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Taoism: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Yin-Yang Symbol
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.
Five Element Chart
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.
Yin-Yang Symbol
What is the meaning of the Taoist Yin-Yang symbol?
Ba Gua
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.
Taoist Holidays 2009
A listing of major Taoist holidays in 2009, including both lunar and Gregorian/solar dates.
Koi Fish
An illustrated tour through a Chinese New Year's celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) - from Rice Porridge Day through the Lantern Festival.
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.
The Yin-Yang Symbol
A look at the many faces of Taoist practice, including ceremonial Taoism, the internal and external martial arts, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Taoist divination techniques such as Fengshui and I-Ching, Taoist arts such as haiku, Taoist symbols such as the Yin-Yang symbol and the Nei Jing Tu, and Taoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan) practice.
Taijitu Shuo
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.
Major Festivals
These are the festivals celebrated in most Taoist temples ...
The Meridian System
An overview of the meridian system - the network through which qi travels, to nourish and energize the human body.
Five Element System
An introduction to the Five Element System used in Chinese Medicine, Qigong and other Taoist practices.
Daojia & Daojiao
Brief descriptions of Daojia, Daojiao, the Three Treasures, Bagua, Gotto-Heavens & Wholesome Earths, and a number of other key Taoist concepts.
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.
Dragon & Lion Dances
An illustrated tour through a Chinese New Year's celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) - from Rice Porridge Day through the Lantern Festival.
Internal & External Martial Arts: Bruce Lee
A look at the many faces of Taoist practice, including ceremonial Taoism, the internal and external martial arts, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Taoist divination techniques such as Fengshui and I-Ching, Taoist arts such as haiku, Taoist symbols such as the Yin-Yang symbol and the Nei Jing Tu, and Taoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan) practice, including Taoist meditation.
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.
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.
Lo Pan Compass
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.
The Lantern Festival
An illustrated tour through a Chinese New Year's celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) - from Rice Porridge Day through the Lantern Festival.
Yijing Insights
A reading of the Yijing (I Ching) offers insight into "what went wrong" at the Sedona sweat-lodge; and a prescription for healing.
Eight Extraordinary Meridians
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians represent the body's deepest level of energetic structuring.
Gender & The Tao
An exploration of various aspects of gender in the philosophy and practice of Taoism.
Wu Wei
An exploration of the Taoist concept of wu wei.
He Tu & Luo Shu Diagrams
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 Shu diagrams, the Neijing Tu, and the Guodian bamboo strips.
Nei Jing Tu
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.
Alchemy
Introduces the two main forms - internal and external - that alchemy practice has taken in Taoism.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
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.
How Qigong Works
An exploration of the mechanisms of qigong practice.
Herbal Medicine
An introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine which - along with acupuncture, tuina, qigong and dietary therapy - form the core of Chinese Medicine.
History
A brief history of the major events of Taoism, traced through China's dynasties.
Guodian Bamboo Strips
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.
Benefits Of Qigong
Qigong practice has many benefits: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
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.
Eight Immortals
An introduction to Taoism's "Eight Immortals."
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.
Chakras & Dantians
What is the relationship between chakras and dantians?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Standing Meditation
An illustrated introduction to the practice of Taoist yoga. Wonderful!
Ghost Festival
The Ghost Festival (Zhongyuan Jie) is a traditional Chinese holiday and Taoist festival celebrated on the 15th night of the seventh lunar month.
Tomb Sweeping Day
Tomb Sweeping Day, or Clear Bright Festival (Qing Ming Jie) is a traditional Chinese festival and Taoist holiday, celebrated on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox.
Laozi
The founder of Taoism is the historical/legendary Laozi.
Tao: the pathless Way
An introduction to "Tao" ~ perhaps the most important, though also most elusive, principle of Taoism.
Sitting Meditation
An illustrated introduction to the practice of Taoist yoga. Wonderful!
"Gathering The Light" - Taoist Meditation
A look at the many faces of Taoist practice, including ceremonial Taoism, the internal and external martial arts, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Taoist divination techniques such as Fengshui and I-Ching, Taoist arts such as haiku, Taoist symbols such as the Yin-Yang symbol and the Nei Jing Tu, and Taoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan) practice, including Taoist meditation.
Cosmology
Taoism's story of the origin of the universe.
Qi Forms
An overview of the various kinds of Qi (Chi) used in the practice of Chinese Medicine and Qigong.
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Jie, is a traditional Chinese festival and Taoist holiday that falls on fifth day of the fifth lunar month – and hence is also known as Double Fifth Day.
TCM & Five Element
What is the difference between a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Five Element approach to practicing Chinese Medicine?
Jade Dragon - Cradled In Clouds
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
Double Ninth Day
Double Ninth Day (Chong Yang Jie) is a traditional Chinese holiday and Taoist festival celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month – hence its name.
The Mountains Of Li River
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
Standing Meditation
Standing Meditation is a simple yet very powerful tool for opening the flow of qi through the meridians.
Lao Tzu Riding An Ox
A look at the many faces of Taoist practice, including ceremonial Taoism, the internal and external martial arts, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Taoist divination techniques such as Fengshui and I-Ching, Taoist arts such as haiku, Taoist symbols such as the Yin-Yang symbol and the Nei Jing Tu, and Taoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan) practice.
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.
The Legend of Nian
An illustrated tour through a Chinese New Year's celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) - from Rice Porridge Day through the Lantern Festival.
Wudang Mountain Monastery
A look at the many faces of Taoist practice, including ceremonial Taoism, the internal and external martial arts, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Taoist divination techniques such as Fengshui and I-Ching, Taoist arts such as haiku, Taoist symbols such as the Yin-Yang symbol and the Nei Jing Tu, and Taoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan) practice.
The Three Purities
The Three Purities are the highest deities in the Taoist pantheon.
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.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu Jie) is a traditional Chinese holiday and Taoist festival that is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, around the time of the autumn equinox.
Pu
Pu - "the uncarved block" - refers to a state of mental unity.
Neidan
The practice of Inner Alchemy.
Butterfly Dream
A review of Robert E. Allison's "Chuang-tzu for Spiritual Transformation: An Analysis of the Inner Chapters." Includes an introduction to the Buddhist tradition of Valid Cognition, in relation to Chuang-tzu's Butterfly Dream and Great Sage anecdotes.
Shaolin Mountain & Monastery
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
Qi-Forms
Explores the various forms of qi (chi) found within the human body, as used by acupuncturists and qigong/Inner Alchemy practitioners.
Huashan - Flower Mountain
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
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.
More Kung Fu Practice
An illustrated introduction to the practice of Taoist yoga. Wonderful!
Aimless Wandering
The practice of "aimless wandering" in a place of great natural beauty is a wonderful way of cultivating Wu Wei.
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.
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.
Zhuangzi
Along with Laozi (Lao Tzu) and Liezi (Lieh Tzu), Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu) is one of philosophical Taoism's most important figures.
Onikare
My personal experience with sweat lodges, and some reflections on the skillful use of intensity and purification via spiritual practices.
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!
acupuncture
What is acupuncture? What does it feel like to receive a treatment?
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.
Huashan - The Plank Path
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
Dantian
The Dantian are the main locations where qi is gathered and transformed.
Healing Sounds Anxiety
A simple Taoist qigong practice to transform the stuck emotional state of anxiety into nourishment for the Heart's virtue of joy.
Transubstantiation
A comparison of the Christian doctrine of Transubstantiation with a Taoist alchemical view of some of the same processes.
Taoism - Articles
An index of articles for the Taoism guide site.
Emptiness in Taoism & Buddhism
A look at the way in which the term "emptiness" is used in Taoism, in comparison to how this term is used in Buddhism.
Hong Bao
An illustrated tour through a Chinese New Year's celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) - from Rice Porridge Day through the Lantern Festival.
A Fengshui Loupan Compass
A look at the many faces of Taoist practice, including ceremonial Taoism, the internal and external martial arts, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Taoist divination techniques such as Fengshui and I-Ching, Taoist arts such as haiku, Taoist symbols such as the Yin-Yang symbol and the Nei Jing Tu, and Taoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan) practice.
Meridian Clock
During each two-hour period of the day, qi is flowing strongest in one of the twelve main acupuncture meridians.
Huashan - Mist & Stone Stairs
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
Secret of the Golden Flower
An introduction to Taoist scripture called "The Secret of the Golden Flower" with a recommendation for a specific English translation.
Immortality
An exploration of Taoist Immortality, and its relation to the Christian Gospel Story and Esoteric Stages of Initiation.
Wudang Mountains In Mist
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
Chinese New Year's Eve
An illustrated tour through a Chinese New Year's celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) - from Rice Porridge Day through the Lantern Festival.
Pulse
An introduction to the art and science of pulse reading in Chinese Medicine.
Science of Compassion
Strong positive feelings, such as compassion, initiate a series of bio-chemical changes which are the essence of the Inner Alchemical process.
Legge Daode Jing 1
Here is James Legge's 1891 translation of Laozi's Daode Jing.
Shaolin Flying Monk
An illustrated introduction to the practice of Taoist yoga. Wonderful!
Gan Cao
An introduction to Gan Cao: a Chinese herb that tonifies qi.
Supplicating The Kitchen God
An illustrated tour through a Chinese New Year's celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) - from Rice Porridge Day through the Lantern Festival.
Yuangshuo Mountains From A Bamboo Boat
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
Yoga In The Forest
An illustrated introduction to the practice of Taoist yoga. Wonderful!
Jade Dragon - Windy Clouds
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
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.
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.
Huashan - The Long View
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
Healing Sounds Fear
A simple Taoist qigong practice to transform fear into nourishment for our inherent wisdom and child-like wonder.
Old Taoist Priest
A look at the many faces of Taoist practice, including ceremonial Taoism, the internal and external martial arts, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Taoist divination techniques such as Fengshui and I-Ching, Taoist arts such as haiku, Taoist symbols such as the Yin-Yang symbol and the Nei Jing Tu, and Taoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan) practice.
Taoist Priests
A look at the many faces of Taoist practice, including ceremonial Taoism, the internal and external martial arts, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Taoist divination techniques such as Fengshui and I-Ching, Taoist arts such as haiku, Taoist symbols such as the Yin-Yang symbol and the Nei Jing Tu, and Taoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan) practice.
White Cloud Monastery
A look at the many faces of Taoist practice, including ceremonial Taoism, the internal and external martial arts, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Taoist divination techniques such as Fengshui and I-Ching, Taoist arts such as haiku, Taoist symbols such as the Yin-Yang symbol and the Nei Jing Tu, and Taoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan) practice.
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.
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.
Xi Cleft Points
Xi Cleft points are where the qi and blood of a meridian pool.
Yellow Mountain & Monkey
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
Hot Mineral Springs
Soaking in a hotspring is one of the most enjoyable ways to initiate deep healing and rejuvenation of body, mind and spirit.
Shaolin Monastery
A look at the many faces of Taoist practice, including ceremonial Taoism, the internal and external martial arts, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Taoist divination techniques such as Fengshui and I-Ching, Taoist arts such as haiku, Taoist symbols such as the Yin-Yang symbol and the Nei Jing Tu, and Taoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan) practice.
Lapchi Yogi
An illustrated introduction to the practice of Taoist yoga. Wonderful!
Taoist Teachers
An overview of various kinds of external support available to us as we engage with our chosen forms of Taoist practice.
Han Xiang Zi
An introduction to Han Xiang Zi - one of the Taoist Eight Immortals.
He Huan Hua
An introduction to the Chinese Materia Medica herb He Huan Hua.
Ming Dynasty Acupuncture Chart
A look at the many faces of Taoist practice, including ceremonial Taoism, the internal and external martial arts, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Taoist divination techniques such as Fengshui and I-Ching, Taoist arts such as haiku, Taoist symbols such as the Yin-Yang symbol and the Nei Jing Tu, and Taoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan) practice.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Sunrise
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
Jin Yuanbao & Jiaozi
An illustrated tour through a Chinese New Year's celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) - from Rice Porridge Day through the Lantern Festival.
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?
Xin Nian Kuai Le!
An illustrated tour through a Chinese New Year's celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) - from Rice Porridge Day through the Lantern Festival.
Jade Dragon & Flowers
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
Yuangshuo Village & Li River
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
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.
Fu Zi
An introduction to the Chinese herb Fu Zi.
Bu Gu Zhi
An introduction to the Chinese herb Bu Gu Zhi.
Zhen Zhu Mu
An introduction to the Chinese herb Zhen Zhu Mu.
Shan Yao
An introduction to the Chinese herb Shan Yao.
Da Zao
An introduction to the Chinese herb Da Zao.
Taiji In The Park
An illustrated introduction to the practice of Taoist yoga. Wonderful!
Healing Sounds Grief
A simple Taoist qigong practice to transform the stuck emotional state of grief into nourishment for the Lung's virtue of courage.
He Xian Gu
An introduction to He Xian Gu - the only woman of the Taoist Eight Immortals.
Bai Shao
An introduction to the Chinese herb Bai Shao.
Altars & Rice Porridge
An illustrated tour through a Chinese New Year's celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) - from Rice Porridge Day through the Lantern Festival.
Taoism - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Taoism guide site.
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!
Baibai Offering
The practice of Baibai - offering incense to the altar - is central to ceremonial forms of Taoism.
Long Gu
An introduction to the Chinese herb Long Gu.
The Eight Immortals
A look at the many faces of Taoist practice, including ceremonial Taoism, the internal and external martial arts, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Taoist divination techniques such as Fengshui and I-Ching, Taoist arts such as haiku, Taoist symbols such as the Yin-Yang symbol and the Nei Jing Tu, and Taoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan) practice.
Jade Dragon, Snow & Sky
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
Gou Qi Zi
An introduction to the Chinese herb Gou Qi Zi.
Ou Jie
An introduction to the Chinese herb Ou Jie.
Preparing For The New Year Celebration
An illustrated tour through a Chinese New Year's celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) - from Rice Porridge Day through the Lantern Festival.
Kung Fu In The Park
An illustrated introduction to the practice of Taoist yoga. Wonderful!
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