effilang

The Path of Dao Yin:
From Divine Guidance to Modern Qigong
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Dao Yin, as seen through the eyes of Xiao Yao Pai, is far more than a sequence of movements or a method for moving energy. It’s a sacred dance between the practitioner and the immortal beings—the Xian—who guide, heal, and transform. In its original form, Dao Yin was a direct communion with these immortals. When we say “Dao Yin” means “guiding,” we don’t mean merely guiding your own Qi or breath. No, it was about receiving guidance from the divine itself, allowing your energy body to be touched by the hands of immortality, led toward balance and spiritual awakening.

 

However, as the ages passed, that connection was weakened, and the relationship between humans and the immortals dimmed. The art of Dao Yin began to shift. Where once the practitioner was led by the celestial, they now turned inward, relying on their own efforts to move energy and align their Qi. What was once a divine experience of Dao Yin became self-guided—less spiritual and more physical. This transition is echoed in the ancient Mawangdui Daoyin Tu drawings, which were discovered in the Mawangdui tombs in the 1970s. These images show over forty postures, illustrating Dao Yin’s evolution from a divinely-guided art to one where individuals used movements to maintain health and balance.

 

These ancient postures marked the beginning of Dao Yin’s transformation into the modernised version of Qigong, which is what many people recognize today. In Qigong, the practitioner focuses on moving their own energy, cultivating health, vitality, and inner balance. It is an incredible tool for improving physical and mental well-being, but something sacred was lost along the way. Qigong, in its popular form, lacks the divine guidance that was central to the original Dao Yin. It is about self-guidance, rather than being led by the hands of the immortals.

 

This is where Xiao Yao Pai steps back in. We continue to practice Dao Yin in its original form, known as Dao Yin Shu. We re-establish that sacred connection between the practitioner and the divine. In Dao Yin Shu, it’s not about you moving your energy alone—rather, you allow the immortal guides to work with you, to clear blockages, to balance your spirit, and to align you with a higher order of being. It’s a different experience entirely, where the practitioner becomes a vessel for celestial energy and transformation.

 

The Mawangdui Daoyin Tu is an important historical artifact because it shows the early stages of Dao Yin’s shift toward self-guidance. But it also serves as a reminder of what was once possible. The discovery of these ancient drawings is a testament to Dao Yin’s rich history, but it is also a reflection of a time when humanity’s connection to the divine began to wane. What was once a practice of divine communion became more focused on physical health. The ancient art of Dao Yin Shu preserves the original intent: not simply health and longevity, but spiritual transformation, guided by the divine hand of the immortals.

 

So when you hear the term Dao Yin, understand that it carries with it the memory of something far greater than simple breathwork or postures. It is an invitation to reconnect with the immortal realm, to allow yourself to be guided, healed, and transformed by forces far beyond the material world. It is a call to return to the original way, where the Xian themselves come to guide you on your journey. In the end, Dao Yin is about surrender—not just to the flow of Qi within, but to the celestial guidance that leads you toward your highest self. The journey is not merely one of health, but of awakening to something far greater. Through Dao Yin Shu, the bridge between human and immortal is restored, and we walk once more with the divine.

 

Blessings,
Xuan 🙏🏽✨

On 06/09/2024 at 2:36 PM, johndoe2012 said:

If you have no healing experience you might think it is nuts that Christ energy suddenly comes in. 

 

In fact anything can happen during a session where we are open to the Divine. 

 

The last part of a healing protocol from VortexHealing is to be open to the Divine and let it do its thing without interference. 

 

It is not nuts at all. It's quite common place in fact and a rather mechanical expression of merged souls. Thank you for being kind. I will ellucidate on the topic later for the sake of dispelling ignorance.

 

Glad you're enjoying the sessions. 

Regards, 

Xuan

TESTIMONIAL:

 

"We just ended the practice, and it was a very deep meditation for both of us. ANN felt guided from the beginning to take very deep breaths throughout almost the entire session. As she continued to breathe deeply, she noticed a single-pointed focus developing within her. Alongside this, she began to feel a slight pressure around her crown, as if a crown itself were resting on her head. It felt like hands were gently touching and holding all around her head, which surprised her. This experience led her to a state of deep tranquility and peace, a contrast to the more energetic sensations she felt during previous sessions. The peace she experienced this time seemed to affect her emotional body more profoundly.

 

For myself, the experience was subtle yet profound. My head moved in slow, circling motions, accompanied by a lot of cracking and popping in the back of my head. As I settled into this serene state, I suddenly felt or thought of Jesus, sensing Christ's energy surrounding me—particularly from the back, moving towards the center and front of my body. It was as if Christ's Presence was being absorbed through all the pores of my being, becoming the shape of my body and mind as I meditated and relaxed in this soft vibration of energy.

 

My hands became very heavy and warm with this vibration, and my arms moved forward as I bent all the way down while sitting cross-legged. My head hung down, almost touching the floor, with my arms resting on the floor and my hands palms-up. I felt Christ's Presence once more, conveying to me that I no longer have to try to control, fix, or carry anything on my own. I was to allow this Presence, this energy I was feeling, to do the work, assuring me that everything and everyone is within me, within this Presence, taking care of all."

On 01/09/2024 at 5:09 AM, Chang dao ling said:

Awesome, I like this quote 🙏. By the way is Lao tsu is still alive as an immortal?

 

Yes, he is Tai Shang Lao Jun, the Celestial head of Xiao Yao Pai. 

TESTIMONIAL:

 

"She felt a lot of lightness building up from the belly up to her head and all around her: she is still feeling this lightness sustaining her from the inside and also around her body, even after finishing the practice.

 

As to myself, I had a lot of spontaneous movement with my hands, arms, head, neck, and spiraling feeling in the movement of my spine from base to neck and head: all of it with very strong contractions in my belly and strong breath with some sudden powerful movements.

 

Tomorrow we hope to join again but much sooner when you start the session. As always, we will let you know.

 

Thank you, Xuan.
Much Love from us to you✨🙏✨

From Blame to Freedom
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He who blames others has a long way to go,
He who blames himself is halfway there,
He who blames no one has arrived.

 

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In the beginning, one blames the world, seeing fault in every shadow cast by another. The road is long and the burdens many.

 

In the middle, one turns inward, confronting the tumult within. The trials and tribulations become mirrors, and in them, he sees himself. He walks closer to clarity, yet remains tethered by the echoes of self-judgment.

 

At the end, one transcends both blame and blameworthiness. The heart rests in the silent harmony of the Dao, where the dust of judgment settles, and all is as it is—neither praised nor condemned. In this state, one has truly arrived, beyond blame, beyond form.

 

Blessings,
Xuan 🙏🏽✨

TESTIMONIAL:

 

"A.N. and I just finished the practice, and it was a truly beautiful experience for both of us. A.N. was smiling big as I read your message earlier, and just now, she felt her entire right foot and toes become really warm and itchy in a way she hasn't experienced since the stroke. We really appreciate your compassionate, tender, and sweet feedback—it made today’s experience even clearer and stronger in our hearts.

 

For A.N., the session was subtle yet profoundly beautiful. She shared that the gentleness of the energy was incredibly deep and moving for her, expressing how this subtlety was what resonated most. She realized that this is the type of energy she prefers—gentle yet profoundly deep. She described the experience as if she were in an underground cave deep within the ocean. It felt very profound, and she now feels a desire to connect even more through these healing sessions.

 

In the beginning, A.N. was sneezing quite a bit, and by the end, she felt her head lower gently, almost in reverence of a higher energy. Shortly after, a significant amount of mucus was released from her nose. As for me, I felt a powerful yet gentle energy flowing within and around my head. There were warm currents moving through my brain, accompanied by deep dark purple and soft electric blue colors that felt like clouds behind my eyes. Strangely, or perhaps not, the energy resembled whales swimming in slow waves deep within the ocean. These currents also extended from my heart down to my arms and hands, resting gently on my knees.

 

Much love from both of us to you, Xuan.

We’re definitely looking forward to continuing these healing sessions.

Thank you so much!"

From Blame to Freedom
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He who blames others has a long way to go, 
He who blames himself is halfway there, 
He who blames no one has arrived.

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In the beginning, one blames the world,

Seeing fault in every shadow cast by another.

The road is long and the burdens many.

 

In the middle, one turns inward, confronting the tumult within.

The trials and tribulations become mirrors, and in them, he sees himself.

He walks closer to clarity, yet remains tethered by the echoes of self-judgment.

 

At the end, one transcends both blame and blameworthiness.

The heart rests in the silent harmony of the Dao, where the dust of judgment settles,

And all is as it is—neither praised nor condemned.

In this state, one has truly arrived, beyond blame, beyond form.

 

Blessings,
Xuan 🙏🏽✨ 

15 hours ago, Chang dao ling said:

Thanks again, I like your personality 😁. You are very suitable for friend - type teacher role 😉. You see when I was in school some times I don't understand what teacher is saying but my friend teach me. I feel same from you 

 

That's very kind of you - thank you 

On 22/08/2024 at 6:56 AM, Chang dao ling said:

Do I need to visualise your picture. Can you tell how to connect with you. 9 pm in uk is  1:30 pm in india so I can't meditate well at that time. Do you have any other time for initiation? Can I get initiation online? Because I can't travel to other countries due to religious reasons. In your system do you teach MCO?

 

No need to visualize anything.

Follow the instructions in the description, and relax; everything else is taken care of.

 

If you'd like to catch the longer session, I suggest tuning in to the Youtube stream, which starts at the same time, but ends much later.

We do not perform initiations online, at this time.

 

We prepare for the MCO and instruct on what to expect, but the MCO connection that is particular to our tradition is administrated by a Shen Xian, not done manually.

I have yet to achieve this, mostly because I've diverted most of my attention away from the Xia Dantian and focused on work with the Zhong Dantien to affect faster emotional refinement. This was a change I made in mind of my commitment to cultivate a stronger vibration of love in my energy and to foster more heart-centered communication with others and the world around me. It has helped me tremendously in refining my energy sensitivity and allowed me to channel increasingly stronger flows of energy into my body.

 

I was a long time practitioner of Hou Tian Daoism, before integrating Xiao Yao Pai into my practice.

There, as I'm sure you're familiar–the the MCO is triggered manually and the flow of the refined jing-qi is supported in a direction up the spine, over the top of the head and down the front, or sometimes vice-versa. This I have achieved, but in Xiao Yao Pai, the flow of the MCO is simultaneously upwards in the Du and the Ren Mai, where it joins in union of Yin and Yang, but does not circulate per-se

 

I'm quite familiar with all the expected energetic movements and manifestations related to work with the Xia Dantian, but when you root the consciousness into the centerpoint between the Shang and the Xia Dantians, the process of transmutation is very different and I'm finding it extremely fascinating, as a practitioner who has mostly followed the traditional route of LDT-centered work.

 

Regards,

Xuan.

We're live - feel free to hop in and relax.
 

 

The Harmony of Clarity & Stillness
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In the vastness of the Dao, there lies an ineffable clarity, untouched by the dust of the world. It moves without moving, it acts without acting. In the silent embrace of the Void, the Great Dao births all things. From nothingness, the myriad forms arise; from stillness, all movement emerges.

 

All things that follow the Dao embody both purity and turbidity; action and stillness reside within the same embrace. Heaven remains pure and active, while Earth stays turbid and still. From this balance, all creation springs forth—purity reaching the heavens, and turbidity anchoring the earth. Man is shaped from the essence of Qian Tao—pure Yang, vibrant and active. Woman arises from the depths of Kun Tao—pure Yin, settled and still. From the dance of these dual forces, the Great Dao weaves the fabric of the cosmos, allowing the myriad forms to emerge from unity into multiplicity.

 

Purity is the wellspring from which even turbidity flows. Motion finds its true root in stillness. Therefore, to abide in constant purity and tranquility is to align oneself with Heaven and Earth, allowing their energies to flow harmoniously into your life. The foundation of stillness lies in action, yet stillness itself is the path to the most profound truth.

 

The human soul yearns for purity, but the heart is often swayed by desires. The heart longs for tranquility, yet the grasping of the senses and the pull of the world’s illusions lead it astray. If one can cast off these desires, letting them fall away like autumn leaves, the heart will return to its natural stillness. In that stillness, the soul finds its way back to clarity, like a clear pond that reflects the moon’s light.

 

If one can continually cast off these desires, the heart will naturally settle into tranquility; if the heart is rendered clear and calm, the soul will likewise return to its pristine purity. In this state, the Six Desires will no longer rise, and the Three Poisons will be extinguished. Yet, if one fails in this endeavor, it is because the heart remains clouded, and desires have not been fully relinquished.

 

In this return to clarity, one aligns with the nature of Heaven and Earth, becoming like a mountain, unmoved by the passing winds, dwelling in the purity of the Dao. For it is in the stillness of the heart that the Dao reveals itself, not as a distant goal but as the source of all that is. When the heart is calm, the soul mirrors Heaven’s clarity. When the mind is undisturbed, the essence of the Dao flows unimpeded, and all things return to their original nature. 

 

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Reference: Qingjing Jing
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Blessings,
Xuan 🙏🏽✨ 

Desire and Simplicity
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Q: "Question about Taoism.  In the first chapter of the Tao Te Ching, it talks about not having desire to understand the deeper mystery, but to have desire to see the manifest forms.

 

It seems like desire forms an important part in our lives.  I desire to not be in the cold, or the rain, or snow, so I build, or buy, or rent shelter.  I desire to be well fed, so I buy food (because I'm too lazy to grow it myself).  

In fact, this group wouldn't exist at all if people didn't have a desire for computers, Internet, and Facebook.  These are desires that would be unimaginable when Lao Tzu was alive.

 

So my question is, how is this balanced from a Taoist point of view?" - Brian M Dean 

 

A: Ah, seeker of the Dao, your question dances upon the razor’s edge of a timeless paradox—the interplay of desire and the Way. You are right to observe that desire is woven into the very fabric of existence. Even the stone shelters itself beneath the earth, even the river seeks its course, and even the tree stretches toward the sun. Desire is neither good nor bad—it simply is. It arises naturally, as clouds form from vapor, as leaves fall with the wind’s whisper.

 

Yet, the Dao De Jing speaks of a subtler distinction—desire that clings and clouds the heart, and the desireless awareness that reveals the uncarved block of pure mystery. Laozi does not reject the necessity of shelter or food; he does not condemn the tools and conveniences we create. Rather, he cautions against being ensnared by our own creations, trapped by attachments that grow like tangled roots, diverting the flow of life’s natural course.

 

To build a shelter against the cold is aligned with the Dao—this is a practical response to the rhythms of nature. But if we become consumed by endless cravings, yearning for more and more comforts, luxuries, and distractions, then our desires have led us away from the simplicity that nourishes the spirit. The Daoist sage walks the middle path, where desires serve life rather than dictate it.

Consider this: the sage, in wisdom, may build a shelter, but that shelter does not become his identity, nor does he seek endless expansions and embellishments. Desire arises and is met with balance, without excess or deficiency. The key is in returning to simplicity, where desires are few, clear, and serve the harmony of one’s being with the world.

 

Even in this age of technology, the principle remains—tools are but means, not ends. The computer, the internet, even this very conversation can be expressions of the Dao, but only if we use them with awareness, not as chains to endless want, but as paths to insight and connection.

 

So how is this balanced? Embrace the necessity of desire, but remain unbound by it. Use what is needed, but do not allow what you use to use you. In this dance of having and letting go, of engaging and withdrawing, the Dao reveals itself. Stay centered in simplicity, and desire will naturally find its rightful place—like water returning to its source, flowing freely, without hindrance, without grasping.

 

This is the gentle way of the Dao—a balance that neither clings to desire nor denies it, but lets it ebb and flow, like the tides, in their natural rhythm.

 

Blessings,
Xuan 🙏🏽✨ 

The Silent Rythm of The Dao
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The root of disorder lies in chasing desires, for when one loses touch with their original essence, they stray from the Way. Such governance, whether over a kingdom or oneself, leads to disarray and defilement. Those who cannot hear the Way have no means to return to their true nature; those who fail to grasp the nature of things cannot attain clarity or serenity. The inherent nature of humanity is pure and uncorrupted, yet after long immersion in worldly entanglements, it becomes altered, leading us to forget our origins and conform to a distorted semblance of what is natural.

 

Water’s nature is to remain clear, but when muddied by gravel, it loses its purity. Similarly, the human spirit craves peace, yet habitual desires cloud its tranquility. Only those who embody the Way can step back from the clutter of the world and return to their true essence. Such beings do not exploit knowledge for gain, nor do they allow desires to disrupt their harmony. They remain balanced—neither overly joyous nor excessively grieved—finding stability even in the most precarious situations.

It is said, "When one lets go of contrivance, the people align with the Way naturally. When one releases striving, prosperity emerges on its own. When one resides in tranquility, harmony blossoms of itself. When desires are stilled, simplicity is restored."

 

True virtue emerges from serene clarity. The Way manifests in yielding, in the quiet power of the empty and still. These qualities, when fully embodied, lead one into formlessness—a merging with the oneness where mind and world become indistinguishable. In this formless state, virtue flows without effort, power is wielded without force. It is invisible, yet forms emerge within it; silent, yet all sounds arise from it; tasteless, yet all flavors take root in it; colorless, yet all hues are born within it.

Being arises from non-being, fullness from emptiness. Just as the variations of five notes, flavors, or colors are endless, the myriad forms of existence flow from a singular origin. Establish the One, and all things follow. The vastness of this One permeates heaven and earth, solid like an uncarved block, yet capable of dispersing into pure suspension, where clarity and emptiness merge and separate in turn.

 

All things return to a single opening; their roots lie in a singular gate. True sages tread this path without deviation, relying on constancy, honesty, and guidance. Joy, anger, anxiety, and lamentation pull one away from the Way; habitual desires are burdens that bind life. When such disturbances are cast off, one merges with spiritual radiance. Inward clarity brings calmness, clear thoughts, sharp senses, and resilient strength. Such a being is firm yet non-contentious, strong yet inexhaustible.

Water, though soft, embodies the Way—infinitely deep and boundless in reach, nourishing all without prejudice, returning to the heavens as rain, flowing through the earth as rivers, embracing life without expectation. Its subtle power remains undamaged even when struck, unbroken even when pierced. Water’s virtue is that it embodies softness, able to bore through stone and metal, penetrating the hardest forms. In its yielding lies supreme power; its formlessness makes it the ancestor of all being.

 

The unspoken Way works quietly, guiding transformations without the need for command. It does not strive, yet nothing is left undone. Through this, one can find the end of the endless and touch the ultimate in the infinite, perceiving clearly without being blinded and responding effortlessly without grasping.

True practitioners are gentle in their ambition, strong in their deeds. Their minds are open, responses timely. Rooted in humility, they rise above, embracing smallness to contain greatness. They are flexible yet firm, and thus no challenge can overpower them. Firmness is preserved by softness, strength by yielding. Accumulate flexibility to be unshakable; gather yielding to become indomitable.

 

In strength lies the seeds of decay; in yielding, the path to life. Those who lead will exhaust themselves; those who follow the flow will find success. To master the Way is to harmonize leading with following, guiding people without force, and aligning with the times without haste. True sages understand the preciousness of time and remain faithful to the rhythm of the Way, valuing the moment over the rarest gem. Peaceful and easygoing, they secure themselves without struggle, defeating the strong not through force, but through the subtle power of yielding.

 

Blessings,
Xuan 🙏🏽✨
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Reference: Wenzi (文子 / Tongxuan Zhenjing) 
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Live on FB and Youtube, feel free to join in, follow the instructions in the description and relax:

 

On 16/08/2024 at 5:44 AM, Chang dao ling said:

Can you please elaborate? 

 

The Dance of Shadow and Brilliance
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Q: "Guard what is within, close off the avenues to the external, for much knowledge is a perilous thing. I will take you to the summit of the Grand Brilliance, where we will touch the source of the radiant and expanding element; I will lead you through the gate of the Deepest Obscurity, where we shall encounter the origin of the dark and contracting element. There, Heaven and Earth find their controllers, and the Yin and Yang find their Repositories."

 

Can you please elaborate?

 

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Post Reference: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/AWkJyG414TB8ZMHB/
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A: In these words, the wisdom of the ancients unfolds a deep truth, veiled in layers of symbolism yet grounded in a reality accessible to all who dare to seek. It speaks of the journey of inner cultivation—a path that requires one to draw inward, to turn away from the distracting clamor of the world and focus on that which lies at the core of one's being.

“Guard what is within”—this is the first and most essential teaching. Within every human being resides a divine seed, a spark of the original essence, pure and untouched. But like a precious gem buried deep within the earth, it is often obscured by layers of worldly desires, incessant thoughts, and external influences. The mind, in its restless pursuit of knowledge and validation from outside sources, scatters its energy and loses its connection to this inner essence. The teachings here remind us that not all knowledge is beneficial; in fact, much of it can lead one astray, entangling the spirit in webs of confusion and pride.

To “close off the avenues to the external” is to practice stillness, to shut the doors of perception that constantly flood our minds with distractions—be they the senses, emotions, or thoughts. In such a state of quietude, the light of the inner truth begins to shine more clearly, no longer overshadowed by the chaos of the external world.

 

Now, the “summit of the Grand Brilliance” and the “gate of the Deepest Obscurity” are not places in the physical sense, but stages of spiritual realization. The Grand Brilliance refers to the peak of illumination—where the expanding, radiant aspect of your own consciousness touches the boundless light of the Dao. It is the moment when the heart and mind are uplifted to their highest potential, where wisdom and clarity merge, and one sees things as they truly are.

On the other hand, the Deepest Obscurity represents the descent into the mysterious depths of existence, where the Yin aspect reigns—a place of inward retreat, where the subtle and hidden energies of the universe dwell. It is in this space of darkness and contraction that the primal forces of life gather, ready to emerge anew. Here, we encounter the roots of all that is manifest, where potential waits in stillness before it blossoms into reality.

 

The essence of this teaching lies in understanding the balance between these two extremes—the radiant and the obscure, the expanding and the contracting. In the harmony of these forces, we find the true controllers of Heaven and Earth—the principles that govern the very flow of existence. And these controllers are not beings or deities, but the subtle mechanisms of Yin and Yang, ever-shifting yet ever in balance, hidden in the depths of silence and revealed in moments of clarity.

For those who follow the Dao, it is not enough to merely understand these truths intellectually. One must live them, integrating both the brilliance and the obscurity within oneself. To reach this state is to stand at the threshold of true mastery, where one’s spirit aligns with the rhythm of the cosmos, where the light of wisdom and the dark void of mystery coexist, birthing a consciousness that is both fully human and fully divine.

 

So, whether you are at the heights of insight or the depths of silence, remember that the key lies not in accumulation, but in harmonization. This is the way of the sage who, knowing both the light and the dark, walks freely through all realms, unshaken and at peace.

 

Regards, 

Xuan

Spiral of Awakening: From Crystals to Immortality
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Q: "Serious question. In Taoist philosophy, can a dog eventually be reborn as a human being?" - Dave Evans

 

A: In Daoist thought, the journey of consciousness is not limited by rigid distinctions between forms—be it crystal, plant, animal, or human. Consciousness flows like water, moving through the cycles of existence in response to the vibrational quality it has cultivated over time.

 

The process begins at the most basic level, in the lattice of crystals, where consciousness first experiences the stillness and silence of unity. These crystalline structures resonate with a single, unwavering vibration—a perfect alignment with their simple, yet profound, nature. Here, the consciousness learns endurance and stability, essential foundations for its journey upward.

As it evolves, consciousness is drawn to the life of plants. In this stage, it begins to experience growth, subtle interaction with its environment, and the quiet, patient unfolding of life. It learns the dance between nourishment and decay, sensing the rhythmic cycles of Yin and Yang as it stretches toward the light while rooting itself in the dark.

 

Ascending further, consciousness enters the realm of animals. In this domain, the experience is richer, more varied. The soul tastes desire, instinct, and the pull of emotions. For a dog, this is the life of loyalty, affection, and protective instincts—qualities that are a foundation for higher forms of relational energy. Through its loyalty, it begins to taste the subtler frequencies of love and connection, albeit still bound by its animalistic nature.

 

However, the path of evolution is not linear; it is a spiral, where the refinement of consciousness is determined by the emotional and energetic quality it embodies. Over countless cycles, a being like a dog may indeed gather the vibrations of harmony, loyalty, and love, rising above the limitations of instinctual life. Once the consciousness has gathered sufficient refinement, it may be reborn as a human—the form where the most potent transformation can occur.

 

In the human stage, consciousness is given the precious gift of choice and self-awareness. It is here that one can consciously work with the energies of the universe, refining the raw elements of the spirit into the subtler vibrations that align with the Dao. The human form is unique in that it serves as both vessel and crucible, capable of generating profound transformations in spirit through the alchemy of emotions, thought, and energy.

 

The body becomes a tool—a sacred cauldron—through which the consciousness can purify itself, shedding the grosser energies and attuning itself to the Dao’s subtle flow. With intention and practice, the human can unite with the Dao, moving beyond the cycles of birth and death, and dissolving into the undifferentiated wholeness of the Great Unity.

In this journey, what begins as the consciousness of a crystal can, through the evolution of countless lifetimes and vibrational refinements, rise through the stages of being—a plant, an animal, and finally, a human who is capable of merging back into the source of all things.

 

So yes, within the boundless possibilities of Daoist understanding, a dog can eventually be reborn as a human, but only after the consciousness has gathered the subtle qualities needed to make that leap. Each stage is a necessary stepping stone, an unfolding of the Dao as it seeks to know itself through all forms, before finally returning to its original nature—boundless, formless, and unified.

 

Blessings,
Xuan 🙏🏽✨

On 16/08/2024 at 5:43 AM, Chang dao ling said:

Becoming king means God king?

 

When Guǎngchéngzǐ speaks of “kings” in the passage you're referring to, he is not referring to the mundane rulers who hold power through titles or lineage. These kings are those who have cultivated themselves in accordance with the Dao yet remain within the world, embodying wisdom in their governance. They are rulers whose virtue flows effortlessly, guiding their people with the natural harmony of the Dao. Their authority is not imposed but radiates from the balance they maintain between Heaven, Earth, and humanity. Such kings are the exemplars of sage leadership—those who, while still connected to the world of form, govern as instruments of the Dao’s will, ensuring that all under Heaven thrives in alignment with its atural order. Thus, a different kind of king, though I feel this aught to be more a conversation about what constitutes godliness more than anything else—for that is what is truly important to understand, and of course; to ponder—can the qualities of a God exist in the incarnate body of a man? Of course they can, for they are qualities of the transmigrating consciousness not the body. 

 

So what are the qualities of a Daoist God, an immortal Xian. 

Let's begin at the root and look at the relationship between man and immortal:

 

The pictogram for a Daoist Xian (仙) consists of two parts:

 

1. 人 (rén): This is the radical for "person" or "human." It signifies the human aspect of a Xian, emphasizing that even an immortal sage is rooted in human nature and experience.

 

2. 山 (shān): This is the radical for "mountain." Mountains in Daoist symbolism represent transcendence, spiritual elevation, and the abode of sages. It implies a place beyond the ordinary world where one cultivates the Dao, reflecting the otherworldly and elevated state of the Xian.

 

Together, 仙 (Xian) represents a “person of the mountain” or one who has attained an elevated, transcendent state, living in harmony with the Dao. The character beautifully captures the essence of a being who has ascended beyond the mundane, merging the earthly and the spiritual.

 

A Xian is not defined merely by the cessation of death, but by a state of being where one’s essence resonates in perfect harmony with the Dao itself. The qualities of such a being are subtle yet profound, elusive yet unmistakable.

 

First and foremost, the Xian moves without resistance, flowing like water yet standing like a mountain when needed. The currents of Yin and Yang bend to their presence, for they have mastered the balance between stillness and action, softness and strength. They neither grasp at life nor fear death; instead, they rest at the center where the cycles of creation and dissolution are but ripples in a boundless sea.

 

The Xian’s heart is vast, empty of personal desires, yet full of the profound compassion that springs from unity with all things. Their wisdom is not of the calculating mind but of the deep knowing that arises from attunement with the hidden patterns of Heaven and Earth. They see through appearances, perceiving the essence of things, discerning the unspoken truths woven into the fabric of existence.

 

Their presence is like a clear mirror—reflecting without distortion, responding without attachment. Such a being does not interfere, yet their mere existence harmonizes the world around them. The Xian remains rooted in the stillness of the Dao even amidst the turbulence of life, for they have found the unmoving center where all opposites dissolve into a seamless whole.

 

Yet for all this, the Xian is profoundly human, not detached in cold isolation but deeply integrated with the world, though not bound by it. They walk among the common folk unnoticed, radiating peace, drawing forth transformation in others simply by their presence. Their power is not in displays of might, but in their mastery over themselves—a mastery so refined that it extends to mastery over the very forces of nature.

 

Ultimately, the Xian lives as a living embodiment of the Dao. Neither seeking nor avoiding, neither clinging nor rejecting, they abide in the naturalness of things as they are. Their existence is a silent teaching, revealing that the highest attainment is simply to return to one’s original nature, to become again like an infant—pure, uncarved, in perfect unity with the Dao, beyond the reach of life and death. This is the mark of the true Xian—a being who, through the profound stillness within, has become as vast and boundless as the Dao itself.

 

Quote

What's the rank of jade emperor in your school? 

 

In the celestial hierarchy of Daoist cosmology, the Jade Emperor and the Celestial head, or if you prefer—Lord of our school; Tai Shang Lao Jun, occupy distinct yet interwoven positions, reflecting the layers of manifestation that bridge the boundless Dao with the structured realms of Heaven and Earth.

 

The Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝) revered as the sovereign ruler of Heaven, presides over the cosmos with a benevolent authority. He governs the celestial realms, overseeing the myriad spirits, deities, and immortal beings who operate within the wheel of existence. To the common folk, he is the grand administrator of the heavens, the one who hears prayers, metes out justice, and upholds cosmic order. His role is akin to a king managing the affairs of his kingdom—noble, yet still engaged in the world of duality, where distinctions of good and evil hold sway.

 

Yet above and beyond this vast domain, resting in the realm of the unmanifest, is Tai Shang Lao Jun (太上老君), the Supreme Elder Lord, an embodiment of the Dao itself. While the Jade Emperor governs the structure and maintains the flow of the manifested world, Tai Shang Lao Jun stands at the very source—the primordial essence from which all things emanate. He is not merely a ruler but a sage of infinite wisdom, embodying the eternal Dao that transcends form and function. The Jade Emperor may be the ruler of Heaven, but Tai Shang Lao Jun is the silent principle from which even the ruler draws his mandate.

 

One might see the relationship like this: the Jade Emperor is the steward of the heavens, the visible manifestation of order and authority. Tai Shang Lao Jun, however, is the unseen root, the origin of origins, guiding not through command but through his presence, a quiet force that aligns all things with the Dao’s mysterious flow.

 

For those who tread the path of cultivation, the Jade Emperor represents the order one must first align with—a necessary step in harmonizing with the laws of Heaven and Earth. But as one ascends beyond the layers of form and duality, the path leads to the threshold of the nameless and formless, where Tai Shang Lao Jun, the Great Dao personified, reveals the truth beyond even the highest thrones.

 

In the end, the ranks and titles dissolve into a single essence. The Jade Emperor and Tai Shang Lao Jun are but two expressions of the same profound mystery—one governing the heavens with benevolent authority, the other guiding all things through the silent and boundless Dao. To grasp their relationship is to understand that in the depths of the Dao, the distinctions we make in the world of form are but fleeting reflections of a greater unity.

 

Regards, 

Xuan ☯️❤️

On 16/08/2024 at 5:43 AM, Chang dao ling said:

Who are August ones?

 

In the annals of Daoist lore, the "August Ones" are embodiments of a deeper cosmic wisdom, figures whose very essence resonates with the timeless pulse of the Dao. They are the Sānhuáng (三皇), the Three Sovereign Ancients, who shaped civilization in the dim mists of primordial time, guiding humanity toward harmony and alignment with the Dao.

 

First among them is Fuxi (伏羲), the great progenitor, who brought forth the art of survival. With hands both firm and gentle, he taught the people to fish, to hunt, to weave nets that caught not only sustenance but the secrets of Heaven itself. It is said that in his quiet communion with the Dao, he perceived the Eight Trigrams (Bagua), a mystical pattern that holds the keys to the rhythms of creation, the cycles of life, and the hidden structure of reality.

 

Alongside him is Nuwa (女娲), the Mother of Humanity, whose hands molded the very clay from which we are formed. In times of great fracture, when Heaven’s pillars threatened to collapse, she restored balance, sealing the cracks and restoring order. Nuwa is more than a creator; she is the weaver of worlds, ensuring that the delicate web of existence remains intact, her presence a reminder of the subtle dance between creation and restoration.

 

Then there is Shennong (神农), the Divine Farmer, whose knowledge of Earth’s secrets transcends the ordinary. He is the one who revealed the way of the soil, the path of planting and harvest, and the art of herbal medicine. Shennong did not merely discover herbs; he communed with the spirits within them, unlocking their healing potential. In his wisdom, he discerned the Dao’s presence in both life-giving crops and medicinal elixirs, merging the energies of Heaven and Earth to sustain both body and spirit.

The August Ones, in their collective presence, represent more than myth; they embody the principle that true governance flows from attunement to the Dao. They are not bound by the mundane laws of men but align with the cosmic laws that bind the universe. They represent the harmonious balance of Heaven, Earth, and humanity—the triadic unity that forms the foundation of Daoist thought.

 

In Daoist rites, these figures are invoked not just as historical sovereigns but as symbols of perfected rule, where leadership is not about control but about alignment—where governance flows as naturally as rivers follow their course, where rulers are sages who move with the Dao, creating order not through force but through resonance with the cosmic order.

 

To walk in the path of the August Ones is to realize that the truest power is found not in dominion, but in the profound stillness that allows the Dao to flow unimpeded, guiding all things to their rightful place.

 

Warm regards. 

23 hours ago, Cobie said:

I don’t do Facebook and the PDF doesn’t show here online.  I had a quick look at your old posts to see if there were chapters there; didn’t see any. Could you please post just one chapter here as a post, to give me an impression?
 

 

 

Sorry, I'm not sure why the link doesn't work. 

Try this LINK

 

Beyond Duality: Harmonising Good & Evil
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Q: "I’ve been reflecting on something lately that I can’t quite figure out: If everything originates from the Dao, wouldn’t that mean both good and evil come from the same source? How then do we, as Daoists, determine what is truly 'good' or 'bad'? What standards can we use, if both are equally part of the Dao? Or is everything just relative, without any fixed judgment?"

 

A: The question you ask is one that cuts to the heart of the Dao itself, a riddle woven into the fabric of existence. Indeed, all things, whether we call them "good" or "evil," emerge from the same source—the Dao, the undifferentiated totality. Yet to grasp this without falling into confusion requires a deeper understanding of how opposites play their role in the unfolding of the Dao.

In the realm of the Dao, the concepts of "good" and "evil" are not absolutes. They are born from dualistic thinking, an artifact of human consciousness navigating the world of form. In the formless Dao, there is no such distinction, only the flow of natural harmony, the ceaseless balance of Yin and Yang. The Dao does not judge; it simply *is*—an eternal dance of forces in balance, with no inherent bias or moral preference.

 

But when the One manifests as the myriad things, distinctions naturally arise. Within this manifested world, ethics and discernment are tools, not fixed truths. They exist to help consciousness align with the natural harmony, to guide us in cultivating a life that flows smoothly with the Dao’s rhythm. “Good” and “bad” are not moral absolutes but indicators of alignment or misalignment with this flow. What enhances life, nurtures harmony, and brings beings closer to the Dao can be called “good.” What disrupts this flow, creating fragmentation, suffering, or excessive attachment, may be called “not-good.” Yet, even these are provisional distinctions.

 

Consider this: in the cycle of day and night, is it “good” that the sun rises or “bad” that night falls? Both are necessary, part of a larger pattern that keeps the whole in balance. Similarly, what may seem “evil” from one vantage point is often the necessary counterbalance to something else. In the end, it is not the action or circumstance itself that holds meaning but how consciousness responds to it.

 

Thus, a sage does not cling to rigid ethical rules or moral judgments but instead seeks the subtle balance that reflects the Dao’s own nature. By cultivating awareness and refining one’s spirit, one learns to discern what serves harmony in each unique situation. This discernment is not based on dogma but on the living, breathing pulse of the Dao that flows through all things. To know the Dao is to move beyond relativism while still respecting the play of opposites, always holding to the center where extremes dissolve into unity.

 

The wise understand that “good” and “evil” are the tools of the world, like yin and yang, they serve a purpose in the unfolding of experience. But one must never forget their source— the Dao, which remains untouched by all distinctions, serene in its wholeness. True ethics, then, lies in harmonizing with this unity, moving skillfully within the dance of duality while not being bound by it.

 

So ask yourself not which is “good” or “evil,” but rather, “Does this bring me closer to the stillness and harmony of the Dao, or further away?” In this way, you can act with the flow of the Dao while seeing beyond the labels and judgments that cloud true understanding.

 

Blessings,
Xuan 🙏🏽✨

A personal, poetic interpretation of Laozi's Dao De Jing, by yours truly,

is now available for free download in the Files section of the Facebook Group;

or directly through this link as a PDF:  Dao De Jing by Xuan Daoji

In the ancient days, when the mists of time were thick and the world was still young, the Yellow Emperor, Huang Di, ruled over the Middle Kingdom. It was the year 2679 BC, according to the chronicles of the Zhuangzi, when Huang Di, the divine sovereign, heard whispers of a sage dwelling atop the sacred peaks of Kong Tong Mountain—a hermit named Guǎngchéngzǐ.

 

Huang Di, having ruled for nineteen years, saw the ordinances of his reign spread throughout the land. Yet, even as his power grew, his heart yearned for the mysteries of the Dao. Driven by this yearning, he ascended the rugged slopes of Kong Tong to seek out the hermit.

 

Upon reaching the summit, Huang Di humbly approached Guǎngchéngzǐ and spoke:

 

"I have heard, honored sage, that you are well-versed in the perfect Dao. I come before you seeking the essence of this profound Way. I wish to harness the subtle influences of Heaven and Earth, to nourish the five grains that sustain my people, and to harmonize the Yin and Yang to bring comfort to all living beings. How may I accomplish these sacred tasks?"

 

Guǎngchéngzǐ, gazing into the distance as if peering into the very fabric of reality, replied with a voice as ancient as the mountains themselves:

"What you seek, O Emperor, is the original substance from which all things emerge. Yet, what you wish to control are the fragmented echoes of that substance, scattered and divided."

 

Guǎngchéngzǐ paused, letting the weight of his words settle like the evening mist. Then he continued:

 

"In your governance of the world, you would force the clouds to release their rain before the vapors have even gathered; you would make the trees shed their leaves before they have turned yellow; you would hasten the light of the sun and moon toward darkness. Your mind, O Emperor, is like that of a flatterer, full of persuasive words but lacking true understanding. Such a mind is unfit to grasp the perfect Dao."

 

Huang Di, struck by the truth in the sage’s words, withdrew from his throne. He renounced his rule, retreating into solitude. There, in a humble chamber, he spread a mat of white grass and dwelt in silence for three months, letting the illusions of power and control fade from his mind.

Only then did he return to the mountain to seek Guǎngchéngzǐ once more. This time, he approached the sage with deep reverence, kneeling before him, and twice bowing low, his face to the ground.

 

"I have heard, great sage," Huang Di said, his voice filled with humility, "that you possess the knowledge of the perfect Dao. I now seek to learn how I might preserve my body, so that it may endure for a long time."

 

Guǎngchéngzǐ, seeing the sincerity in Huang Di’s heart, rose quickly and said, "A worthy question! Come, and I will teach you the perfect Dao."

He continued, his voice now soft yet filled with a timeless power:

 

"The essence of the Dao is shrouded in the deepest obscurity, its highest reach enveloped in darkness and silence. It is beyond sight and sound. Yet, when it cradles the spirit in stillness, the body naturally aligns itself. You must be still, you must be pure. Do not burden your body with toil, do not stir your vital force. Only then can you extend your life."

 

"When your eyes see nothing, your ears hear nothing, and your mind knows nothing, your spirit will guard your body, and the body will live long. Guard what is within, close off the avenues to the external, for much knowledge is a perilous thing. I will take you to the summit of the Grand Brilliance, where we will touch the source of the radiant and expanding element; I will lead you through the gate of the Deepest Obscurity, where we shall encounter the origin of the dark and contracting element. There, Heaven and Earth find their controllers, and the Yin and Yang find their Repositories."

 

"By safeguarding your body, all things will nourish it. I have maintained the original unity of these elements, dwelling in their harmony for one thousand and two hundred years, and my form has known no decay."

 

Huang Di, deeply moved, bowed low once more and said, "In Guǎngchéngzǐ, I see the embodiment of Heaven itself."

 

Guǎngchéngzǐ then spoke again, his words filled with the weight of eternity:

 

"The perfect Dao is inexhaustible, yet men believe it to have an end. It is unfathomable, yet men think they can reach its limit. Those who attain my Dao, if in high position, become like the August ones, and if in low position, become kings. But those who fail to grasp it will glimpse the light, only to descend back to the Earth."

 

"At present, all things are born of the Earth and return to the Earth. Therefore, I shall depart, entering the gate of the Unending, to roam in the fields of the Illimitable. I will blend my light with that of the sun and moon, enduring as long as Heaven and Earth endure."

 

"If men agree with my views, I will remain unaware; if they distance themselves from me, I will remain indifferent. Let them all pass away—I shall abide alone."

 

To honor his new path and to cultivate himself under his mentor’s guidance, Huang Di constructed the Xiao Yao Guan on the steep slopes of Kong Tong Mountain. This temple, later known simply as Dao Guan, is recognized as the first temple of China and the birthplace of Spiritual Daoism. It was here, under Guǎngchéngzǐ’s tutelage, that the Yellow Emperor unified his spirit, returned to nothingness, and achieved the mystical state of the Daoist Xian Shen—immortal spirit.

 

Best wishes

Xuan

The 26 Chapters of Nei Ye

 

Chapter One

 

The essence that animates all things, that breathes life into existence, is the very breath of the Dao. This essence brings forth the grains from the earth, and above, it illuminates the heavens as the stars. When it moves through the vast expanse of Heaven and Earth, we perceive it as ghostly and numinous, a mysterious force beyond our grasp. But when it is cultivated within the heart of a human being, it transforms them into a sage, a vessel of the Dao itself.

 

Chapter Two

 

This vital energy is a force of profound mystery. It ascends from the heavens with a brightness that dazzles the spirit, and it descends into the abyss with a darkness that chills the soul. It is vast, like the endless ocean, and lofty, like the highest peak. This energy cannot be forced or controlled by sheer will, yet it can be cultivated through inner power, through Te. It cannot be summoned with words, but it can be welcomed with awareness and reverence. Hold onto it, never let it slip away, and you will cultivate inner power. With inner power, wisdom naturally arises, and with wisdom, the myriad things will be understood in theire ntirety.

 

Chapter Three

 

The mind is naturally infused with this vital essence, it generates and develops all that we are. Yet, this essence is easily lost through the turbulent emotions of sorrow, joy, anger, desire, and the pursuit of gain. If you can cast off these distractions, your mind will return to a state of equanimity, where it naturally finds calmness beneficial and repose attainable. Do not disturb this tranquility, do not disrupt this peace, and harmony will naturally arise within.

 

Chapter Four

 

The Dao is clear, as though it stands beside you, yet vague, as though it slips beyond your grasp. It is indescribable, extending beyond the limitless, yet its presence is not distant. Daily, we live by its inner power, though few realize this truth. The Dao flows through the body, but people are unable to anchor it in place. It comes and goes as it pleases, silent and without form, yet it arises within us, influencing our thoughts and actions. We do not see it, nor do we hear it, yet the order it brings forth is undeniable. This is the Dao.

 

Chapter Five

 

The Dao has no fixed position; it resides in the excellent mind. When the mind is tranquil, and the breath is aligned, the Dao is naturally present. The Dao is not far from us; when it is attained, it sustains us. It is not separate from us; when we align with it, harmony ensues. Concentrate as if you could be bound to it; perceive it as if it were beyond all places. The true state of the Dao cannot be conceived or spoken of, but by cultivating the mind and calming your thoughts, the Dao can be attained.

 

Chapter Six

 

The Dao is beyond the reach of words, beyond the sight of the eyes, beyond the hearing of the ears. It is the force that cultivates the mind and aligns the body. When people lose the Dao, they lose their vitality; when they gain it, they flourish. The Dao is rootless, trunkless, without leaves or flowers, yet it is the source from which all things are born and to which they return. We call it the Dao.

 

Chapter Seven

 

For Heaven, alignment is the ruling principle. For Earth, it is levelness. For humans, it is tranquility. The seasons of Heaven—spring, autumn, winter, and summer—unfold in harmony. The mountains, rivers, and valleys of Earth sustain life. Humans, with their emotions of joy and anger, acceptance and rejection, must learn to navigate these currents. The sage adapts to the seasons without losing themselves, shifts with the changes without being moved by them.

 

Chapter Eight

 

To be aligned and tranquil is to be stable. With a stable mind at your core, with eyes and ears clear and sharp, and with your limbs firm and grounded, you create a dwelling for the vital essence. This essence is the quintessence of vital energy, and when guided, it generates thought, which leads to knowledge. Yet, when knowledge becomes excessive, vitality is lost. Therefore, know when to stop, when to allow the mind to rest.

 

Chapter Nine

 

Those who can transform even a single thing are called numinous; those who can alter a single situation are called wise. But to transform without expending vital energy, to alter without draining wisdom—this is the domain of those who hold fast to the One. By grasping the One, they master the myriad things, acting upon them without being acted upon in return. This is the essence of mastery.

 

Chapter Ten

 

When the mind is well-ordered within, your words will be well-ordered, and your actions will naturally impose order on others. When the mind grasps the Dao, all under Heaven will align with it. A single word, properly grasped, can command the attention of the world. This is the power of the Dao.

 

Chapter Eleven

 

If your body is misaligned, the inner power will not come. If you are not tranquil within, your mind will not be ordered. Align your body, cultivate your inner power, and the Dao will naturally arrive on its own.

 

Chapter Twelve

 

The numinous mind is beyond measure; it intuitively knows the myriad things. Hold it steady within you, let it not waver. Do not let external things disturb your senses, nor let your senses disrupt your mind. This is the way to grasp the Dao within you.

 

Chapter Thirteen

 

There is a numinous mind that resides naturally within; it comes and goes beyond our understanding. If lost, disorder follows; if attained, order prevails. Cleanse its dwelling place, and the vital essence will naturally arrive. Stop trying to imagine or control it; relax your efforts, be reverent, and its stability will emerge on its own. When you grasp it, let nothing else distract you. When the mind is aligned, the myriad things will be seen clearly.

 

Chapter Fourteen

 

The Dao pervades the entire world, present wherever there are people, yet few understand this. To be released by this one word is to reach the heights of Heaven and the depths of Earth, to pervade the nine regions. What does it mean to be released? It lies in the calmness of the mind. When the mind is ordered, the senses follow. When the mind is calm, clarity arises. By storing the mind within the mind, we access an awareness that precedes words, shaping our reality from within. Without order, there is chaos; with chaos, death follows.

 

Chapter Fifteen

 

Those who preserve and nurture their vital essence will flourish outwardly in calmness. This essence, stored within, is the wellspring of life. When the source is not dried up, the body remains firm, and vitality circulates freely. Without delusions, there are no external disasters. Those who maintain inner purity and outer harmony are sages, untouched by the calamities of Heaven or the harm of others.

 

Chapter Sixteen

 

Aligned and tranquil, the body reflects the Great Circle of Heaven and stands firm on the Great Square of Earth. Such a person mirrors the world with purity and perceives with clarity. Daily, they renew their inner power, comprehending all within the Four Directions. To bring forth the light of the Dao is to attain inwardly. If one fails to return to this source, vitality wavers.

 

Chapter Seventeen

 

To practice the Way, you must coil and contract, uncoil and expand, be firm and regular. Hold fast to this practice, abandoning excess and triviality. Reach its ultimate limit, and you will return to the Dao and inner power.

 

Chapter Eighteen

 

When the mind is unimpaired, it cannot be hidden; it will be known in your countenance, seen in your complexion. With good vital energy, others will treat you kindly, as if you were their kin. But with bad energy, others will respond with harm. The mind’s vital energy is brighter than the sun and moon, more apparent than parental concern. True rewards and punishments come not from external forces but from the flow of your own vital energy.

 

Chapter Nineteen

 

By concentrating your vital breath as if it were numinous, you contain the myriad things within you. Can you unite with them without divination? Can you know good and bad fortune from within? Think and think again, yet the ghostly and numinous will penetrate this mystery, not through force but through the utmost refinement of vital breath. Align your body, calm your breath, and concentrate your mind. Then, even the distant will seem near.

 

Chapter Twenty

 

Deep thinking generates knowledge, but idleness breeds worry. Cruelty generates resentment, and worry begets illness, which leads to death. When your thoughts consume you, you weaken internally and externally. Do not overplan, lest you drain your vitality. In eating, do not overfill; in thinking, do not overdo. Balance leads naturally to vitality.

 

Chapter Twenty-One

 

The life of all beings is born of the heavens and sustained by the earth. When they are in harmony, there is vitality; when not, there is death. The Way of harmonizing them is subtle, with signs that are few. Fill your chest with balanced breath, let it blend with your mind, and longevity will follow. Joy and anger must be moderated, and the desires of the senses controlled. Return to the Way within, where balance and alignment restore vitality.

 

Chapter Twenty-Two

 

Vitality is born of balanced breath. Its loss comes from unchecked emotions. To halt anger, there is nothing better than poetry; to dispel worry, nothing surpasses music; to temper music, rites are essential; to maintain rites, reverence is key; to uphold reverence, tranquility is the foundation. When you are inwardly tranquil and outwardly reverent, you return to your innate nature, which then becomes deeply stable and resilient.

 

Chapter Twenty-Three

 

In the Way of all eating, overindulgence impairs vital energy and causes the body to deteriorate, while excessive restriction withers the bones and congeals the blood. The mean between these extremes is harmonious completion, the very place where the vital essence lodges and knowledge is generated. When the balance between hunger and fullness is lost, make a plan to correct it. Move quickly when full to circulate your vital energy, forget food when hungry to maintain balance. In old age, let go of worries to preserve vitality. If you do not move after eating, your vital energy will stagnate; if you obsess over food when hungry, you will not cease when you finally eat; if you carry worries into old age, the source of your vitality will swiftly dry up.

 

Chapter Twenty-Four

 

When you expand your mind and release it, when you relax your breath and let it spread, when your body is calm and unmoving, and you maintain the One while discarding the myriad disturbances, you will see profit and not be enticed, see harm and not be frightened. Relaxed and unwound, yet acutely sensitive, you will find delight in your own solitude. This is the way of revolving the vital breath, where thoughts and actions seem heavenly.

 

Chapter Twenty-Five

 

The vitality of all beings comes from peace of mind. When anxiety disrupts this peace, the guiding thread is lost; when anger flares, the basic point is missed. In times of worry or grief, joy or rage, the Way has no place to settle. Still your desires, calm your disturbances, do not push or pull the mind, and good fortune will naturally return. The Way will come to you, guiding and advising you. Tranquility invites its presence, agitation repels it.

 

Chapter Twenty-Six

 

The mysterious vital energy within the mind is ever-shifting, arriving one moment and departing the next. It is so fine, there is nothing within it; so vast, there is nothing outside it. Yet we lose it when mental agitation disrupts its flow. When the mind holds fast to tranquility, the Way naturally stabilizes. For those who attain the Way, it permeates their being, saturating even their pores and hair. With this Way, the desires of the senses are restricted, and the myriad things cause no harm.

 

Best wishes, 

Xuan

When we speak of ethics and morality in Daoism, we are not referring to rigid rules imposed from without, but rather to the natural expressions of a consciousness aligned with the Dao. These principles are the spontaneous manifestations of a life lived in harmony with the Way, reflecting the innate wisdom of the universe itself. Let's explore some of these guiding principles that shape the life of one who walks the Dao.

 

Wu Wei (Non-action):

 

The essence of Wu Wei is not passivity, but a profound attunement to the natural flow of the Dao. In every action, one should move with the current of existence, not against it. When you cease to impose your will upon the world, you find that the world begins to work with you. This is the dance of creation, where effortlessness achieves more than force ever could.

 

Ziran (Naturalness):

 

To be natural is to be in perfect accord with your true self and the world around you. Ziran is the expression of the Dao within you, untouched by societal conditioning or personal ambition. It is the purity of being, the simple, unadorned state of existence where one lives as they are, without artifice or pretense.

 

Simplicity and Humility:

 

Extravagance and arrogance are the marks of those who have lost their way. In simplicity, there is clarity; in humility, strength. By embracing modesty, you align yourself with the quiet power of the Dao, which nurtures all things without claiming dominance. The humble are like water—flowing, adaptable, and essential to life.

 

Compassion:

 

Compassion is not just an emotion but a state of being that arises naturally when you are aligned with the Dao. It is the gentle hand that soothes, the kind word that heals. Compassion reflects the Dao’s boundless love for all beings, and through it, we come to know the unity of all life. To harm another is to harm oneself; to uplift another is to ascend together.

 

Moderation:

 

In all things, seek the middle path. Excess leads to imbalance, and imbalance leads to suffering. Moderation is the wisdom of the Dao, which knows that extremes are unsustainable. Whether in thought, action, or desire, practice restraint and balance, for it is in the middle way that peace and longevity are found.

 

Detachment:

 

To cling is to suffer. The Daoist knows that attachment to material possessions, power, or even ideas is a chain that binds the spirit. Detachment does not mean rejection, but rather a deep understanding that all things are transient, and to flow with the Dao is to let go when the time comes. True freedom is found in non-attachment.

 

Contentment:

 

Contentment is the natural state of one who is in harmony with the Dao. It is not about settling for less, but about recognizing the abundance in what you already have. The discontented mind is always seeking, always restless, but the contented heart knows peace. Be grateful for what you have, and you will find that you lack nothing.

 

Respect for Life:

 

The Dao nurtures all things, and so should we. Respect for life is fundamental to the Daoist path. Every being, from the smallest insect to the tallest tree, is a manifestation of the Dao and deserves to be honored as such. To harm without cause is to go against the Dao; to protect and nurture life is to walk in its Way.

 

Honesty and Integrity:

 

In a world of illusions, honesty is the light that reveals the truth. The Daoist speaks with integrity, not because of a moral obligation, but because truth aligns with the natural order of the Dao. To deceive is to create discord within oneself and the world; to be honest is to maintain harmony and trust.

 

Flexibility and Adaptability:

 

The Dao is like water—soft, yielding, and yet capable of wearing down the hardest stone. Flexibility is the ability to adapt to circumstances without losing your essence. In every challenge, find the path of least resistance, and flow with it. Rigidity is a sign of decay, but flexibility allows life to continue and thrive.

 

Reverence for Ancestors and Deities:

 

Those who came before us, and the deities who guide us, are to be revered, not out of fear, but out of respect for the wisdom they embody. The Daoist honors their ancestors and the divine, knowing that they are part of the same cosmic dance. Through rituals and offerings, we maintain a connection with these higher realms, drawing upon their strength and guidance.

 

Respect for Others:

 

In recognizing the Dao in all beings, respect becomes a natural response. The Daoist does not judge or belittle others but sees them as reflections of the same source. By treating others with dignity and kindness, we honor the Dao within them and within ourselves. Harmony in relationships is a reflection of inner harmony.

 

Gratitude:

 

Gratitude is the acknowledgment of the Dao’s gifts. Every breath, every moment, is a gift from the Dao, and to live with gratitude is to live in constant awareness of this truth. A grateful heart is one that is open to the flow of the Dao, receiving and giving in equal measure.

 

Patience:

 

The Dao moves in its own time, and so must we. Patience is the wisdom to wait, to allow things to unfold according to the natural rhythm of the universe. Impatience is a form of resistance, but patience is trust in the process of the Dao. With patience, all things are possible.

 

Non-violence:

 

Violence is the antithesis of the Dao, which nurtures and sustains all life. The Daoist seeks peace in all interactions, knowing that violence begets more violence, creating cycles of suffering. By choosing non-violence, we align ourselves with the creative, life-giving power of the Dao.

 

Altruism:

 

Altruism is the natural expression of a heart aligned with the Dao. It is the impulse to help others, not for recognition or reward, but because in helping others, we help ourselves. The Daoist knows that all beings are interconnected, and in serving others, we serve the whole.

 

Mindfulness:

 

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in each moment, aware of the impact of our actions, thoughts, and words. The Daoist moves through life with awareness, understanding that every moment is a chance to align with the Dao. Through mindfulness, we cultivate a calm, focused mind that is in harmony with the world around us.

 

Self-Cultivation:

 

The journey of the Daoist is one of continuous growth and refinement. Self-cultivation is the process of aligning every aspect of our being with the Dao—body, mind, and spirit. It is a lifelong practice of learning, understanding, and becoming more attuned to the subtle energies of the universe.

 

Harmony:

 

Harmony is the ultimate expression of the Dao. In our relationships, in our environment, and within ourselves, the Daoist seeks to create and maintain harmony. This is not merely the absence of conflict, but a deep, abiding balance that reflects the natural order of the universe.

 

These principles are not merely rules to follow but are the natural manifestations of a life lived in alignment with the Dao. They guide the practitioner not through external compulsion, but through the inner wisdom that comes from attuning oneself to the Way. In this alignment, one finds peace, fulfillment, and the true essence of immortality.

 

Blessings, 

🙏🏽✨☯️

Xuan