WHAT IS DAOISM?
The Way of Harmony
What is Daoism?
People in Ancient times lived more closely alongside Nature and they did not have sophisticated machines and instruments in order to examine, measure and quantify the world around them. Or did they?! In fact they did, because like today, they had their sensory, mental and intellectual faculties at their disposal. They applied the scientific principle of observation to derived laws and facts about the workings of Nature and the universe to improve their lives and uncover the mysteries of the universe.
They learned how to look 'within' and refine their senses and other perceptive faculties to discern the Nature of Reality and Develop Internal technologies to Empower themselves by maximisng their Internal Power. This way, they were able to understand the relationship between the macrocosm and the microcosm and thus the relationship of the 'Inside' and 'Outside', The human being's relationship with Nature and the Cosmos.
Daoism is not a religion, it is a Practical, Spiritual Science because it Empowers the individual to try Daoist methods for themselves and on their own experience the results and realise their value and practical applications for daily life. We encourage each student to follow this method of learning because we do not teach 'belief'. We teach others how to get results and make meaningful changes in their lives by the development of their own understanding and application.
Daoism is the Way to make use of Nature's Laws so that we can enjoy life to the fullest and do so in a meaningful, harmonious and empowered Way.
What is 'Dao'?
Dao (道) can be translated as 'Way' or 'Path'. It can be said that The 'Dao' is what underlies all things in existence. It is unnamable, ungraspable, one cannot speak directly about it - only imply it. Here is a famous quote from the Dao De Jing (Book on the Way and its Power by Lao Zi) to help grasp the essence of Dao:
"The Dao that can be told
is not the eternal Dao.
The name that can be named
is not the eternal name.
The unnamable is the eternally real.
Naming is the origin
of all particular things."
By studying ourselves, nature, Dao - we can gain a clearer understanding of our place in the universe, our mission in life and the relationship between all things. Such methods that enable one to study the world within and without is TaoistQigong, Tai chi and Internal Alchemy. These are more than just health practices!