a place of great natural beauty is a wonderful way of cultivating Wu Wei.
Moon On Lake
The "Moon on Lake" visualization practice is a simple, beautiful and potent tool for calming our mind and energizing our entire body.
The "Moon on Lake" visualization practice is a simple, beautiful and potent tool for calming our mind and energizing our entire body.
Gender & The Tao
An exploration of various aspects of gender in the philosophy and practice of Taoism.
An exploration of various aspects of gender in the philosophy and practice of Taoism.
Introduction
In broad brush-strokes, paints a pictures of the landscape of Taoist practice: its rituals, ceremonies & systems of divination; its qigong & meditation practices; and its foundational text ~ the Daode Jing.
In broad brush-strokes, paints a pictures of the landscape of Taoist practice: its rituals, ceremonies & systems of divination; its qigong & meditation practices; and its foundational text ~ the Daode Jing.
Taoism Power
What is the relationship between spiritual and material power? What is the meaning of power within Taoist practice?
What is the relationship between spiritual and material power? What is the meaning of power within Taoist practice?
Master Key 1
Part 1 of Charles Haanel's "The Master Key" - a work which resonates strongly with the wisdom found in Taoist, Buddhist and Hindu scriptures.
Part 1 of Charles Haanel's "The Master Key" - a work which resonates strongly with the wisdom found in Taoist, Buddhist and Hindu scriptures.
Qi Forms
An overview of the various kinds of Qi (Chi) used in the practice of Chinese Medicine and Qigong.
An overview of the various kinds of Qi (Chi) used in the practice of Chinese Medicine and Qigong.
Neidan
The practice of Inner Alchemy.
The practice of Inner Alchemy.
Nei Jing Tu
A visual rendering of internal energetic circulation.
A visual rendering of internal energetic circulation.
New Year's Resolutions
As a Taoist practitioner currently living in the United States, I wondered what my “New Year's Resolutions” might be. What follows is at least a partial answer to that question: aspirations for the New Year rooted deeply (and sometimes just playfully) in Taoist philosophy and practice.
As a Taoist practitioner currently living in the United States, I wondered what my “New Year's Resolutions” might be. What follows is at least a partial answer to that question: aspirations for the New Year rooted deeply (and sometimes just playfully) in Taoist philosophy and practice.
Alchemy
Introduces the two main forms - internal and external - that alchemy practice has taken in Taoism.
Introduces the two main forms - internal and external - that alchemy practice has taken in Taoism.
acupuncture
What is acupuncture? What does it feel like to receive a treatment?
What is acupuncture? What does it feel like to receive a treatment?
Master Key 2
Part 2 of "The Master Key" by Charles Haanel.
Part 2 of "The Master Key" by Charles Haanel.
Laozi
The founder of Taoism is the historical/legendary Laozi.
The founder of Taoism is the historical/legendary Laozi.
Master Key Introduction
An Introduction and Index to Charles Haanel's "The Master Key."
An Introduction and Index to Charles Haanel's "The Master Key."
The Taoist Altar
Each object on a Taoist altar represents an aspect of Taoist practice or Taoist cosmology. This article explores the symbolic meaning of a standard Taoist altar.
Each object on a Taoist altar represents an aspect of Taoist practice or Taoist cosmology. This article explores the symbolic meaning of a standard Taoist altar.
Taoism - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Taoism guide site.
An index of HowTos for the Taoism guide site.
Taoist Poetry
Poetry has played an important role in Taoist practice - as a cultural expression of the Taoist aesthetic of simplicity and harmony, as well as a form of practice in and of itself.
Poetry has played an important role in Taoist practice - as a cultural expression of the Taoist aesthetic of simplicity and harmony, as well as a form of practice in and of itself.
Benefits Of Qigong
Qigong practice has many benefits: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Qigong practice has many benefits: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
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.
Shangqing Taoism
Shangqing Taoism is the most mystical of Taoism's lineages, and includes practices such as spirit-travel and communication with the deities residing in the organs of the body, as well as in the stars and galaxies.
Shangqing Taoism is the most mystical of Taoism's lineages, and includes practices such as spirit-travel and communication with the deities residing in the organs of the body, as well as in the stars and galaxies.
Polarity Processing
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.
The Importance of a Teacher
An overview of various kinds of external support available to us as we engage with our chosen forms of Taoist practice.
An overview of various kinds of external support available to us as we engage with our chosen forms of Taoist practice.
Master Key 10
Part Ten of "The Master Key" by Charles Haanel.
Part Ten of "The Master Key" by Charles Haanel.
E-Commerce
When we pay for spiritual teachings, what exactly is it that we're paying for?
When we pay for spiritual teachings, what exactly is it that we're paying for?
Master Key 9
Part Nine of Charles Haanel's "Master Key."
Part Nine of Charles Haanel's "Master Key."
Master Key 3
Part three of Charles Haanel's "The Master Key."
Part three of Charles Haanel's "The Master Key."
Taoism - Articles
An index of Articles for the Taoism guide site.
An index of Articles for the Taoism guide site.
Mindfulness
There is a deep link between the experience of impermanence in Buddhist Mindfulness training and the concept of Qi as used in East Asian medicine and martial arts. This article explores these connections.
There is a deep link between the experience of impermanence in Buddhist Mindfulness training and the concept of Qi as used in East Asian medicine and martial arts. This article explores these connections.
Baibai Offering
The practice of Baibai - offering incense to the altar - is central to ceremonial forms of Taoism.
The practice of Baibai - offering incense to the altar - is central to ceremonial forms of Taoism.
Transliteration
Introduction to these two systems for Romanizing Chinese characters.
Introduction to these two systems for Romanizing Chinese characters.
Spectrum of Nourishment
Dietary choices represent just one part of what it means to be nourished. Our primary nourishment is our connection to God or Nature or something larger than ourselves.
Dietary choices represent just one part of what it means to be nourished. Our primary nourishment is our connection to God or Nature or something larger than ourselves.
Master Key 7
Part seven of Charles Haanel's "The Master Key."
Part seven of Charles Haanel's "The Master Key."
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.
Shen
Shen refers to spiritual energy.
Shen refers to spiritual energy.
Giles DDJ3
The final section of Laozi's Daode Jing, translated by Lionel Giles.
The final section of Laozi's Daode Jing, translated by Lionel Giles.
Five Lifestyle Recommendations
The choices that we make moment to moment are the essence of Taoist practice. Here are some daily and yearly patterns that I've found to be supportive of my practice, and which have been recommended by the great Masters of the past, also!
The choices that we make moment to moment are the essence of Taoist practice. Here are some daily and yearly patterns that I've found to be supportive of my practice, and which have been recommended by the great Masters of the past, also!
Zhuangzi
Along with Laozi (Lao Tzu) and Liezi (Lieh Tzu), Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu) is one of philosophical Taoism's most important figures.
Along with Laozi (Lao Tzu) and Liezi (Lieh Tzu), Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu) is one of philosophical Taoism's most important figures.
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.
Master Key 4
Part four of "The Master Key" by Charles Haanel.
Part four of "The Master Key" by Charles Haanel.
Master Key 8
Part eight of Charles Haanel's "The Master Key."
Part eight of Charles Haanel's "The Master Key."
Luo Connecting Points
An introduction to the Luo Connecting Points used in acupuncture.
An introduction to the Luo Connecting Points used in acupuncture.
Yi Jing
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.
Turning The Light Around
"Turning the light around" is a phrase used frequently in relation to the practice of Taoist Inner Alchemy and meditation. What does it mean?
"Turning the light around" is a phrase used frequently in relation to the practice of Taoist Inner Alchemy and meditation. What does it mean?
Master Key 12
Part Twelve of "The Master Key" by Charles Haanel.
Part Twelve of "The Master Key" by Charles Haanel.
Cun
A unit of measurement used in acupuncture and qigong practice.
A unit of measurement used in acupuncture and qigong practice.
Legge Daode Jing 1
Here is James Legge's 1891 translation of Laozi's Daode Jing.
Here is James Legge's 1891 translation of Laozi's Daode Jing.
Master Key 5
Part five of "The Master Key" by Charles Haanel.
Part five of "The Master Key" by Charles Haanel.