Daoist Mantra & Visualisation
A good Daoist practice to start with is to combine the mantra 清静 (Qīngjìng), meaning “clarity and stillness,” with gentle abdominal breathing and a simple visualisation of calm energy gathering in the lower abdomen. It fits the Daoist principle of wú wéi (無為): allowing things to settle naturally, without forcing or struggling. 1. Your mantra: […]
Daoism in Daily Life
Finding Harmony, Simplicity and Balance in the Everyday Daoism (道教, Dàojiào) is often associated with ancient Chinese philosophy, mountains, temples, meditation and traditional practices such as Qigong. But Daoism is not simply something to study or practise in a temple. At its heart, it offers a way of approaching everyday life. Daoism teaches us to […]
Nei Dan (内丹): The Daoist Practice of Inner Alchemy
Nei Dan (内丹), usually translated as “Inner Alchemy,” is one of the most profound traditions within Daoist cultivation. Rather than seeking transformation through external substances or physical techniques, Nei Dan turns inward, using the body, breath, mind and awareness as the material for spiritual transformation. At its heart, Nei Dan is concerned with returning the […]
Wudang Martial Arts and the Way of Sanda
The Wudang Mountains of China have long been associated with martial arts, Daoist philosophy and the pursuit of harmony between mind, body and spirit. While Wudang is often portrayed through images of graceful internal practices such as Taijiquan, Bagua and Xingyiquan, its martial tradition also contains a practical and combative side. At the heart of […]