The Tao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao The name that can be named is not the eternal name The nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth The named is the root of all things
TAO (DAO) Tao Te Ching 道德經 Dao De Jing 道德經 道 dào = way 德 dé = virtue 經 jīng = classic
Qi = Vital Energy Qì = 氣 Qìgōng = 氣功
The deep wisdom and universal truth as found in the classic text Tao Te Ching (道德經) by the Great Immortal Lao Tzu eventually formed an indigenous mystical tradition within China called Taoism - Teachings of the Great Natural Way. Yet the roots of Taoism in China are thought to reach back to extreme antiquity -- more than 5,000 years by some accounts.
The teachings of Taoism give one a method or way of daily practice with the aim of obtaining a state of great harmony, balance and inner peace. This state of balance and harmony first begins with the practitioner gaining a state of complete vital health and inner peace, and then such a condition extends to society at large, with the highest aim being a state of balance, harmony and complete union with Heaven and Earth -- to become one with the Great Tao.
Methods of practice to aid the Taoist Adept in his/her quest to gain union with the Great Tao include Qigong, Taoist Yoga (Tao Yin), Taoist Internal Alchemy Meditation, and Internal Martial Arts such as Tai Chi, Herbalism, Acupuncture, Massage, Feng Shui, Calligraphy, Music, Talismanic Writing & Taoist Magic.
Within all of these different practices and expressions, the cultivation of "Qi" or Vital Energy is the focal point, and the foundation for success or failure. In this regard, the study of Qi and practices to cultivate Qi are of vital importance to the future aim of gaining complete union with the Great Tao. We can think in this regard -- to gain union with the Tao is to combine and unify our Heart-Mind with our corporeality. Qi is the agent through which this combination and unification occurs.
This section of our site explores various Taoist practices, acupuncture, meditation, and Qi cultivation. Click the links in the left column to get started.
