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Taoism: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Yin-Yang Symbol
What is the meaning of the Taoist Yin-Yang symbol?
Wu Wei
An exploration of the Taoist concept of wu wei.
Qi
What Is Qi (Chi)? Central to Taoist world-view and practice is qi (chi). Qi is life-force -- that which
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.
Taoist Visual Symbols
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.
Inner Smile
One of the most well-known of Taoist neidan ( Inner Alchemy ) practices is the "Inner Smile" - in which
Meridian Clock
During each two-hour period of the day, qi is flowing strongest in one of the twelve main acupuncture meridians.
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.
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 in 2012
A listing of major Taoist holidays in 2011, with both lunar and Gregorian/solar dates.
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.
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.
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.
Eight Extraordinary Meridians
The Eight Extraordinary Meridians represent the body's deepest level of energetic structuring.
Tao: the pathless Way
Although there are hundreds of deities in the Taoist pantheon, with Tai-shang Lao-chun -- the deified
Eight Immortals
How many Taoist practitioners have achieved Immortality? No-one knows! Laozi – the founder of Taoism
The Three Treasures
What Are The Three Treasures? The Three Treasures -- Jing, Qi and Shen – are substances/energies that
Standing Meditation
Standing Meditation is a simple yet very powerful tool for opening the flow of qi through the meridians.
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.
Index Of Taoism Articles
A guided introduction to this Taoism website.
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 Taoist Holidays 2013
A listing of major Taoist holidays in 2013, with both lunar and Gregorian/solar dates.
Daojia & Daojiao
Brief descriptions of Daojia, Daojiao, the Three Treasures, Bagua, Gotto-Heavens & Wholesome Earths, and a number of other key Taoist concepts.
Major Festivals
These are the festivals celebrated in most Taoist temples ...
Abdominal Breathing
Three simple Taoist breathing practices which nourish the energy of the lower dantian, and are frequent components of qigong practice.
How Qigong Works
An exploration of the mechanisms of qigong practice.
Pulse
An introduction to the art and science of pulse reading in Chinese Medicine.
Laozi
The founder of Taoism is the historical/legendary Laozi.
Internal Alchemy Overview
Inner Alchemy or Neidan – a term often used synonymously with Qigong - is the Taoist art and science
Lao Gong - Peridardium 8
An introduction to Lao Gong - the 8th point on the Pericardium meridian - used in acupressure, acupuncture and qigong healing.
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.
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.
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.
Yong Quan -- KD1
An introduction to Yong Quan -- Bubbling/Gushing Spring -- the first point on the Kidney meridian.
Scalar Resonator
A Guide Review of EarthCalm's Scalar Resonator -- state of the art protection from man-made EMF's. The Scalar Resonator is worn as a necklace and, via it's scalar resonance technology, supports the body in re-establishing a grounding in the Earth's electro-magnetic field, which allows the immune system and meridian systems to function as self-healing mechanisms.
Butterfly Dream
Zhuangzi’s Butterfly Dream The most well-known of Zhuangzi (Chuang-tzu) parables is the Butterfly Dream
Taoism & Sexual Energy
The role that sexual energy plays in formal Taoist practice is quite unique, and perhaps very different from how you're used to thinking about and relating to sexual energy ...
TCM & Five Element
What is the difference between a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Five Element approach to practicing Chinese Medicine?
Emptiness in Taoism & Buddhism
Links Between Taoism & Buddhism Taoism and Buddhism have much in common. In terms of philosophy and practice,
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.
Cosmology
Taoism's story of the origin of the universe.
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.
Gather Qi
In stage two of qi cultivation we learn how to gather qi as nourishment for our bodymind.
Pu
: The Chinese word "Pu" is often translated as "the uncarved block," and refers to a state of pure potential
Sheng & Ke Cycles
An introduction to the Five-Element Generating (Sheng) and Control (Ke) cycles.
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!
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.
Gender & The Tao
An exploration of various aspects of gender in the philosophy and practice of Taoism.
Benefits Of Qigong
Qigong practice has many benefits: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Herbal Medicine
An introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine which - along with acupuncture, tuina, qigong and dietary therapy - form the core of Chinese Medicine.
Aimless Wandering
The Taoist practice of "aimless wandering" through places of great natural beauty is a wonderful way
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.
Hui Yin - Ren 1
A qigong acupressure practice to activate and balance Hui Yin - the first point on the Ren meridian.
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.
Taoism Books For Beginners
An introduction to nine great books for the beginning Taoist practitioner -- and wonderful also for those with more experience!
Du Meridian - Governing Vessel
An introduction to the Governing Vessel (aka Du Mai or Du Meridian) -- the most yang of the body's meridians.
Yin Tang
An introduction to Yin Tang - gateway into the Upper Dantian, home of shen/spirit. Includes acupressure instruction.
Embryonic Breathing
An introduction to Taoist Embryonic Breathing (Tai Hsi).
Discover Qi
The first step for a qigong practitioner is to discover qi - to establish a direct awareness of the presence of life-force energy within our bodymind.
Chakras & Dantians
What is the relationship between chakras and dantians?
Shamanic Origins
The beginnings of recorded historical China lie some 5,000 years ago, when a tribal people settled along
The Three Purities
The Three Purities are the highest deities in the Taoist pantheon.
White Skeleton Visualization
An introduction to one version of the Taoist White Skeleton Visualization.
The Microcosmic Orbit
In the Microcosmic Orbit qigong practice, we learn to circulate our qi in a continuous circular pathway joining the Ren and the Du meridians. Here's a simple, enjoyable version of this classic qigong practice.
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.
Qi-Forms
Explores the various forms of qi (chi) found within the human body, as used by acupuncturists and qigong/Inner Alchemy practitioners.
acupuncture
What is acupuncture? What does it feel like to receive a treatment?
The Unchanging Tao
Verse 25 of Laozi’s Daodejing offers an opportunity to explore the qualities of Tao . What makes such
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.
Hun & Po
It seems most common (at least in English-speaking contexts) for Hun and Po to be associated with the
Alchemy
Introduces the two main forms - internal and external - that alchemy practice has taken in Taoism.
Kan & Li Taoist Yoga
An introduction to Kan & Li (Water & Fire) Inner Alchemy practices -- through which an Immortal Fetus is formed.
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.
Acupuncture & EFT / Tapping
Acupuncture & The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) The art and science of acupuncture -- in which hair-thin
Bai Hui - DU20
An introduction to Bai Hui - the 20th point on the Governing Vessel, on the crown of the head.
Flower Gazing
An introduction to the beautiful practice of Taoist Flower Gazing.
Immortality
An exploration of Taoist Immortality, and its relation to the Christian Gospel Story and Esoteric Stages of Initiation.
Sacred Mountains of Taoism
A visual introduction to some of China's most spectacularly beautiful mountain peaks and passes, with an emphasis on those sacred to Taoist practitioners.
History
A brief history of the major events of Taoism, traced through China's dynasties.
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.
Directing Qi
When our body is healthy, it has the capacity to heal itself. When dis-ease is more extreme, we can consciously direct qi to reestablish health and harmony
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 rate is available.
Scalar Home Protection System
A guide review of EarthCalm's Scalar Home Protection System, which offers state-of-the-art EMF protection for your entire living-space, and all the people within it. The device plugs into any electrical outlet and -- via its scalar resonance technology -- modulates the AC electrical current in such a way as to support the body's connection with the electro-magnetic field of the Earth.
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.
Baibai Offering
The practice of Baibai - offering incense to the altar - is central to ceremonial forms of Taoism.
Taoist Terms Glossary
A Taoism glossary of common Taoist terms, in both pinyin and Wade-Giles transliterations, with short English definitions.
Circulate Qi
Once you’ve discovered qi -- i.e. become consciously aware of sensations of flowing energy in your body
Conserve Qi
Like money in a savings account, it's important to learn how to conserve our qi, in order to accumulate a surplus of this life-force energy.
Zu San Li - ST36
An introduction to Zu San Li - the 36th point on the Stomach meridian - with instructions on how to locate and apply acupressure to this powerhouse point.
Nei Guan - Pericardium 6
An introduction to Nei Guan, the sixth point on the Pericardium meridian, including acupressure technique and point location.
Lu Dongbin
An introduction to the Taoist Immortal Lu Dongbin.
Qi Forms
An overview of the various kinds of Qi (Chi) used in the practice of Chinese Medicine and 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.
Luo Connecting Points
An introduction to the Luo Connecting Points used in acupuncture.
Shaolin & Wudang Styles Of Kung Fu
A introduction to and comparison between Shaolin external martial arts and Wudang internal martial arts.
Dantian
The Dantian are the main locations where qi is gathered and transformed.
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.
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.
He Gu - Large Intestine 4
How to use self-massage qigong acupressure at He Gu - the fourth point on the Large Intestine meridian - to relieve common ailments such as headache, toothache, sore throat, eye pain, neck pain and constipation.
Taoist Holidays 2011
A listing of major Taoist holidays in 2011, with both lunar and Gregorian/solar dates.
Qigong Breast Self-Massage
A simple qigong self-massage practice that's a wonderful way for women to support breath health and balance the endocrine system.
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 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.
He Xian Gu
An introduction to He Xian Gu - the only woman of the Taoist Eight Immortals.
Xi Cleft Points
Xi Cleft points are where the qi and blood of a meridian pool.
Chinese New Year 2013 ~ Year of the Snake
An illustrated tour through a Chinese New Year's celebration (also known as the Spring Festival) - from Rice Porridge Day through the Lantern Festival.
The Taoist Practice Of Bowing
What is the meaning and purpose of bowing, in the context of Taoist practice?
Feng Chi - Gallbladder 20
An introduction to Feng Chi - Gallbladder 20 - for acupressure useful in resolving common ailments of the head and neck.
Ren Mai - Conception Vessel
An introduction to the Conception Vessel (aka Ren Mai or Ren Meridian) -- the most yin of the body's meridians.
Healing Sounds Fear
A simple Taoist qigong practice to transform fear into nourishment for our inherent wisdom and child-like wonder.
Cao Guo Jiu
An introduction to Cao Gou Jiu of the Taoist Eight Immortals.
Yuan Source Points
An introduction to and listing of the Yuan Source Points used in the practice of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
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.
Taoist Precepts
The following are Taoism’s original ten precepts, along with twelve vows. These Taoist precepts and vows,
Sushumna Nadi
The Sushumna Nadi is the core of the Yogic body.
Secret of the Golden Flower
Among Taoist scriptures, one of my personal favorites is The Secret of the Golden Flower . As Thomas
He Shou Wu
An introduction to the Chinese herb He Shou Wu.
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.
Qigong
Practices whose aim is to cultivate life-force energy (qi) are known as qigong.
Neidan
The practice of Inner Alchemy.
Sushumna Nadi - Chong Mai
An introduction to the Sushumna Nadi or Chong Mai, in relation to Taoist yoga.
Causeless Happiness
An exploration of two different kinds of happiness, that we can access via Taoist practice.
The Diamond Body
An introduction to lab-grown diamonds – also known as cultivated, cultured or synthetic diamonds – in relation to Taoist Inner Alchemy, vibrational healing, and the cultivation of the Diamond Body. Cultivated diamonds diamonds posses all the optical, chemical and physical properties of natural diamonds. In other words, they are basically identical to – just as “real” as - those created within the mantle of the earth, and much more ecologically and socially friendly.
Healthy Skin
The skin is the largest organ of our body -- and vitally important, in many ways, to our health. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy and radiantly beautiful skin.
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.
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!
Fun With Mirrors
A playful-serious exploration of mirror imagery used to represent the qualities of the Mind of Tao.
Fu Zi
An introduction to the Chinese herb Fu Zi.
Zhuangzi
Along with Laozi (Lao Tzu) and Liezi (Lieh Tzu), Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu) is one of philosophical Taoism's most important figures.
Yi Jing
: The Yi Jing (also spelled I Ching) or "Book of Changes" is a classical Chinese text based upon 64 hexagrams,
Fu Shen
An introduction to the Chinese herb Fu Shen.
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.
Zhang Guo Lao
An introduction to Immortal Zhang Guo Lao - also known as Elder Zhang Guo - the most eccentric of the Taoist Eight Immortals.
Purify Qi
The first three stages of qi cultivation – discover qi , gather qi , and circulate qi – are focused primarily
Immortal Zhongli Quan
An introduction to Immortal Zhongli Quan - the leader of the Taoist Eight Immortals.
Storing & Transforming Qi
Stages seven and eight of the ten stages of qi cultivation focus on the unfolding of our deepest spiritual potentials.
De (Te)
: The power or virtue that a Taoist practitioner attains, as they align themselves with the rhythms of
Omega WiFi & Quantum Cell
EarthCalm EMF Protection Product Descriptions with links to purchase, and a listing of reported health benefits from these products, including relief from: migraines and stress headaches, hyperactivity & ADHD in children, arthritic and joint pain, irregular heart beat, panic attacks, insomnia, lack of concentration, high blood pressure, asthma attacks, frequent colds, brain-fog, fatigue and stress.
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 Practice & Diet
What's the best diet for a Taoist practitioner? This index of articles addresses this question, from a variety of perspectives.
Taoist Ethics & Morality
How feeling good, being good & natural goodness in relation to Taoist ethics and morality.
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.
Moon On Lake
In this beautiful meditation practice, we use our mind's natural tendency to visualize - to create internal
Polarity Processing
These Polarity Processing techniques are great to use when we notice ourselves being "triggered" - caught
The Universe & Me
“Where there is no other , the I is inseparable from the Beloved. It has the ego of space. It has the
Quanzhen Lineage
The Quanzhen – “Complete Reality” or “Complete Perfection” – lineage of Taoism was founded by Wang Che,
Authenticity
Authenticity. Authority. Devotion. What role do these play in spiritual practice? How are they related
Being Natural
Spontaneity & Naturalness In Taoist Practice One of the first things we learn about “being a Taoist”
Mai
The channels through which life-force travels, within the human body.

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