The Journal of Daoist Philosophy and Practice - CommunityAwake

The Journal of Daoist Philosophy and Practice
SUMMER 2011 $5.95 U.S. Canada $6.95
The Ox Herding Chart of
Chan Buddhism
Global Warming
A Meta-Physical Perspective
Cloud Wanderers
The Empty Vessel China
Tour
The Master on the Mountain
A Conversation with Master
Zhong Yunlong
and more!
The Empty Vessel 1

HEAVEN AND EARTH QIGONG:
REVITALIZE AND TRANSFORM WITH NATURE’S HEALING POWER
With Qigong Master Kenne! Cohen
in beautiful
Kailua - Kona, Hawai’i
February 10-12, 2012
RARE HAWK, SNAKE & WHALE QIGONG
Cultivate a deeper connection with Nature’s healing forces!
Heaven (Hawk), Earth (Snake), and Water (Whale) are three primary forces in
Taoism. You will learn dynamic Hawk Flying Methods that imitate the soaring and
swooping motions of the hawk and that open your spiritual eyes to see from a
higher, broader perspective. Hawk is complemented by the Snake: slow, gentle,
coiling movements that dissolve tension, increase the body’s supply of qi (healing
energy), and sharpen awareness and intuition. Finally, learn the graceful Whale,
created by Ken Cohen after more than 10 years of whale observation. Develop
extraordinary strength as you swim with the currents of life force. No previous
experience needed, beginners welcome.
Join us at the magnificent Keauhou Beach Resort, a first-class hotel, famous for
its crystalline waters frequented by swimmers, snorkelers, and honu (sea turtles).
The Resort grounds also include a Spa and Hawaiian cultural center, with classes in
Hula, lei making, chanting, and other cultural arts, free for hotel guests. Pre- and
post-workshop excursions can be arranged by the Hotel’s expert travel desk. Ocean
view rooms will be available to workshop students at an extraordinary discount!
Schedule: Fri, Sat, Sun 9AM-12, 3-6 each day
Tuition: $395 early registration discount.
$425 after August 1, 2011; $450, after October 10.
Travel and lodging not included. Reserve with $100
non-refundable deposit by U.S. check (payable to
Kenneth Cohen) or credit card.
Ken Cohen, M.A.
Winner of the Alyce and Elmer
Green Award for Innovation and
Lifetime Achievement in Energy
Medicine, is a renowned Qigong
and Tai Chi Master with more
than 40 years experience.
Ken’s work has been sponsored
by the American Cancer Society,
the Canadian Ministry of Health,
the Mayo Clinic, and numerous
universities. He is the author of
The Way of Qigong and
Honoring the Medicine, as well
as the best-selling Sounds True
audio and DVD courses.
Ken Cohen with his wife Grace Sesma
Registration call 303-258-0971 or
email info@qigonghealing.com
www.qigonghealing.com
EARLY REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED!
2 Summer 2011

Meld with Tao
Master Zhi Gang Sha
World-Renowned Spiritual Healer and Tao Grandmaster
Tao Year 1 Teleclass
Saturday, 9-10:30am PDT, Free
Study Tao Knowledge, Wisdom & Practices
Tao Practice to Serve
Humanity Teleclass
Monday-Friday, 5x/day, Saturday and
Sunday 1x/day, Teleconference, Free
Tao Weekly Chanting Practice
Tuesday, 6-7pm PDT, Free
Master the Tao Jing & Immortal Tao Texts
Tao Song Tao Dance
Workshops
July 23-24 & August 27-28, $150
Live in Toronto or via webcast
New York Times Bestsellers
Tao is The Way. Tao is the source of all universes. Tao is the universal principles and laws.
– Master Zhi Gang Sha
www.DrSha.com • 888.3396815 • Institute of Soul Healing and Enlightenment
Facebook.com/ThePowerofSoul/ • Twitter.com/ZhiGangSha • www.ZhiGangSha.com (Blog)
The Empty Vessel 3

Contents
Summer 2011 Volume 18 Number 4
Features
6 Conduit or Container
by Francesco Garripolli
7 The Ox Herding Chart of Chan Buddhism
by Hu Xueshi
17 Global Warming
A Meta-Physical Perspective
by Stephen Elliott
21 Cloud Wanderers
The Empty Vessel China Tour
by Solala Towler
26 The Master on the Mountain
A Conversation with
Master Zhong Yunlong
30 Tao Is the Source of All Universes
by Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha
34 "Be Here Now"
Perfecting the Practice of Presence
by Daniel Reid
Our cover: Daoist qigong
instructor Jiang Wei in
Wudang Mountains.
Photo by Anya Ishtara
Departments
Along the Way 5
Directory 46
4 Summer 2011

What is Daoism
“The Dao that can be described is not the eternal Dao.”
So begins the Daodejing of Laozi written some 2,500 years ago.
How then, to describe the indescribable How to fit into words
that which is beyond words The Dao can only be pointed to,
or referred to, say the ancient sages. It cannot be held, only
experienced. It cannot be touched, only felt. It cannot be seen,
only glimpsed with the inner eye.
Dao, then, is the Way, as in direction, as in manner, source,
destination, purpose and process. In discovering and exploring
Dao the process and the destination are one and the same.
Laozi describes a Daoist as the one who sees simplicity in the
complicated and achieves greatness in little things. He or she
is dedicated to discovering the dance of the cosmos in the
passing of each season as well as the passing of each precious
moment in our lives.
Daoism was already long established when Laozi wrote the
Daodejing. It originated in the ancient shamanic roots of Chinese
civilization. Many of the practices and attitudes toward life were
already established before Laozi’s time. For many centuries
Daoism was an informal way of life, a way followed by peasant,
farmer, gentleman philosopher and artist. It was a way of deep
reflection and of learning from Nature, considered the highest
teacher. Followers of the Way studied the stars in the heavens
and the energy that lies deep within the earth. They meditated
upon the energy flow within their own bodies and mapped out
the roads and paths it traveled upon.
It is a belief in life, a belief in the glorious procession of
each unfolding moment. It is a deeply spiritual life, involving
introspection, balance, emotional and spiritual independence
and responsibility and a deep awareness and connection to the
earth and all other life forms. It requires an understanding of
how energy works in the body and how to treat illness in a safe,
non-invasive way while teaching practical ways of maintaining
health and avoiding disease and discomfort. Daoist meditation
techniques help the practitioner enter deeper or more expansive
levels of wakefulness and inner strength. But most of all, it is
a simple, natural, practical way of being in our bodies and our
psyches and sharing that way of being with all other life forms
we come into contact with.
Today in China and in the West, Daoism is sometimes
divided into two forms, dao jio and dao jia; or religious Daoism
and philosophical Daoism. Many scholars argue that there are
not two distinct forms of Daoism and in many ways they are
right. There is really a great intermingling of the religious form
of Daoism and its various sects and the philosophical Daoism
of Laozi and Zhuangzi. But many people who follow the Dao
do not consider themselves religious people and do not go to
temples and are not ordained as priests. Rather these two forms
exist both side by side and within each other.
As it says in the opening lines of the Daodejing: “Dao or
Way that can be spoken of or described in words is not eternal
Dao.” It is up to each of us to find the way to the Way in our
own way. What we try to do with The Empty Vessel is offer articles
and information to help you, our dear readers, to do that.
The Empty Vessel
A Journal of Daoist Philosophy and Practice
Publisher
The Abode of the Eternal Tao
Editor and design
Solala Towler
Proofreading
Jack Woltz
The Empty Vessel: A Journal of Contemporary Daoism is
published quarterly by The Abode of the Eternal Tao,
1991 Garfield Street, Eugene, Oregon 97405.
E-Mail address: solala@abodetao.com.
Web site: www.abodetao.com.
Subscriptions are $20 per year (U.S. funds).
Please send address changes to: The Empty Vessel 1991
Garfield Street, Eugene, Oregon 97405.
©2011 by The Abode of the Eternal Tao, all rights
reserved. The Empty Vessel is not responsible for opinions
or statements expressed by authors or for advertisers'
claims.
Advertising rates are available by writing to The Empty
Vessel, 1991 Garfield Street, Eugene, Oregon 97405,
calling 800-574-5118 or emailing solala@abodetao.com.
Statement of Purpose
The Empty Vessel is dedicated to the exploration and
dissemination of Daoist philosophy and practice. It is
open to sharing the various traditional and contemporary
teachings in a nondiscriminatory manner. We
at The Empty Vessel believe that it is in using these
practices and attitudes of the ancient achieved ones in
a timely and contemporary manner that we can best
benefit from them and in doing so, be able to effect
change in the world around us.
The Empty Vessel 5

To our readers:
With this issue it has been 19 years since we first launched The Empty Vessel. Through the
many ups and downs of the economy, we have kept going, striving to bring the many aspects
of Daoist practice to you, our readers.
Now it is time to move on to the new incarnation of The Empty Vessel. The price of postage
and printing and the fact that many book stores are closing has gotten to the point that we can
no longer afford to print and sell magazines through distributors.
But as they say, "When one door is closed, another is opened." We will be going into a new
incarnation of The Empty Vessel and, quite possibly, reach even more people!
Beginning with the Winter 2012 issue, we will only be available on-line at our new website
community at EnergyArtsGlobal.com. This new website will actually be more of a portal into
a whole world of Dao and our "Abode of the Eternal Dao Community" will be the premier
place to immerse yourself in the Dao and learn about the global community of like-minded
Daoists. We will include each issue of The Empty Vessel (for the first time in full color),
which will be available to not only download to your computer but also to your ipad, iphone
or other digital device.
You will be able to download it, print the whole issue or selected articles. In addition, our
website portal will also contain a wealth of information such as video from China, streaming
material such as guided meditations and interviews with masters of qigong and Daoism
and online classes. There will also be downloadable music tracks and ebooks on topics like
Women's Practices, Daoist Mysticism, Chinese Medicine, Qigong Practice and more. There
will also be an archive of back issues and special topics.
All of this will be available to our subscribers. There will also be a free section as well for
anyone looking for an introduction to Daoist philosophy and practice. Being part of the Abode
of the Eternal Dao Community will also offer you interactive options to participate in online
discussions, information sharing, social networking, coaching, meditations, and a lot more
that we have planned with experts in Daoism from around the globe in the months to come.
The price for the new subscriptions to the Abode portal will be a bit higher than our old one
but instead of merely receiving a magazine you will be able to access a whole world! The
new cost $29 per year. For existing readers we are offering a special introductory price of just
$25. Just go to www.EnergyArtsGlobal.com, click on the image for the Abode of the Eternal
Dao, click on Apply and then type in "WUWEI" in the Promo Code box to get your discount.
Thank you for your support all of these years and may be all grow and prosper together!
6 Summer 2011

Along the Way
As you can see by the information on the last
page, we are up to new things with The Empty Vessel. It
has been 19 years now that we first started publishing.
We have struggled for all of these years to produce an
interesting, relevance and inspiring journal. Some of
you have stuck with us for all of these years!
Now it is time for us to evolve and grow and move
into an even more interesting format. As Daoists we are
dedicated to growing and staying flexible. As the Old
Boy says:
When we are born we are supple and tender
like a young plant.
When we die we become rigid and unyielding.
The ten thousand beings,
including plants and grasses,
when young are soft and pliable.
At their death they are dry and brittle.
Therefore we say that the stiff and unyielding
are the companions of death.
The soft and yielding are the followers of life.
In this way, an army may be strong
but it will be defeated.
A mighty tree will be cut down.
The great and mighty will fall
while the soft and yielding will overcome.
(76)
So this is what we are doing here at the Abode –
remaining flexible, open to new experiences, new ways
of looking at the world, new ways of being and doing. I
feel excited and exhilarated as well as more than a little
uneasy as the ground that I have known for so many
years shifts under me. But I feel that I am being led and
that this change will actually bring The Empty Vessel
and the Abode of the Eternal Dao to another level!
I am also deeply indebted to my good friend Francesco
Garripolli who is the founder of the EnergyArts-
Global project. It is with his guidance and belief in a
magical and abundant universe that I am able to make
the changes that it will take to move the Abode into
a whole new world! (See his article on page 6 to see
what I mean). I would also like to thank the wonderful
Naoka Chindo who is also doing a great deal to make
this happen! Mahalo to you both!
I hope to see some of you at the NQA national
conference in August in King of Prussia, PA See their
website at NQA.org for info on this fun, fulfilling and
fantastic event!
Solala Towler, editor
Subscribe to
and receive four issues of
•Insightful and stimulating
interviews with contemporary Daoist
masters and teachers
• Informative and inspirational
articles on Daoist philosophy and
practice.
• Reviews of the latest
books & DVDs.
Subscribe now for only $20 for one
year and save $4 off the newsstand
price! (U.S. funds please.)
Name
Address
City
State
Begin my subscription
with the next issue
Zip
(Add $15 for postage outside the U.S.)
Abode of the Eternal Tao
1991 Garfield Street
Eugene, Oregon 97405
541.345.8854
or go to our website at
www.abodetao.com
The Empty Vessel 7

Conduit or Container
Francesco Garripolli
8 Summer 2011

To see yourself as a Container is to live in a world of limits and
scarcity. To see yourself as a Conduit is to live in a world of abundance.
believe that the underlying concepts and belief
I systems that we hold about life affect everything
from the way a technique works to the actual physics
involved in any action. The things we do in life do not
stand alone. There are no fixed rules that allow something
to simple “happen” in an independent way. How
and what we feel, think, and believe about something
totally affects the outcome.
That said, I see that many people hold a certain belief
that can curtail their development and self-healing as
it relates to Qigong. This belief system revolves around
how we “see” ourselves…Whether it was taught to you
by a teacher or whether you simply found yourself accepting
it, you hold the belief that “you” (energetically
and physically) are either a “Container” or a “Conduit.”
This may sound funny, but answer the following
four questions and please just answer with the first
response that come to your mind:
1) When I practice Qigong, Tai Chi, Yoga, Reiki or
other energy art, I feel…
a. I am gathering energy and storing it.
b. I am channeling energy and being recycled by it.
2) When I breathe during my personal practice…
a. I fill up with air and hold it.
b. I fill up with air and let it go simultaneously.
3) When my body feels sick or uncomfortable…
a. I feel my Qi is low.
b. I feel my Qi flow is blocked.
4) When I am feeling tired or exhausted…
a. I feel I have run out of Qi.
b. I feel my Qi is stagnant.
Ok, not how you answered either “a” or “b” (you
need to commit to one of the other, whichever feels the
strongest pull).
If you answered with even one “a” you are living
with a belief system that you are in the Container
category.
If you only answered with one “a” then we may be
dealing only with semantics.
If you answered with two or three “a” answered,
then we need to play with these concepts for a bit.
If you answered with all “b” answers then you are a
full-fledged Qi Conduit so please pass “Go” and collect
your 200 dan tians…
Now granted, we can get into some philosophical
discussion here and split hairs over the details and words,
but I have a simple goal here in sharing this exercise. My
hope is to get you to rethink the way you see your body/
mind/spirit.
To see yourself as a Container is to live in a world of
limits and scarcity. You will always be concerned with
making sure you are “full” and you will begin to worry
when you are less than full. A Container can only hold
so much. You will always “want” more. The Container
compares itself in capacity to other Containers, always externally
referencing, looking outside to be satisfied. This
is the way of the ego, driven by fear. You will be happy
when you are full and sad when you are empty. This is
the roller coaster world of the ego/fear/belief system for
the Container category of Qigong practitioners.
To see yourself as a Conduit is to live in a world of
abundance. You will embrace the infinite nature of our
Universe and sense your immersion in boundless Qi. A
Conduit can channel the whole of the Universe while
holding onto nothing. Every breath you take will pass
through you and you will receive exactly what you
require. Your inhales are as fulfilling as your exhales,
knowing that each release is a cleansing and an offering to
the world. The Conduit is focused on living self-reflection
and inner flow…infinite connection to every atom in the
Universe and you see everything as a reflection of self,
as the infinitude of existence, our Dreaming, constantly
passes through us. The Conduit doesn’t need to store Qi…
the Conduit knows she is Qi and immersed in an infinite
field of Qi. Access is implicit in the Way of the Conduit.
I suggest you revisit these four questions above now
that you’ve read this…see if any of your “a” answers have
changed…and if they haven’t maybe this has inspired
you to question a little deeper and embrace the Way of
the Conduit. Peace…
Francesco Garri Garripoli is the author of Qigong – Essence
of the Healing Dance and Tao of the Ride. He teaches
worldwide and through a series of Qigong instructional
DVDs with Daisy Lee. The director and producer of the PBS
documentary, Qigong – Ancient Healing for the 21st Century,
Francesco works to support families and youth through his
non-profit www.KahunaValley.org. His newest venture, www.
WujiTech.com, offers powerful online software solutions
for coaching, mentoring, health tracking, consulting, and
personal development. For more on his and Daisy’s work
with Qigong, visit www.WujiProductions.com.
The Empty Vessel 9

10 Summer 2011

The Ox-herding Chart of Chan Buddhism
and the Enlightenment Process It Tells
Rewritten and translation by Hu Xuezhi
edited by Muriel Kirton
Editor's note: This article, by our Wudang friend Hu
Xuezhi, may list Chan Buddhism in the title, but we felt that
there was such a lot that was real Daoism in the article that it
would be of interest to our readers.
For many years, the English translation of the Oxherding
Chart of the Chan Sect of Buddhism has attracted
a great deal of interest and attention, and has been the
subject of intensive study by Western readers. The illustrated
poem was composed in classical Chinese, which
unfortunately means that, for many readers in mainland
China today, the meaning can be difficult to grasp, since
the opportunities to study classical Chinese literature
are limited. As things stand, the Chart seems to have
gained much more popularity in America and Japan
than in mainland China where people nowadays would
rarely hear of it being used or referred to by mainland
Chan Buddhists.
Several years ago, I read a martial arts novel by
Huang Yi, which had a title along the lines of “Shatter
the Emptiness into Many Pieces”, He made liberal use
of the poem from the Ox-herding Chart to describe how,
in the course of his study and practice, the hero of the
novel progressed step by step towards the attainment
of immortality. However, as regards the tangible nature
of his achievements, we are merely offered descriptive
words and phrases about the nature of the mind
and the hero’s diligent advancement towards ‘sudden
enlightenment’. We are in no sense given descriptive
details or an explanation regarding the regulation of
the breath or the deployment of Chi. In the practice of
inner alchemy (immortality study), it would be characterized
as ‘talk concerning only mercury, as yet without
lead.” You can easily deduce from this that the author
is simply a poet or literary scholar of the Wei and Jin
Dynasty, whose interest lay in crafting metaphysical
and mythical stories compiled from a mix of different
elements and components lifted from Chan literature.
However, after a detailed/careful reading and contemplation
of both the Chart and the accompanying poems, I was
suddenly struck by the realization that the Ox–herding
Chart reveals many of the features that define the practical
process of inner alchemy practice (immortality study).
There may be some Buddhists or scholars from the Chan
Sect who would refute my observation, but after many
days of meditation, it seems that I feel more certitude
about my assertion.
Let me explain. I had a sudden insight that the
chart can be understood as an illustration that depicts
the sequence of progressive stages leading to the attainment
of immortality, with each stage being described
and characterized by different symbols, each holding a
specific meaning. As we know, for the Chan sect, there is
Chan poetry, and for immortality practice there is NeiDan
(inner alchemy) poetry. Chan poetry is often characterized
by the subtlety of a full moon located far beyond
the pointing finger, whereas NeiDan poems most often
feature highly metaphorical, artistic concepts which lie
somewhere between that which can be perceived, and
that which is totally beyond any perception whatsoever.
Immortality teaching does not talk about ‘immediate
or sudden enlightenment’, nor does it make assertions
such as “All things created by cause and its accessory
conditions have no reality.” Similarly, it does not promote
concepts such as “immediately become an immortal.’’ Yet
its gradual and progressive approach can lead to success,
when followed systematically from the beginning, and
pursued without the omission of any necessary steps.
Nonetheless it seems to hold little attraction for practitioners
from the Chan sect, even though it truly leads
upwards, like a super-straight ladder.
Although the Chan sect often talks about immediate,
or sudden, enlightenment and the realization of full attainment
free from all hindrance, we should not take that
to mean that we are freed from the need to apply effort,
either prior to, or subsequent to, reaching that attainment.
Otherwise, Huineng (the sixth patriarch) would not have
been required to toil over the grindstone for nine months
before reaching his attainment, nor would he have been
required to run to join a hunting team, and thereafter
embark on practices that lasted for nineteen years. Later
on, when he began to teach, what did he teach In the
beginning he taught the chant “Prajna Paramita’’ (Reaching
the Other Shore). To speak truthfully, the goal of the
Chan Sect is to arrive at a state of mutual affinity between
teacher and disciple, while for the study of immortality
the goal rests on the infusion of varying levels of Yang
Qi. In essence, both lie well beyond the descriptive faculty
of either spoken or written language, as regards the
authentic aptitude, ability and skills involved.
The Empty Vessel 11

The study of Chan and its subtlety, lies in Chan’s
allegoric connotations, or ‘the understanding which is
gained in an instant’. This incorporates a rational element,
but leaves no opening for any form of speculation.
Only mutual affinity can prompt the sudden perception
and understanding of the allegorical meaning, which
primarily arises from the attained idea that “all things
that are produced by cause and associated conditions
have no reality,” and “the mind remains unimpeded, no
matter what.”
The subtlety of immortality study however, lies in
the Mysterious Pass, which serves as the only channel
of communication connecting both the Pre-heaven and
Post-heaven domains. The Mysterious Pass lies neither
within nor outside the corporeal body and neither within
the interior nor the exterior. It presents itself only when
the interior resonates with the exterior, so allowing the
natural to concur with the artificial, with the prerequisite
that both Shen and Chi are already sufficient for the process.
We can use the analogy of love to illustrate the state
of being: the feeling of love between a woman and a man
arises spontaneously, and the majority of people know
that love cannot be forced. Similarly, both emptiness and
naturalness begin to meet in harmony and communicate
with each other, though both vary in the degree to which
they become apparent.
You may perhaps wonder whether it is possible for
immortality study/internal alchemy and the study of
Chan to meet up with each other in one place, or on one
thoroughfare, without there being obstacles between
them Let us read the following passage which is an
excerpt from Chuang Tzu, entitled “The Fasting of the
Mind”, translated by Victor H. Mair
“I have nothing further to propose,” said Yen Hui. “I
venture to ask you for a method.”
“Fasting,” said Confucius. “I shall explain it for you. If
you do things with your mind, do you think it will be easy
Bright heaven will not approve one who thinks it will be easy.”
“My family is poor,” said Yen Hui, “and it’s been several
months since I’ve drunk wine or tasted meat. May this be
considered fasting”
“This is fasting suitable for sacrifices, but it is not fasting
of the mind.”
“I venture to ask what ‘fasting of the mind’ is,” said Hui.
“Concentrate your mind-will. Hear not with your ears,
but with your mind; not with your mind, but with your Chi.
Let your hearing stop with the ears, and let your mind stop
with natural concordance. Chi, however, is vacuous and empty,
accommodating all. There is none but Tao who dwells in the
empty vacuity. And becoming empty and vacuous is the fasting
of the mind.”
“Before I am able to exercise fasting of the mind,” said Yen
Hui, “I truly have an identity. But after I am able to exercise it,
I will no longer have an identity. Can this be called emptiness
“Exactly so!” replied the master. “Let me tell you. Enter and
roam about this realm, but without any awareness of what the
realm is. In the event of arrival in it sing in concert with it; in
case of no arrival in it stop at the cessation. Let the door open
and close, by its own course. House all as an undivided whole
and lodge in that which takes the course all in its natural way.
Then you are close to it. To leave no footprints is easy; to walk
on no ground is difficult.
“If you are impelled by human feelings, it is easy to be
false; if you are impelled by nature, it is hard to be false. I’ve
only heard of creatures that fly with wings, never of creatures
that fly with nonwings. I’ve only heard of people knowing
things through awareness, never of people knowing things
through unawareness. Observe the void – the empty room
emits a pure light. Good fortune lies in stopping when it
is time to stop. If you do not stop, this is called ‘galloping
while sitting.’ Let your senses communicate within and rid
yourself of the machinations of the mind. Then even myriad
things are transformed. It is that to which Yao and Shun
bound themselves, and that which Fuhsi and Chich’u exercised
all their lives. All the more is it suited for the masses.”
The famous inner alchemist Chen Yingning
once wrote 24 stanzas of NeiDan poetry. Below,
we have selected two for your appreciation:
The first poem
Ultimate reality shines forth, illuminating the grains of sand
which line the banks of the river Ganges
Those of the world, the sages, the enlightened, all, at their
origin, sharing one common source.
Each, when free of thoughts arising, converging in stillness
towards complete expression,
Yet, when moved by just one single sense, is already eclipsed
by clouds.
Ridding oneself of all affliction. And to what end The addition
of illness!
Drawing near to true thusness. And to what end The emergence
of a diverging path!
Meekly following the predestined relationship as it arises and
keeping the mind free of hindrance. And to what end
Nirvāna, birth and death, do but compare to hollow flowers
floating in the air.
The second poem
Overcome emptiness, free yourself of accumulated kalpa
and endure for a billion years,
Bid farewell to the canoe that ferried us to the far shore.
End your endless search for the countless tomes written on
immortality, even though you know the final words have not
yet been composed.
So what is meant by ‘the final words’ Are they
words that could not be uttered, or words that the author
did not wish to voice The answer, provided by Chen
12 Summer 2011

Yingning, is that the author did not dare not to voice the
words, since it may have alarmed the readers. So exactly
what words were they To find the answer let us turn
to the illustrations and consult the poems of the chart.
Ode to the Ox-herding Chart
1. The untamed Ox outside the herd
Ferociously, the ox bellows and, free of all constraints,
Thrusts about with its crooked horns,
Racing wildly round the mountain
To where the river turns away, and the road stretches
off into the far distance.
A bank of black cloud hangs over the opening to the valley,
And who can tell how much destruction is wrought to
the young seedlings
Trampled underfoot in the farmer’s field!
Here the ox is a metaphor for the heart-mind, which
has not been reined in or subjected to any form of discipline.
It prefers to be free and uncurbed, chasing after
whatever it finds desirable or congenial, pleasing or
compelling, even at the expense of physical and emotional
wellbeing. Accordingly, all possible means should
be employed to tame it and take it in hand. This concept
seems to correlate more closely to the methods of the
Taoist alchemist than the practitioner of Chan Buddhism.
A propos, Lao Tzu said in chapter 12 of the Tao Te
Ching:
The five colours make the eyes blind;
The five notes make the ears deaf;
The five flavors rob the mouth of taste.
Riding and hunting make the mind wild;
Therefore, The Yellow Emperor went to see Master
Kuang Ch’eng, to ask about the administration of the
body:
Master Kuang Ch’eng sat up with a start. “It is excellent,
this question of yours! Come, I will tell you about the Perfect
Tao. The essence of the Perfect Tao is profoundly obscure and
vague; the subtlety of the Perfect Tao is profoundly elusive and
still. See nothing, hear nothing, enfold Shen in quietude and
the body will go right , of its own accord. Be still, be pure, do
not labor your body, do not churn up your Jing, and then you
can live a long life. There is nothing to be beheld by the eyes,
nothing to be heard by the ears, nothing to be known by the
heart, thus your Shen shall guard the body, and the body will
thereby enjoy a long life. Cherish that which is within you, block
off what is outside you, too much knowledge will do you harm.
If the poem was intended to characterize the teachings of
the Chan sect, it would not talk about the unruliness of the
heart-mind (ox) when the heart-mind is the main issue under
consideration. Otherwise, slaughtering the ox with a sharp
sword would not be the answer to the problem (Particularly
since Zen Buddhism is opposed to killing). Similarly, if it is
intended to characterize (the teachings of) the six patriarchs of
the Chan sect, we might expect to be given the directive “keep
dusting it to prevent it from incurring the least speck of dust.”
So, why then does the word “forgetfulness” appear in later
poems The concept of “forgetfulness” reflects the approach
of Huang Tzu where you readily find passages such as “To be
forgetful in sitting meditation”, which advocates combining the
heart-mind with the breathing (listening to the breath), and
allowing the heart mind and breath to harmonize and become
at one with each other. Thereafter, falling into forgetfulness of
both breath and heart-mind, forgetting about everything, in
complete oblivion and without intervention, following whatever
arises or fades away.
2. The Initial Taming of the Ox
Taking a rope, I run it through the nose of the ox, and
cling fast!
His first attempt to go haring off is well rewarded with burning
pain from the lash of the whip !
But, with the determined strength of ingrained, wild inclinations,
He struggles against all change and modification.
Now the ox-herd boy must bring his full abilities to bear
The Empty Vessel 13

on his struggle to transform the ways of the ox!
In meditation people may initially find it difficult to
keep their thoughts and mind quiet, since the heart-mind
is easily drawn by objects and attractions outside itself.
This can be likened to young schoolchildren who cannot
remain silent or sit motionless (a requirement that,
in the Chinese education system, reflects the behavior
traditionally expected of children in kindergarten or
junior schools!). For them it truly is agony since they are
forced to comply).
Most people know that it is difficult to tame a wild
ox, especially if, whip in hand, you mount on its back
and order it to head east or west. In that situation, you
know that you risk falling from its back, or even falling to
your death, when the ox runs amok. Therefore, the best
solution is to “cling fast to a rope that runs through the
nose of the ox’’, thereby easily directing the ox to move in
any direction you choose, and avoiding the risk of being
thrown from its back. In fact, from the standpoint of an
alchemist, such a rope denotes the breath. For a novice
in meditation, it indicates that the heart-mind should
rest upon the breathing. Yet, for most practitioners, it is
certain that they will encounter difficulties created by
the heart-mind that remains at large, and refuses to come
under control.
To facilitate the process, additional methods should
be introduced, such as counting the breath, or using reverse
breathing (expanding the abdomen when exhaling,
and contracting it when inhaling). This clarifies the words
Now the ox-herd boy must bring his full abilities to bear on
his struggle to transform the ways of the ox!
3. Beginning the Process of Modification
All day long, still handling the rope with no less strength,
The ox-herd boy grows accustomed to
the gradual forgetfulness, and tiredness.
Start with counting the breath, and after some time, you
may find that the heart-mind has been gradually been
freed of much of its delusional thinking, and begins to
follow the inhaling and exhaling of the breath without
the need for assistance. Even though stray ideas may at
times arise, the heart-mind will soon be back on track
with the breath once again. Accordingly, the experience
arises of “wading across rivers or sailing through clouds,
the ox begins to follow instinctively, one step at time.”
However, from time to time, the attention of the heartmind
must be re-focused upon the breath, lest it should
resume its former course, and again wander around with
no constraints.
At the beginning such intensity of effort may
be very tiring, but with time, practitioners slowly
become accustomed to it, and the feeling of tiredness
disappears in a natural fashion. Here, we refer
to “The Ode to the Mythical Source and the
Grand Tao,” written by Chao Wen Yee to elucidate:
When, one day, attainment is achieved, it is a fully free
excursion.
Reflecting upon the process of refining and cooking, you
will sigh over the effort expended
Through striving, even though, in truth, no diligence
was required,
Since the work requires only the fostering of the primeval
Shen.
It is regrettable that the mind prefers to be active.
At this critical time, whether to hone, or be set free, all is
held within the palm of your hand!
4. Looking back
With modifications and adjustments, he steadily tempers
the wildness of the ox,
Winning its slow but sure submission.
Wading across rivers or sailing through clouds, the
ox begins to follow instinctively, one step at a time.
In the course of time, as meritorious endeavors successively
bear fruit
Little by little, it comes to pass that wildness reaches its
end,
And, slowly, frenzied force becomes meek gentleness.
14 Summer 2011

Yet, being not yet sure this will remain constant and
unchanged
The mountain boy still holds the rope tethered within
his hands.
After the practice of counting the breath, together with
listening to the breathing, it is less difficult to tame
the heart-mind than before. Its unruliness begins to be
worn down, and, unconsciously, it begins to cleave to
the breath. However, this is still not the right time to
enter the second phase, which is “to listen with Chi”,
since the heart-mind and breath have not yet been fully
unified. Taoist inner alchemy books prefer to use metaphor.
The heart-mind is likened to women, and the
breath to men, and the combining of the two is signified
through the symbol of sexual intercourse. This has
led to considerable confusion, resulting in the theory
of dual cultivation between men and women, which
continues to be a popularly held concept in the western
world. It should be understood to be but metaphor,
and should not be interpreted as one of the paths to
enlightenment, as most false masters claim.
Although, at this stage, the heart-mind and breath
begin to attach to each other, it is necessary to ‘set the
intent’ to keep them conjoined, in order for them to hold
together. Thus, “The mountain boy still holds the rope
tethered within his hands.”
together has simply become a prolongation of excess
‘attachment’ , which is unnecessary, since the two have
gradually united to form a ‘oneness’ that cannot readily
be split apart. This state is known as “to listen with Chi.”
Even though there may occasionally be moments when
the senses become active, and dispassionately enter the
non-conscious domain, it will have no effect due to the
fact that the heart-mind, for no one knows how long a
period of time, has entered into a state of ‘being in love’
with the breath. Therefore, there is no longer any need
to deliberately listen to, or continue to count the breath.
6. Free of hindrance
5. Tamed
Completely at ease, dozing or falling asleep, at will, on
the open ground ,
No longer driven onwards by the whip, free as the air.
Happy under the green pines, the ox-herd boy sits
steadily
And peacefully plays a gentle tune
that tells of more than any happiness.
Beside the old stream, under the shade of green poplar trees,
Allowing the rope to drop from his hands, or tightening
it up,
All has been accomplished in its own way.
By nightfall, green clouds roam high above the meadow,
The ox-herd boy is returning, yet the rope hangs loose.
At this point, the condition of “the heart-mind and
breathing depending upon each other” has already
been attained. Any further intention to hold them joined
The stage attained at this point should be termed the
stage where both Shen and Chi are unified to form a
oneness, which lies well beyond the phase of “the heartmind
and breathing depending upon each other,” since
the consciousness has gradually blurred, leaving only a
very small percentage of lucid awareness, and even this
is almost unconscious of any breathing. It is, however, not
the emptiness of nothingness as described by Buddhism,
but an intimation of spontaneous circulation in operation,
in which the senses and breath are both transformed
into two different types of energy. One is Shen and the
other is Chi. The former enters the latter while the latter
embraces the former. So, you can see the changes that
have taken place throughout the process: firstly listen to
the breath, then ‘enjoy and engage with its company’,
and ‘get along with’ the breath, then become closer and
The Empty Vessel 15

merge with it to “feel” the manifestation initiated by the
transforming force of great nature — the spontaneous
circulation. One famous Taoist scripture, called the 100-
Word Monument, reads “sit to listen to non-chord song,
run unimpeded into the core mechanism of Creation by
ridding yourself of the obscurity of illusion. Peacefully
playing a gentle tune that tells of more than any happiness.”
Up to now, can you perceive something from these
words or something beyond these words
For illustration, let us consider the poem “Admonition
on Regulating Breathing” by Zhu Shih (a great
philosopher in the Ming Dynasty).
Nose white, I have sight of it;
Relaxed, and at ease, come join with it and enjoy the accord.
Becoming quieter and quieter, it seems it spreads widely,
expanding out like the spring marsh where fish roam;
For a long time immersed in constant motion, whereupon
all then seems to converg , like insects gathering together
to sleep through winter.
In diffusion, opening to accommodate all, and in turn,
closing to hibernate,
The wonder of it is beyond words!
Who, then, is the master of it all
Only the dominance of non-mastery is worthy of such greatness.
At this time the dominance of non-mastery begins to
play its part and, of its own accord, the situation arises
of being “No longer driven onwards by the whip, free
as the air.”
7. Following the natural course
Willow bank and green ripples dissolve into the sunset,
Leisurely fingers of gray fog stretch out, grass spreads in
velvet green .
Hunger is served with food, thirst quenched with drink,
at all times true to the manner and affinity of their occurance.
Stretched out on the stone, the ox-herd boy lies soundly asleep.
Here, “sleeping” lies at the core of the meaning behind
the words, which in turn, correlate with the main
characteristics of immortality study. From the perceptions
of the initial stage, to the later state of oblivion,
from the combination of Shen and Chi to the involvement
in the spontaneous motion of ‘unified oneness’,
success lies upon the precept which directs us “to
follow the natural course,” without any intervention.
Eventually, this brings about “natural evaporation,
natural convergence and natural cessation.” (if there
is nothing at all, what is left for us to follow around)
At this point, the practitioner has reached the stage
where the heart-mind stops at the natural concordance,
and the listening stops at the ears. Accordingly, we can
say that all perception and consciousness gradually
come to an enduring standstill, or reach a state which
is dominated by ‘constant standstill’. You may construe
this to mean a state of sleep. However, the fact is that
when ordinary people sleep, they are in the company
of dreams; when practitioners sleep, they are completely
free of dreams, since all consciousness comes
to a standstill. It rests, or “is deprived of all functionality”.
Or, to express it in other words, the difference
between the awakened state and the sleeping state
disappears. So, the ox-herd boy falls soundly asleep.
Here we borrow a passage from Chuang Tzu for better
understanding (translated by Victor H. Mair)
“How do I know that love of life is not a delusion How do
I know that fear of death is not like being a homeless waif who
does not know the way back home When the state of Chin first
got Pretty Li, the daughter of the border warden of Ai, she wept
till her robe was soaked with tears. But after she arrived at the
king’s residence, shared his fine bed, and could eat the tender
meats of his table, she regretted that she had ever wept. How do
I know that the dead may not regret their former lust for life
“Someone who dreams of drinking wine at a cheerful
banquet may wake up crying the next morning. Someone who
dreams of crying may go off the next morning to enjoy the sport
of the hunt. When we are in the midst of a dream, we do not
know it’s a dream. Sometimes we may even try to interpret our
dreams while we are dreaming, but then we awake and realize
it was a dream. Only after one is greatly awakened does one
realize that it was all a great dream, while the fool thinks that
he is awake and presumptuously aware. ‘My excellent lord!’
‘Oh, thou humble shepherd!’ How perverse they are!
“Both Confucius and you are dreaming, and I too am
dreaming when I say that you are dreaming. This sort of
language may be called enigmatic, but after myriad generations
there may appear a great sage who will know how
to explain it and he will appear as though overnight!”
16 Summer 2011

8. Reciprocal forgetfulness
White ox in white clouds,
Free of intention, the man remains liberated from his
mind, as does the ox.
White clouds make a shadow of the moon above , and a
shadow of white clouds is cast by the moon below.
White clouds, full moon in brightness, all things are as they
are, each following their own path to east or west, just as they are.
In the Chan sect, white clouds is a metaphor often
used to illustrate the state free of hindrance, which
is gained by ridding the self of attachment (to ego,
to dharmas). This is reflected in the white ox. People
are advised to pay more attention to how the ox
changes its color from black to white, and how the
words ‘white clouds’, ‘full moon’ or ‘free as the air’
are used in the poems which accompany the pictures.
At this stage, we should describe the state as ‘a reciprocal
forgetfulness of both Shen and Chi’. All phenomena
that fall within the realm of our conscious mind begin
to crumble and the reciprocal binding, or the bonds
and attachments that connect all phenomena, begin
to unravel. Everything seems to come to rest at the
same root, on the same footing, and all things become
transparent to each other. Or, to put it another way,
the barrier between all phenomena begins to collapse.
Yes, man forgets about the ox, and the ox forgets about
man. Man forgets about his cognizing objects (objects
of cognition) and the cognizing objects forget about
man---the binding between the faculty of cognition and
the cognizing objects (cognition of objects) begins to
fade away. Thus reciprocal forgetfulness manifests. In
the words of Buddhism, reciprocal forgetfulness is the
disappearance of the attachment to ego and to dharma
– and the cognition that everything has inherent nature.
Chuang-Tzu said, “Both fish and waters of river and
lake reciprocally forget about each other; both people
and all the means (measures, processes and methodologies,
etc) they reciprocally hold on to, forget about each
other.” Therefore, you can see the importance of forgetfulness
during the process of enlightenment! It should
be noted that unilateral forgetfulness merits no reward
whatsoever at this point. A state of reciprocal forgetfulness
must manifest simultaneously.
Once this stage has been attained, we might ask
where the heart-mind now resides Where are the measures,
processes and methodologies you should adhere
to Where is the ego Where are all phenomena “White
clouds, full moon in brightness, all things are as they
are, each following their own path to east or west, just
as they are”.
Chuang-tzu said: “Undo the Jing and the Shen to
transcend life’s state of existence.” This attainment is
a great liberation, when compared to the former state
of bondage within which people cocoon themselves
through their attachments.
In this context, most people prefer to use the term
“forget” to replace “undo.” But, in fact, by this stage, ‘forgetfulness’
has already lost both its meaning and its function.
9. Shining in independence
The ox is nowhere to be found,
Thus the ox-herd boy has nothing in which to engage
himself.
Nothing is there, save a lonely wisp of cloud suspended
between green peaked cliffs.
Clapping his hands and singing in a high pitched
voice, he beckons down the moon,
Only to find on his return that yet another mountain
ridge awaits him!
Here we borrow a passage from Chuang Tzu for
clarification.
Nan-po Tse-kuei said to Nu-Yu, “You are advanced in
years, and yet your complexion is that of a virgin. How can
this be” Nu-Yu replied, “I have obtained Tao.”
The Empty Vessel 17

“Could I obtain Tao by studying it” asked Nan-po Tsekuei.
“No! How can you” said Nu-Yu. “You are not that type
of person. I rememberPuliang-I. He had all the talent to become
a sage, but not the way to become a sage, whereas I had the way
to become a sage but without the talents of a sage. But do you
think I was indeed able to teach him to become a sage Had
things not been thus, in seeking the way to accomplish the sage’s
Tao, it would have been an easy matter to identify someone with
a sage’s talents. I patiently kept watch over him, and talked
to him. In three days, he could put the world outside himself.
Again I kept watch over things for seven more days, and, at
that point, then he could leave all concerns outside himself. I
waited for another nine days, after which he could put all beings
outside himself. After putting all beings outside himself,
he was able to achieve the thorough awakening of the dawn.
After he could achieve the thorough awakening of the dawn,
he then had a clear vision of absolute independence, and after
that, he could do away with past and present. After he could
do away with past and present he was able to enter the domain
where life and death are no more. That which causes life to die
does not itself die; that which gives life to life does not itself live.
This is the kind of thing it is: there is nothing it does not let go,
and nothing it does not greet with welcome. There is nothing
it does not destroy, and nothing it does not completely fulfill.
This is the meaning of ‘attaining peace amidst confusion and
strife.’ After the confusion and strife, completion is attained.
Here let us pay attention to the following sentence:
”After he could achieve the thorough awakening of the
dawn, he then had a clear vision of absolute independence’.
The meaning in this context is ‘shining in independence’
or ‘independent shining’. In Chinese Pin Yin it
is called “Shen Du.” This is a thing of subtlety, which is
subject to neither increase nor decrease, shining over
all of heaven and earth and composed of one complete
ball of brightness. When a single full moon rises high
in a clear sky, an unlimited number of moons shine in
the rivers and lakes. If we talk about its exterior- it is
infinite, if we talk about its interior - nothing can be held
within it. Thus we see that the barrier between interior
and exterior disappears, indicating the absoluteness, or
total independence, which is attained once the realm of
relativity, where all things remain relative to each other,
has been transcended. Yet, it is still not the end since ‘a
state of being’ continues to exist, albeit in a completely
different realm. Accordingly, that state of being continues
to operate as a barrier, or an illusion, based upon the
remains, or the corpses, of the deceased.
Those who have some knowledge of Buddhism
theory will understand that this stage denotes several
stages within the process called ‘Cultivating-Way’, the
fourth of five enlightenment phases (accumulation stage,
beneficial practice stage, seeing-path stage, cultivating-
Way stage and gaining-fruit-of-Buddhahood stage
10. Double annihilation
Both man and ox are nowhere, free of any footprints
that can be traced!
The light of a bright full moon shines over all, penetrating
everything without exception.
If, in the end, you enquire about the workings and
methods of it all,
Wild flowers and fragrant grass all nod as the breeze
comes on.
Here we see all that all traces and deceased corpses
have been disposed of. You may ask about the meaning
of the ‘traces and deceased corpses’. In fact, it signifies
the traces or corpses of deceased, sullied habituation and
both afflictive hindrance and noetic hindrance. These are
so insubstantial and of such a degree of subtlety, that
any attempt to divest ourselves of them is such a truly
challenging undertaking, that many people fail in their
endeavour, or only partially complete the task.
Let us borrow a few words from Chuang Tzu: “This is
the kind of thing it is: there is nothing it does not release
and let go, and nothing it does not greet with welcome.
There is nothing it does not destroy, and nothing it does
not conclude. This is the meaning of ‘attaining peace
amidst confusion and strife.’ After the confusion and
strife, the completion is attained.
Thus you can well understand the words. If, in the
end, you enquire about the workings and methods of
it all, Wild flowers and fragrant grass all nod as the
breeze comes on.
Why Because the mountain still is the mountain,
the river still is the river. So you may therefore ask
whether anything has changed. No! The wild flowers
and fragrant grass are all shaking their heads!
From the times of Zhang Ziyang, there have been
instances where fellow students from both immortality
study and the Chan sect have met together. Some students
of immortality study had failed to gain practical
progress because of their attachment to the so-called
“being”, “elixir pill”, “small water wheel”, “large water
18 Summer 2011

wheel”, “medicinal substance”, “firing process” and As NEW a long-term FROM Taoist SOLALA embracer, TOWLER Master Hu began his study
so on. Therefore, they turned to the Chan sect to seek of Taoism from 19 years old when China still hesitated at
a breakthrough, and thus introduced many ideas
CHA
and
DAO: the THE door WAY of opening OF TEA, up TEA to the AS outside A WAY world. OF Due LIFE to a weak
concepts typical of immortality study into Chan. There is
constitution he got ill often so various medicines had always
In China, the art and been practice his close of drinking friend since tea is 12 rooted years in old. Daoism; To discharge it emerged the harassment
that honored by illness a life he of tried grace Kungfu and gratitude, bare-handed balance form and sets,
little to be found concerning wind, fire, water, and earth in
from a philosophy
Chan poems, but they are often filled with descriptions harmony, of fulfillment weapons and enjoyment manipulation, — what long-distance the ancient run, Chinese basketball, called Qigong Cha
natural scenery. Similarly, many people who have Dao, studied or the Way of of Tea. a variety of schools, secret herbal medicine formulas, and
Buddhism and Confucianism have also failed to make so on. At last, Qigong practice brought a eventual recovery
progress, and they, in turn, have sought a solution Cha Dao from takes us on and a fascinating from that time journey on through he began the to Way devote of Tea, his from efforts its origins
in the sacred the mountains study of and Taoism, temples Buddhism of China and through their its study links of to enlighten-
Daoist
upon
immortality study. Hence, terminology used in Buddhism
and Confucianism frequently appears in immortality
concepts such as ment. wu wei He or is non-striving an expert in and internal the Value alchemy of Worthlessness, practice because to he
poetry. Thus we arrive at the present situation. the affinity which between traveled Tea Mind many and many the Japanese places within spirit of China Zen. Interspersed to search for is a the
is dominated by the convergence of Taoist immortality
liberal helping of quotes answers from from the many great tea Taoist masters and of Buddhist the past hermits and traditional hiding in
deep and secluded places. Master Hu offers workshops and
study, Buddhism and Confucianism. tea stories from China and Japan. The unique health benefits of tea are also
explored and a chapter
classes
is devoted
online and
to the
in
history,
the mystical
characteristics
Wudang
and
Mountains.
properties
He
can be reached through his website at www.taoiststudy.com.
“Both fish and waters of river and lake reciprocally of 25 different forget tea varieties.
about each other; both people and all the means (measures,
This book will interest tea lovers as well as those who want to learn more
processes and methodologies, etc) they reciprocally hold on to,
about tea culture, Daoist and Zen thought and practice, and Asian history
forget about each other.” Let us make an effort so that Buddhism,
Confucianism and Taoism might all reciprocally
and culture.
forget about each other, and walk upon the grand A reviewer path says “Cha Dao is not only a wonderful book on tea, its history, and
leading to the eternal Tao!
$16.95 + $5 s&h from
the joy of appreciating its warmth, aroma, and its many flavors, but is also an
Abode of the Eternal Tao
excellent primer on Daoist thinking and living. I loved this book. It informed me
541.345.8854
about tea and the customs surrounding it, lifted my spirit, and sharpened my mind.
or your local bookstore
For those who enjoy tea, it deserves a place on your bookshelf."
(autographed copies available)
The Empty Vessel Editing Service
Do you have a book you want to write about your teaching, your
life experiences or anything else you want to share with the reading
public Do you need help with organizing, research, editing,
design or even co-writing
We are here to help! With years of experience in writing, editing,
publishing and design we can help you make your publishing
dream a reality!
Are you interested in creating a cd of your classes, lectures, guided
meditations etc We can also help design and record original
background music for your cd. We can even introduce you to a
low-cost and professional way to print your cds.
Call us at 541.345.8854 or write to solala@abodetao.com and let
us know how we can serve you!
34
The Empty Vessel
The Empty Vessel 19

New From Sounds True
Qi Gong for Health & Healing by Lee Holden
A Complete Training Course to
Unleash the Power of Your Life-Force Energy
6 CDs
5 DVDs
34 Cards
127-Page Workbook
All the Tools for a
Personalized Qi Gong Practice
Qi Gong for Health and
Healing Highlights
• Qi Gong for self-healing—simple
acupressure techniques for activating
your body's healing points.
• Emotions as energy—qi gong
movements and meditations to balance
and heal emotions.
• The Healing Sounds Practice—
detoxify your major organ systems
while cultivating mental calm.
• Meridians and the microcosmic
orbit—learn how to circulate energy
throughout the body as you open
to spiritual insights.
Lee Holden is an internationally celebrated
qi gong master who has appeared
regularly on PBS. He is a doctor of Chinese
medicine, a licensed acupuncture,
and an international instructor in qig
gong, meditation, t'ai chi, and stress
management. Currently, Lee is the cofounder
of the Santa Cruz Integrative
Medicine and Chi Center.
$149 + $15 p & h
Abode of the Eternal Tao
1991 Garfield St Eugene OR 97405
541.345.8854
20 Summer 2011

Global Warming
A Meta-Physical Perspective
Stephen Elliott
In 1979, The National Academy of Sciences estimated
that a doubling of carbon dioxide levels from that of
pre-industrial times will result in a global temperature
increase of between 1.5 and 4.5 degrees Celsius. In 1985,
the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and
the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) affirmed
these estimates.
In a December 1989 report to Congress, EPA estimated
that by 2100 sea level will rise by .5 to 2 meters
due to melting glaciers and icecaps. Also, that a 1 meter
rise in sea level will result in a loss of about 10,000
square miles of US coastal area.
The report also projects changes in global climate
patterns. These include increasing temperatures, changing
rainfall, and other weather phenomena. Some models
forecast hotter dryer weather for parts of the planet that
are already hot and dry, increasing the expanse of existing
deserts. Other areas may experience dramatically
increased rainfall and tidal inundation.
Increased carbon dioxide and the resultant “greenhouse
effect” is credited with global warming, the primary
source of the CO2 increase being the combustion
of fossil fuels. CO2 levels have increased 35% since
their pre-industrial revolution levels, contributing to a
global temperature increase of about 0.74°C since the
late 19 th century. The linear trend for the past 50 years is
0.13°C per decade, nearly twice that for the past 100 years.
On the current path, by the end of the 21st century,
carbon dioxide levels can be expected to be 75 to 350%
above preindustrial levels. (Source: www.ncdc.noaa.
gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html) Population
growth and industrialization of the planet are driving
the numbers ever upward.
Carbon dioxide is the present focus of global warming
science – but is CO2 the problem or a symptom For
that matter, is global warming itself the problem or a
symptom of some larger planetary change
Western science has a fascination with symptoms
and a penchant for focusing on the symptom as opposed
to understanding the root cause. We know this
orientation to be rooted in the profit motive that now
dominates much of the global paradigm. Nowhere is this
more evident than in the practice of Western medicine
where entire branches of medicine have been dedicated
to the treatment of symptoms as opposed to a focus on
the underlying etiology.
Of course, the danger of focusing on the symptom
is that it results in an incomplete diagnosis, and in the
end, while the symptom may be altered or alleviated, if
the root cause is not apprehended and addressed, the patient’s
underlying condition will continue to deteriorate.
In this case the patient is the planet.
As it relates to Earth, science describes the problem
as a “high fever”, and it offers that this high fever is
due to a “specific pathogen” – excess CO2. Therefore,
by addressing the matter of CO2 production, the “crisis”
is addressed. Certainly, there is truth to CO2 and
the greenhouse affect but is this the whole story Is the
diagnosis complete Is it possible that there is a greater
meta-physics at work, one that involves the essential
balance of Yin and Yang on planet Earth
The Fu Xi Bagua
To explore this possibility we need to turn to the
7000 year old Bagua– the 8 Trigrams at the heart of the Yi
Jing. The Bagua is thought to have been created by Fu Xi,
one of China’s three legendary Emperor Immortals, circa
5000 B.C.E. It holds many meanings and secrets. A central
animus of the Bagua is an essential, complete metaphysical
model of nature – its manifestation, and mechanics.
Suspended between Yin and Yang, the Bagua is
comprised to varying degree of the 4 primordial elements
Heaven, Earth, Fire, and Water, these 4 occupying
the cardinal positions. All worldly phenomena emanate
from and in time return to “wuji”, the center, this being
“the process” of manifestation and de-manifestation.
The Empty Vessel 21

surrogates that are capable of action to do their bidding
in the world. For this reason, they create Fire and Water,
which they conceive through their union.
The Universe Suspended Between Yin
And Yang And Composed Of The
Four Elements
Wind, Lake, Mountain, and Thunder are quintessential
examples of phenomena that arise via the interaction
of Heaven, Earth, Fire, and Water. Via the union of each
of the trigrams with each other, the 4 become 8. Via the
combination of the 8 with each other, the 8 become the
64 hexagrams of the Yi Jing. Via the combination of the
64 with each other, Lao Tzu’s "10,000 things” come into
being.
But our interest is in exploring the “mechanics” underlying
the process – the essential workings by which
Heaven and Earth work to affect and maintain the balance
of Yin and Yang and to nurture and perpetuate life on
planet Earth. To this end, we must understand the role
of the Four Elements.
Due to their purity, Heaven and Earth are themselves
inert. They exert a “force” but are incapable of action.
Heaven is Yang, Yang, Yang, and Earth is Yin, Yin, Yin,
and that’s it. They are like the two poles of a magnet.
Heaven and Earth Produce Fire And
Water Via Their Union
Fire is Heaven’s agent – Fire is 2/3 Heaven and 1/3
Earth. Water is Earth’s agent – Water is 2/3 Earth and
1/3 Heaven. Their impurity endows them with their
characteristic nature and dynamism. For this reason
Fire and Water are able to move, adapt, and change. Fire
and Water give the tai ji diagram “dynamism.” In a pure
meta-physical sense, they are “alive.”
Fire’s essential “role” is that of converting Yin (Earth
– matter with substance, for example “wood”) into
Yang – Heaven, the ethereal, “gas.” It does this through
the act of “burning”, a process by which the Yin and the
Yang are “recycled”, Yang ascending to Heaven and Yin
returning to Earth.
Water’s role is that of converting Heaven into Earth.
This action can be seen in the growth of flora and fauna,
which as they grow, amass Earth (elements) and reach
toward Heaven. The process of birth and growth (life as
we know it) depends on Water – specifically “precipitation.”
Precipitation brings Yang essence from Heaven,
inseminating life with Yang force.
The Four Primordial Elements Describe The
Wheel Of Life
Heaven and Earth Represent
The Forces Of Yin And Yang
Because of their inertness, they need the “agents” or
Together, the 4 Primordial elements describe the
wheel of life, birth (germination), growth, maturation,
and death. The cycle applies to flora and fauna alike, both
kingdoms having examples of annuals and perennials.
Heaven and Earth manage the planet via their judicious
use of Fire and Water (where “rain” is the form) to
promote life and maintain the balance of Yin and Yang,
which in the greater scheme of things must remain equal.
Because Fire and Water are the meta-physical embodiments
of Yin and Yang they must also ultimately exist
22 Summer 2011

in equal measure.
With the dawn of humankind’s ability to “make
Fire”, Heaven and Earth lost their proprietorship over
the 4 elements, for many thousands of years humankind
making Fire as we’ve seen fit. But, while we’ve made
Fire, we don’t possess the ability to makes its complement,
“Water”. While Fire and its fuel – Earth, ultimately
depend on Water, for practical purposes Water is finite.
Fire is not. Consequently, by making Fire humankind has
contributed to the gradual diminishment of Yin (Earth)
and the excess of Yang (Heaven).
Without Fire civilization as we know it would never
have gotten off the ground, no metal, no machines, no
electricity – no civilization. Virtually every aspect of civilized
life literally depends on “electrical energy”, most
of it coming from the “burning of Yin” in one form or
another, thus creating a global Yin deficiency and Yang
excess. This “burning” includes all burning from the
flame of a candle to the coal fired power plant.
It’s hard for us to comprehend the volume of Earth
that has been burned over the millennia. It is estimated
that in 2007 alone, 7 billion tons of coal were burned, and
this number is increasing rapidly. Annual oil consumption,
currently estimated at 1000 barrels per second, has
similarly mind boggling numbers which are also increasing
rapidly.
Heaven and Earth have the imperative and the power
to restore Yin by creating Water (rain), which only they
can do. They accomplish this by increasing the amount
of Water carried by the clouds. They accomplish this by
increasing the area of the Earth’s surface that is covered
by Water, hence increasing evaporation.
They accomplish this by taking Water out of reserve,
i.e. glaciers and icecaps, thereby raising sea levels
and expanding the area of the planet covered by Water,
increased evaporation resulting in increased water borne
by the clouds and increased rainfall upon the land. Under
natural conditions, increased rainfall would result in increased
organic growth which over time would restore
Earth’s Yin essence, coal, oil, etc., but man is clearing this
new growth, again for purposes of profit.
It is clear that fossil fuels contribute to global warming
but what of nuclear power The prevailing view
is that it does not contribute to CO2 production and is
therefore without global warming risk. But, in the context
of Yin and Yang, the burning of uranium may be far more
detrimental than coal or oil relative to its contribution
to Earth’s Yin deficiency – as uranium is the rarest and
most Yin of Earth’s elements and cannot be refreshed
even via Heaven and Earth’s restorative processes. This
is because uranium is of cosmic origin and is not created
via Earthly processes.
The proliferation of nuclear power plants during the
latter half of the 20 th century may have something to do
with the steep rise in temperature (a Yang indication) over
the last 50 years as opposed to the last 100 – burning of
uranium may be many times more detrimental in terms
of disrupting the balance of Yin and Yang.
Summery
This article offers a hypothesis that man’s “burning”
of Earth is creating a global Yin deficiency, and as long as
man continues to “burn Earth”, we can expect Heaven
and Earth to counter our actions with increasing sea
levels, and resultant “rainfall”. This suggests that unless
“burning” ceases, sea levels will continue to rise and all
of the planet’s ice will be brought to bear on the problem.
In 2004, a team of scientists from the US Geological
Survey estimated that if all of Earth’s ice were to melt it
would raise sea level by 215 feet or about 65 meters above
today’s sea level. This would reduce the land surface area
to a mere fraction of what it is today.
If correct, mankind must ultimately develop and rely
on non-burning forms of energy, which are presently limited
to harnessing the natural phenomena of Water, wind,
and solar, Water and wind being in increasing supply as
global warming continues.
Is CO2 then not responsible for global warming Yes,
it is certainly a contributing “pathogen”, one that science
can detect and measure – but it may be folly to consider
it the problem.
Stephen Elliott is a long time student and teacher of Taoist
arts. He is the author of Wuji Qi Gong And The Secret Of
Immortality and The New Science Of Breath. He resides with
his family in north Texas. To find out more about Stephen,
visit www.chiarts.net and www.coherence.com
The Empty Vessel 23

Yang-Sheng ( 養 生 Nurturing Life) is an E-zine forall Qigong, Tai
Chi,Yoga, Reiki, meditation practitioners, and spiritual cultivators.
It promotes philosophy and methodsofself-healing, positive mind
and health preservation. Yang-Sheng mergestraditional lifenurturing
knowledge withmodern scientific research &clinic
evidence; combinesancient wisdomwith our own experience to
support our daily practice and well-being. Your contribution,
participation,and sharingare truly welcomed andappreciated.
Editor-in-chief: Solala Towler
Publisher: Kevin Chen, Ph.D.
Associate Editors: Mantak Chia, Christina Beara, Aiguo Han, Ph.D. Roger
Jahnke, OMD, Joy Stellar,Michelle Wood, &more…
http://Yang-Sheng.com
Project1 11/6/07 10:31 PM Page 1
Email to editor@Yang-Sheng.com
Michael Winn Qigong & Inner Sexual Alchemy
Download FREE $20. eBook: Way of the Inner Smile.
25 Fabulous photos of spiritual smiles. 130 pages. HealingTaoUSA.com
Michael Winn is a 30 year pioneer of
qigong and neidangong (inner
alchemy) in the West. He co-wrote the
classic Taoist Secrets of Love with Mantak
Chia and 7 other books. Ex-President,
National Qigong Assoc.,founder Healing
Tao University. His 10 DVD/CD courses
brilliantly integrate ancient Tao with
modern life. Read his articles, or come on
his China Dream Trip!
5 ANIMALS-
6 HEALING SOUNDS
30 Qigong Tao Retreats
• Top Masters of Taoist Arts
• Medical, Martial, & Spiritual
• Great food, fun people, hi Qi !
• Fabulous Blue Ridge Mtns, N.C.
• June –August; low cost
HealingTaoRetreats.com
888-750-1773
FREE BONUS $45. DVD on 1st phone order over $50.
Call 888-999-0555 – Choose from 10 homestudy courses
24 Summer 2011

The Empty Vessel 25

Cloud Wanderers
The Empty Vessel China Tour 2011
Solala Towler
This year's China tour began with a wonderful flight
on a new-to-me airline – Korean Air. The service, even
on the coach section, was superb. From the ergonomic
seats to the screen on the back of the seat in front of you,
(with your own remote to scroll through the many films,
documentaries and music cd's) to the free slippers to wear
on the flight – it was all quite wonderful. And they bow
to you when you leave the plane!
We landed in Beijing after a long flight (12.5 hours to
Seoul, two hour layover there then two more to Beijing).
After a night's rest and refreshment (much too short) we
flew to Hangzhou, where we were met by our guide/
translator extraordinare, Dana Xu.
We spent the morning getting cash and traveler's
checks cashed at the bank, which too way too long (note
to self, never bring traveler's checks to China, they don't
knew what to do with them!). Finally we were done and
after lunch went to the tea farm where they grow the
delicious Dragon Well (Lung Jing) tea! This is the tea I
drink every morning at home and it is always a thrill to
be able to buy the fresh tea (first pick even) here where it
is grown. After drinking much tea and buying of much
tea our group went through the gift shop where I got my
favorite green tea candy and a green tea pillow!
That night we went to an amazing and mind blowing
show on West Lake, directed by the famous Chinese
filmmaker Zhang Yimou. (If you haven't seen the opening
to the Beijing Olympics get a copy. It is way over the
top, with 1,000 people in white silk doing taiji, 2000
drummers etc.)
The stage is just under the waterline so it looks as
though all the many many participants are walking on
water. The lights, the music (by Kitaro) and the ancient
costumes made for a truly breathtaking experience!
We stayed in a sort of bed and breakfast (only with
the breakfast in the restaurant a few doors down). It was
a big house with each room having its own very special
ambience/decoration. I volunteered to lug my bag to the
top floor and was rewarded with a huge room with its
own tea table and beautiful beamed ceiling!
One afternoon we went to the Chinese Medicine
museum, which is a nice sort of old musty place covering
the long history of Chinese medicine, with a huge
pharmacy that smelled so good (love that Chinese herb
smell!).
On our last afternoon in Hangzhou Dana threw us
a party! She invited two wonderful musicians, one on
dizi (flute) and the other on hammer dulcimer (the
name of this instrument is escaping me right now). My
old friend Feipeng came by with his wife (who brought
a whole bunch of really yummy Chinese snacks). The
musicians played, we ate, Dana sang us some lovely
songs (including one in Tibetan!), we ate some more, I
played a very short piece on the dizi, we snacked some
more, some calligraphers were there to do calligraphy
for us (including one for me that says Cha Dao), we
snacked a little more and then Dana's cousin sang for
us (including one of his favorite songs, the theme from
Titanic, which is a very hard to song to sing acapella but
he did a great job!).
After a few days sightseeing, eating, strolling around
the lake, eating, shopping, eating etc. we flew to Wuhan
where we caught one of the new "fast trains" to our
destination of Wudang. The time went by so pleasantly,
chatting with each other, eating various strange Chinese
snack foods and watching the countryside fly by outside
our windows (the train goes about 170 miles per hour).
Once we got to the bottom of Wudang we lugged our
baggage up a few flights of stairs and caught the bus to
the top, where we would be staying. (No private cars are
allowed on the mountain, a World Heritage Site).
That night we met with Master Hu Xuezhi, a local
Daoist and Buddhist teacher I had met last year. (See
his article on the famous Ox Herding chart page page
7). While having dinner my friend Richard asked him
about studying nei dan and the first thing he said was.
"You have to become a farmer."
What he told us later is that this was a metaphor for the
idea that it is very difficult to do serious nei dan practice
until you are old enough to retire from responsibilities. He
emphased, over and over again, that one must learn to be
still to clarify the mind. We must also be able to become
"unresponsive to outside stimulation." (A real problem
in the West as well as in the New China where so many
things are clamoring for our attention 24 hours a day.)
The next morning we met our teacher, Jiang Wei,
who came up the one hour bus ride from the bottom of
the mountain where he lives, to meet with us. H ewas a
very warm and friendly Daoist who studies with Master
Zhong Yunlong (see interview with Master Zhong
following this article.) It was a very simple yet elegant
style he taught us, short enough to learn in the small
amount of time we have with him.
In the afternoon we went to the Purple Heavenly
Temple and had lunch with the Daoist students there.
(When the cook saw a bunch of mei guo ren (Americans)
26 Summer 2011

Photo by Solala Towler
eating there he was very puzzled and
asked Dana why we were interested
in eating such simple food!) The fare
was simple yet very tasty.
One of the nights on our stay in
Wudang was a full moon so we all
trouped up to the roof of our hotel
and Richard let us on a lovely full
moon meditation where we got to
swallow "moon cream" while I played
my "magical mystical medicine flute."
The next day we went on a three
hour hike to Nanyue Temple, an
ancient temple built into the side of
a mountain (see photo right). They
have a wonderful teahouse at the top
where several of us sat drinking cup
after tiny cup of wonderful tea. (One
called Daoist tea is made up of wild green tea
and wild ginseng and another that changed the
taste of plain water when drunk after three tiny
cups of tea!)
The next day we went to see my old friend Jiaye
who lives in a cave up behind one of the temples.
He was happy to see us (basically he is happy
to see anyone he is so friendly and kind). While
we were visiting with him a Chinese film crew
came by and shot some footage of us interacting
with the hermit. They were thrilled to see some
Westerners there as not many know about this old
hermit they called Old Grandfather. They were
making a documentary for Chinese television
about the masters in Wudang and were filming
in all four seasons, including winter, which can
get very cold up there!
Nanyue Templein Wudang (Photo by Jennifer Dorosz)
Some of the wonderful food in China! (Photo by Sarah Braat)
It was sometime in this day that I christened our
group The Cloud Wanderers, an old term for Daoists,
who often traveled from one temple or mountain or
master to another, in what is called "free and easy
wandering" in the Zhuangzi. In our free time various
members of our group would wander off all over
the mountain. (Once you get there you can take the
public buses anywhere for free.)
At one point we went to Happy Valley to see the
wushu show there. It had to be the best one yet as
there were so many young people up there jumping
and leaping and brandishing all kinds of weapons
yet no one lost their head (or even an arm). At the
end a guy in his eighties comes out and leaps about
with a large broadsword!
Then we hiked down to Monkey Valley and saw
monkeys! (There is a funny sign there that says "Don't
stroke the macaques" as well as one down by the
creek that says "Don't catch the crabs."
Wudang is just such a magical place for me.
The Empty Vessel 27

Group practice (Photo by Solala Towler)
Our qigong teacher in Wudang, Jiang
Fei (Photo by Solala Towler)
The group with our qigong teacher
(Photo by Solala Towler)
28 Summer 2011

Monkeys! (Photo by Solala Towler)
mountain where we were to meet with Master Zhong at
his school. That's when a very curious thing happened.
We got caught in the dreaded "Chinese people do not
respect lines whatsoever."
It is so interesting to me that as nice and polite and
friendly Chinese people are, when it comes to standing
in line or getting on a bus or train in an orderly manner
it's every person for themselves! I have been elbowed
in the ribs by elderly Chinese ladies and if you don't
watch your step you will get stepped on!
We were standing here in the rain, covered in our
mismatched ponchos when a whole group of Chinese
tourists, all decked out in identical purple ponchos
came up behind us. Then, once the bus arrived it was
every purple poncho for themselves as they swarmed
in front of us and we had to fight to get on the bus.
Fortunately one of our members staked out a section
Hiking its many many trails and visiting ancient
temples where people have been cultivating
for hundreds of years fills me with excitement
and helps me to reestablish my own practice.
Whenever a Daoist walks by with their topknot
and ancient style of dress, there seems to be a
tangible power field around them, they are so
grounded and strong in their practice and in
their being!
The weather gods were smiling on us for most
of the trip and we had wonderfully warm and
sunny days. The day to go to the Golden Summit
was pretty foggy (no one could see a thing when
they reached the top) but it was fun anyway.
The last day we were there it was really raining
and we had to gather with all of our luggage by
the side of the road to catch the bus down the
Our friend Jiaye, the Bee Daoist with his
bee friends (Photo by Solala Towler)
Full moon meditation with Richard
Lieherer (Photo by Solala Towler)
of the bus for us and another member, a very
strong massage therapist, grabbed everyone's
luggage and heaved it up into the bus so we
could get on!
Once our bus made it to the bottom of the
mountains we walked to the Wudang San
Feng Academy to meet the grandmaster of
Wudang mountains, Master Zhong we spent a
delightful hour or so drinking tea and visiting.
After we took the train to Wuhan again we
spent the night in a hotel by the train station
(where we had a memorable lunch the first
time we took the train where they served us
Szechuan french fries!) The next morning we
flew to Beijing for the last few days of our
journey.
One of the high points of the trip came in
Bejing where I was able to end a three-year
The Empty Vessel 29

Tea time in the Wudang Mountains (Photo by Jennifer Dorosz))
My three-year quest finished at last! (Photo by
Sarah Braat)
The Long Wall (Photo by Dahlia Gordon)
quest for Moonlight Tea! My friend Wu Zhongxian
had told me about a special tea grown in the
southlands of Yunan province by a tribal people called
the Yi. They are still very connected to their shamanic
traditions and they pick this tea according to their
shaman's instructions when the moon is in certain
signs. Then they dry it under the full moon so that
it draws in the yin energy of the moon. The result is
a sort of light puer type of tea with many yin, relaxing
qualities. He told me to go to the famous Tea Market
in Bejing but I had been told the last two years that the
Tea Market was only for wholesalers. This year though,
when some of the group went to the "Long Wall" four of
us ventured to the tea market. It turned out to be a whole
neighborhood of tea shops! Fortunately Wu had given me
the phone number and booth number of his friend who
carries the Moonlight Tea and I was able to find it and lo
and behold, I got the Moonlight Tea! (See photo above).
Now that I am home I am enjoying drinking tis tea and
tasting the flavor of China!
And so another journey to the Middle Kingdom has
ended and as usual, Dana Xu did a magnificent job hosting
us. She is not just our tour guide but our China friend!
While it is not required that everyone interested in
Daoism and qigong travel to China it is always such a joy
to travel to the areas where people have been cultivating
for hundreds if not thousands of years! China has changed
so much since I first started going there in 1993, much of
it for the better, (except of the unbelievable traffic in all
the cities) but it is still a very different culture indeed that
the West.
I am so grateful to all the wonderful people who took
the time to welcome us to China and to the teachers who
took the time to share some of their knowledge with us.
Now that I am home and have caught up on my sleep, I can
drink my Moonlight Tea, lay my head back on my green
tea pillow and remember the wonderful sights and soudns
of China as well as the taste of Szechuan french fries!
To learn about future travels to China see our website
at www.abodetao.com.
30 Summer 2011

YOU ARE INVITED TO
THE EIGHTH ANNUAL TAOIST GATHERING:
Dr. Alex Feng and Charlene Ossler of Zhi Dao Guan,
The Taoist Center, in Oakland, CA
invite you to participate in
the Eighth Annual Taoist Gathering
October 21-23, 2011
at Samuel Merritt University Health Education Center, Oakland, CA –
a weekend devoted to the study, practice, and Community of Taoism.
Theme of "Immortality from a Daoist Perspective."
Keynote by Dr. Hirsh Diamant:
"Lao Zi’s 14 Characters – Reflections on Immortality."
Panel Discussion on Immortality Practices by Practitioners, Scholars, Teachers
Friday evening Taoist Class and Meditation followed by
two days of provocative Taoist presentations, meditation, qi gong,
and other forms of practice, ritual and exploration.
$125 Early Bird registration for the full weekend –
$100 if you mention this Empty Vessel Ad!
(if registering via the web site simply enter “Empty Vessel” when you are asked for a coupon)
$175 after September 15th
Information at www.thetaoistcenter.com
or write/call Zhi Dao Guan at 3824 MacArthur Blvd.,
Oakland CA 94619. 510-336-0129; info@thetaoistcenter.com
Attendees praise this unique annual event:
“ For A Taoist, this Gathering is like coming home!”
“Energizing! Inspirational!” Join us as we continue this adventure in The Dao!)
The Empty Vessel 31

Spring 2012 Empty Vessel China Tour
Beijing • Hangzhou • Wudang Mountains
May 10-25, 2012
Join us next May as we explore the aesthetics of traditional
Chinese culture and study qigong and Daoist
internal alchemy in the sacred Wudang Mountains.
In China there has long been a saying, "Heaven above,
Hangzhou and Suzhou below." Hangzhou, circling
round the beautiful West Lake, has long been revered
for their beauty
and culture.
16-day China Tour
Per person: $4300
Single supplent:$400
Credit card payment available
(Price may be subject to change.)
What's included:
• Roundtrip airfare from U.S. to China and back
• All hotel double occupancy accommodation
• Study tuition
• Excurison and sightseeing
• Translation
• All bus, train and air transportion within China
• All daily meals
• Admisison fees to temples and tourist sites
While we are there we will explore the world of the
traditional Chinese arts—poetry, calligraphy, painting
and tea. We will do simple qigong exercises by the
shore of West Lake, visit artists and listen to local musicians.
We will visit traditional tea houses as well as
the tea museum and tea plantation, where the famous
Dragon Well tea is grown.
In the second half of the tour we will travel to the fabled
mountains of Wudang, the home of Daoist taiji,
qigong and martial arts. There we will work with a
Daoist master, learning Wudang qigong and meditation
as well as visit temples in the area.
At the end of the tour we will spend a few days in
Beijing, visiting the Great Wall, the Tibetan Temple
and the White Cloud Temple.
For for more information
or to register call or write:
The Abode of the Eternal Tao
1991 Garfield St Eugene, OR 97405
541.345.8854
or see our website at
www.abodetao.com.
32 Summer 2011

20 years.
Day 14.Train back to Wuhan after morning qigong class.
Spend night in Wuhan.
Day 15-16. Fly to Bejing. Spend two days there visiting
the Great Wall, the tea market and last minute shopping.
Visit the Tibetan Lama Temple as well as the Daoist White
Cloud Temple.
Day 16. Fly home to Mei Guo (the Beautiful Country).
All along the way there will be time for reflection, sharing,
exploring, eat incredible food, learning, practicing
qigong and making new friends! We will be learning a
special form of qigong in the mountains of Wudang, home
for centuries for Daoist martial arts and qigong masters.
Our Itinerary
Day 1. Fly to Beijing from San Fransisco on May 10, arrive
in China on the 11th.
Day 2. Fly to Hangzhou
Days 3-6. Visit large Buddhist LinYin (Soul's Retreat)
Temple with its many stone carvings and enjoy tea at the
tea plantation where the famous Dragon Well (Long Jing)
tea is grown. We will visit local teahouses as well as the
tea museum where we will discuss the Way of Tea (Cha
Dao). We will also visit the Chinese medicine museum
and spend time with a local calligraphy master, where
we will learn about the Way of the Brush. We will also
attend the fabulous theatrical musical by Zhang Yimou
on West Lake and do daily qigong practice.
Day 7. Fly to Wuhan and take train (3 hours) through
countryside to Wudang Mountains
Day 8-13. Hotel in mountains close to temples. Study
Wudang qigong in mornings with local Daoist masters
then in the afternoon spend time hiking and visiting some
of the many Daoist temples in this beautiful mountain
range as well as attend wushu (martial arts) demonstration/show
in Monkey Valley. While we are there we will
also visit Jiaye, an old hermit who has lived in a cave for
Our Guide
We will be working with Dana (Xu Shu Xin), a delightful
and experienced guide. She will travel with us for the
whole trip and be our guide, translator and confident in
the Middle Kingdom.
Tour Leader
Solala Towler has been a student of the Daoist arts for
over 23 years and has written 12 books on qigong and
Daoist philosophy. He a founding board member of the
National Qigong Association and served as its president.
He has been publishing The Empty Vessel since 1993 and
has led seven tours to China and Tibet.
The Empty Vessel 33

The Master on the Mountain
A Conversation with Master Zhong Yunlong
Can you give us some advice on how to integrate Daoism
with a very busy, modern
lifestyle
(Photo by Sarah Braat)
On the last day of our sojourn in Wudang we met
with Master Zhong Yunlong at his school, the Wudang
San Feng Academy, named after the famous Daoist
master Zhang San Feng. Master Zhong took some time
out of his busy schedule to sit and have some tea with
our group and answer questions. Master Zhong, known
as the Grandmaster of Wudang has been practicing the
Daoist arts for many years and he exudes a warm and
deeply rooted presence.
Thanks to our indefatigable guide and translator
Dana Xu, we were able to ask many questions and receive
answers that reflected his years of cultivation in
this magical realm of Daoist China.
Master Zhong (Dana translating). Since you are here we
call it yin yuan. It’s like fate that has brought us together.
So if you have questions please feel free to ask and he
will try to answer them.
It’s also a big problem in China! To
always be nervous is very bad for
your health. Daoist health practices
are very popular for people
who have neck problems as well
as neck and spine. So we have lots
of organizations to help people to
cure those problems.
It’s good to have a little spare
time each day to work on yourself
and to read some books on Daoism
and allow your mind to become
calmer.
You can see a lot of people up
on the mountain with long hair and
the Daoist clothing but many of
them are not real Daoists. Some of
them are interested in Daoism and
Buddhism but they still have their
own common people’s life. But
they respect Daoism. They don’t
live in temples but some of them
still live at home with their families. They spend time
practicing and reading about Daoism.
Others live in the temple and have a master there
that they learn from. But still they are not real Daoists.
They are called ju shi. Ju shi is a really popular term
since ancient times for great poets who were interested
in Buddhism and Daoism. (Editor’s note: These people
were often called the literati Daoists.)
You must cultivate for along time to become a real
Daoist. There are a lot of rules. They are very strict. So
many of the people on this mountain (Wudang) they are
not real Daoists.
What do you consider to be a real Daoist
Daoism has a long history and during this long history
there were lots of generations and different masters. To
be a real Daoist you must know all the history of your
generation or linage. That’s very important.
Secondly, you must have a very good understanding
about Daoism and you must have long hair. You must
grow it for at least three years!
Why do they grow their hair long and what is the sig-
34 Summer 2011

nificance of their topknot
First, to be natural. And topknot here is a double loop,
representing taiji – yin and yang. It takes time for them
to make that. It is not the usual one. This is a special way
they do here on Wudang. They call it taiji hair. He says
that to become a student of Daoism you must begin from
your head!
Is there any significance to where the topknot is placed
on the head
Yes, it is on the top of the head on the bai hui point,
where yin and yang meet. This is a very important point
in TCM as well as in qigong and taiji.
How does he feel about the rebirth of Daoism in modern
China
He said that Daoism does not develop well in China
now. There are very few people who really understand
Daoism. Daoism is very different from Buddhism. Buddhism
incorporates lots of themes to grow the religion
bigger and bigger. But Daoism is different. They never
tell you to be a Daoist (proselytize). They never say that.
They believe in letting things go a natural way.
He says that in ancient times a real Daoist was a
natural scientist. He must be very knowledgable about
lots of things. And Daoism does not connect to politics
at all. Daoism influenced TCM a lot. They have a very
deep connection. TCM is very different from Western
medicine. In Western medicine if you have a pain here
and it gets worse and worse then they will cut it. But
(Photo by Sarah Braat)
TCM will never use that way. They use acupuncture to
help the person to recover.
He also says that the computer, one of the most
popular things these days, has the earliest knowledge
from Daoism. (Editor’s note: I believe what he is referring
to here is the binary system, originating with the Yijing
(I Ching), which was used in the original computer code
language.)
So Daoism is different from many other religions.
Many other religions have been used as tools by the politicians.
Daoism is really a natural science and its reach
into many subjects is very broad.
The knowledge of Daoism is very deep and not everyone
can understand it. This is one of the reasons that,
historically, Daoism has not developed very well. But
now and in the future he and his friends will do a better
job to develop Daoism.
In the West we talk about two different kinds of Daoism.
Dao Jia or what is sometimes called HuangLao or
philosophical Daoism and Dao Jio or religious Daoism.
About Dao Jia, you know that jia means family right
Dao Jia means a people who have an idea about a kind of
religion. This goes back to thousands of years ago. Many
of these people were connected with wu (shamanism).
According to historical records, a thousand years ago
there were these Dao Jia, which has a much longer history
than Dao Jio, which is the Daoist religion. The Daoist
religion was founded two thousand years ago by Zhang
Dao Ling (Tianshi or Heavenly Masters sect).
There were lots of masters then that they called Dao
The Empty Vessel 35

Jia but they were not organized. From the time of the
Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) to the time of Laozi, all these
can be called Dao Jia. Then from the time of Zhang Dao
Ling there has been the Daoist religion. One of the most
famous writers in modern China once said that Chinese
culture is rooted in Daoism.
So now is a very special period. Today everything
is too modern, too scientific! Many people are getting
depressed. Most children today are near sighted because
they watch too much TV and computers. So in this special
period maybe Daoism can have a very good effect on lots
of health problems. So that is what the Daoists are going
to do to have more contribution to people’s health.
There is nei dan and wei dan in Daoism. Wei dan is about
external alchemy. That was very popular in the past but
now, because the country has so many professional organizations
to study that but there is less interest in that.
Nei dan is the most important part of Daoism, to cultivate
inside – things like qigong, tai ji. When you practice
those breath is very important.
Do you have any advice for people who want to study
nei dan in the West
Several of his students now live in America and they are
not only proficient in martial arts but in nei dan. They
have their own students there and some of them come
here to learn nei dan also.
Do you feel that you need to have a teacher, instead of
a book or something like that to practice nei dan
Nei dan is a very complicated and even dangerous thing.
So it’s better to have an experienced master. If you practice
nei dan well it can not only be good for health but
good for your wisdom. But if you practice in the wrong
way it’s very dangerous.
What words of wisdom can you give us that we can take
home with us that will help us
Practice what you have learned here each day when you
go home. That will be very helpful. It’s not just a form,
it includes a lot.
I would like to ask how other practices, like painting,
calligraphy and music fit into the whole Daoist lifestyle.
Of course they do. They will help a lot. Of course, with
Chinese painting, it is not like Western painting. In this
style of painting you must put your qi, jing and shen into
it. Painting and calligraphy help to cultivate your heart
and your qi a lot.
He hopes everybody here can tell more people about
Daoism when you go home so that Daoism can serve
more and more people in the future. To serve everyday in
the world, that is Daoism. And he would like to welcome
you back again!
Master Zhong Yunlong is an orthodox Wudang Internal Kung
Fu successor of two great Wudang Taoist masters and senior
priests: Guo Gaoyi and Zhu Chengde.
When Wudang Taoism first opened to the outside world,
Master Zhong Yunlong was sent, from 1985 to 1987, by the
Wudang Taoist Association, to unearth Wudang martial arts
which were now only being practiced outside the temple.
The Wudang Taoist Association established the first Wudang
Taoist Martial Arts Team and Master Zhong was the foremost
member of the team.
In 1989, Master Zhong replaced the senior Taoist priest Guo
Gaoyi as the "Wudang Taoist Association Martial Arts Chief
Coach". At the same time, he was appointed as the principal
and chief coach of the Wudang Taoist Kung Fu School by the
Wudang Taoist Association. This was the first time Wudang
Kung Fu was formally shown in public.
From 1995 to 2000, Master Zhong occupied an important role
as the Principal for both the Mount Wudang Zi Xiao Temple
and the Taoist Academy.
You can get more information on Master Zhong and his school
at wudangsanfengacademy.org.
The 5th Annual Internal Martial Arts Taiji Gala and Competition
in Wu Dang Mountain, Shi Yan City, Hubei Province
China, also known as the birthplace of Taiji is being hosted
by the Wu Dang Tourism Zone and the Wu Shu Bureau of Wu
Dang. The gala is October 9-15, 2011.
Internal Martial Arts practitioners and admirers will gather
from all over China and the world to pay their respects to
this ancient tradition. The city is celebrating Zhang Sanfeng's
role as the creator of Taiji and Wu Dang's historic role in the
development of Taiji. The entire city is being decorated with
bronze statues of Sanfeng
Taiji masters, masters from other lineages, and representations
of each of the Sanfeng Taiji 13 movements. In addition to the
competitions, there will be Taiji and Nourishing Life arts demonstrations
and workshops on topics such as Qigong, Taiji,
Internal Martial Arts, Xing Yi, Ba Gua and Tai Yi forms. Folk
art, music, ceremonies at the temples, and Kung Fu shows,
with a special Kung Fu show by the Sanfeng Academy Wu
Shu team will also be taking place during the event.
This is a wonderful event for competitors, family, friends,
and those with an interest in the healing arts or for those
that would like to partake in this festive opportunity to visit
Wu Dang.
The ancient Taoist Temple grounds and the city’s museum will
be open for those with an interest in the history and mystical
foundations of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
For more infomation on this event Please contact Kristina at
zhong.miao1023@gmail.com.
36 Summer 2011

The Lost Secret of Immortality
a conversation with Barclay Powers
The Lost Secret of Immortality is an award-winning
film (Best Spiritual Documentary at the New York International
Film Festival, 2011) and is based on the book of
the same title.
The film and book link together the Golden Embryo
of Daoist alchemy, the Reality Body of Tantric Buddhism,
the Philosopher’s Stone of the Western alchemical tradition,
the Rainbow Body of Tibet and the Kundalini tradition
of India. The film predicts that the future of science
will be focused on these secrets of enlightenment.
We sat down with the author/filmmaker Barclay
Powers recently to ask him a few questions about his
project.
What is the goal for you with this multi-media
project (which includes a book, a film, a graphic novel
and soundtrack album)
This project is intended to make the alchemical secret
of enlightenment available to a world-wide audience. I
feel that once modern science understands the physiological
basis of inner illumination, the modern concept
of human potential will radically expand. This paradigm
shift represents the ultimate evolution of consciousness
and completely restructures Darwinian theory, which
unfortunately, does not include enlightenment.
I think that the most important idea here is that there
is a divine spark of super-consciousness at the physical
core of all human beings.
It looks to me like you have woven together many
strands of mysticism from many different cultures,
all pointing towards the same goal. How did you get
interested in such a project
I have studied the concepts underlying Chinese inner
alchemy for many years and have found that it transmits
a fundamental, perennial spiritual science that was also
the original goal of Western science when it was called the
Philosopher’s Stone, in the Hermetic tradition. Similarly,
very few scholars have made the connection between
the Reality Body of Buddhism and the Golden Flower
of Daoist neidan practice. The book and film is the first
attempt to explain the secret of inner illumination as a
cross-cultural paradigm shift.
Of all spiritual/alchemical traditions Daoism has a
clear, scientific methodology that has been successfully
proven for thousands of years. I feel the concept of the
three treasures (jing, qi, shen) is actually the lost secret of
immortality.
It was also very exciting to work with The Empty Vessel
and film the masters in the Wudang mountains and
Qinchengshan for the movie.
Your film reminded me a bit of What the Bleep, in
that it uses various kinds of animation to present certain
concepts like the Golden Embryo, the Rainbow Body
and Emanation Bodies in a way that the viewer can get
a visual sense of them. I think this is the first time that
the neidan practices of Daoism have been presented
so that people can visually understand the concept of
things like embryonic enlightenment.
Thank you, we worked for years to refine the animation
sequences so that they worked for a Western audience.
In addition to the film, we also have a book and a
graphic novel that is being turned into a music video to
accompany the new soundtrack album which is in postproduction
right now.
The idea with the graphic novel and the new music
video is to reach the 18-25 year old audience, who has
never been exposed to a clear explanation of the complete
evolution of consciousness – the goal of being human.
We intend to have musical events which will include
a screening of the film at multiple locations world-wide
to enable as many people as possible to experience a film
that points them toward the ultimate inner truth and
challenges both the scientific and religious establishments
of our time.
Many people have studied taiji, qigong, yoga and
meditation without understanding that the alchemical
firing process is the key to real inner illumination and
ultimate self-discovery.
I found the material on the Rainbow Body or what
in Daoism is called “the dissolution of the corpse” very
interesting and not something you see very often.
Yes, I find it fascinating that in many of these traditions
the physical body is described as “frozen light,”
which has the potential to dissolve into its essence – pure
energy – at the highest level of spiritual cultivation.
How will people get a chance to see this film
The film is playing globally and will be opened in
selected cities on an ongoing basis. For more information
please visit our website at www.lostsecretofimmortality.
com.
The Empty Vessel 37

Tao Is the Source of All Universes
Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha
Tao is the source of all universes. Tao creates One.
In fact, Tao is One and One is Tao. One creates Two. Two
is Heaven and Earth, yang and yin. Heaven and Earth
interact to produce all souls and all things in all universes,
but they all come from Tao.
To study and practice Tao is advanced soul study and
practice. It is most important to understand that everything
has a Tao. I explained above the Tao of eating, the
Tao of sleeping, and the Tao of soul healing. In fact, there
is a Tao for every aspect of your life. For example, business
has a Tao. A relationship has a Tao. To realize the Tao in
any aspect of life is to follow the spiritual principles and
laws to ensure your success in that part of life.
Take healing as another example. How can all of a
person’s sicknesses in the physical, emotional, mental,
and spiritual bodies be healed What is the Tao of healing
To heal all sicknesses in these four bodies, the Tao
of healing can be summarized in one sentence:
The Tao to heal all sickness is Shen Qi Jing He Yi
Shen represents all souls in the whole body, including
the souls of systems, organs, and cells. Qi represents
all energies in the whole body, including the energies of
systems, organs, and cells. Jing represents all matter in
the whole body, including the matter of systems, organs,
and cells. A person’s physical, emotional, mental, and
spiritual bodies are made of soul, energy, and matter.
Any kind of sickness is due to an imbalance in and the
separation of Shen Qi Jing. To join Shen Qi Jing as one is
to balance the whole body. To join Shen Qi Jing as one is
to return to Tao.
Remember the process of reverse creation of Tao that
I shared in chapter 1:
all things....Three....Two...On....TAO
return to
38 Summer 2011

Shen Qi Jing He Yi (pronounced shun chee jing
huh yee) is to return to Tao. I am honored to share this
highest divine secret to heal and transform all life. This
highest secret can be summarized in one sentence:
To return to Tao is the solution for healing,
rejuvenating, transforming, and enlightening
all life.
How can one apply Shen Qi Jing He Yi to heal all
sicknesses This is the way to do it. Apply the Four
Power Techniques that I shared in my book Power
Healing: The Four Keys to Energizing Your Body, Mind,
& Spirit.
Body Power. Sit up straight. Put the tip of your
tongue as close as you can to the roof of your mouth
without touching it. Put one palm on your abdomen.
Place your other palm over this hand.
Soul Power. Say hello:
Dear Divine, dear Tao, dear saints in Heaven. I am
honored to invoke you to request healing for (state your
healing request silently or aloud).
Mind Power. Visualize the Jin Dan (golden light
ball) rotating counterclockwise in your Lower Dan
Tian, a foundational energy center located in your
lower abdomen.
A renowned ancient Chinese statement about
spiritual healing is:
Jin guang zhao ti, bai bing xiao chu
“Jin” means golden. “Guang” means light. “Zhao”
means shine. “Ti” means body. “Bai” means one hundred,
which represents every or all. “Bing” means sickness.
“Xiao chu” means to remove. Therefore, “Jin guang
zhao ti, bai bing xiao chu” (pronounced jeen gwahng
jow tee, bye bing shee-ow choo) means:
Golden light shines; all sicknesses are removed.
Visualizing a golden light ball rotating counterclockwise
in your Lower Dan Tian is absolutely one
of the most important Tao healings for all sicknesses.
Sound Power. Sing or chant:
Shen Qi Jing He Yi
Shen Qi Jing He Yi
Shen Qi Jing He Yi
Shen Qi Jing He Yi
Shen Qi Jing He Yi
Shen Qi Jing He Yi
Shen Qi Jing He Yi . . .
Sing or chant for three minutes now. Remember, I
explain in the beginning of every book of the Soul Power
Series that when I ask you to spend time to practice, do
not skip the practice. Three to five minutes of practice
per time is vital for healing, rejuvenation,
and life transformation. In fact, to heal chronic and
life-threatening conditions, you must practice at least two
hours per day in total.
My new teaching is that the fastest way to heal is to
sing or chant all the time, either silently or aloud. Every
moment of singing or chanting is healing and transforming.
The more you sing or chant, the faster you could heal.
Shen Qi Jing He Yi is a mantra. This mantra is extremely
powerful, beyond words and comprehension.
Practice more and more. A great healing result is waiting
for you.
Mother Earth is in a transition period, with many
natural disasters, conflicts between nations and religions,
communicable diseases and other sicknesses, wars, financial
challenges, and all kinds of problems for humanity
and Mother Earth. How can we apply Tao to serve humanity
and Mother Earth at this critical historic period
All problems in humanity, Mother Earth, and all
universes are due to imbalance in and separation of
Heaven, Earth, and human beings. To help humanity,
Mother Earth, and all universes rebalance and reunite,
I will share an extremely powerful Tao practice. This
practice is so powerful that we cannot use any words and
thoughts to explain or comprehend it. This Tao practice
can be summarized in one sentence:
Tian Di Ren He Yi
“Tian” means Heaven. “Di” means Mother Earth.
“Ren” means human being. “He yi” means join as one.
Therefore, “Tian di ren he yi” (pronounced tyen dee wren
huh yee) means Heaven, Earth, and human being join as one.
This is one of the highest philosophies of Tao. Tian Di
Ren He Yi is Heaven, Earth, and human being returning
to Tao. Remember that to return to Tao is the solution for
everything in your life, the lives of your loved ones, the
life of humanity, and
the lives of all souls. In one sentence:
To return to Tao is the way of all life.
From TAO I: THE WAY OF ALL LIFE by Dr. Zhi Gang Sha.
Copyright ©2010 by Heaven’s Library Publication Corp.
and Dr. Zhi Gang Sha. Reprinted by permission of Atria
Books, a Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc. NY.
The Empty Vessel 39

Special Sale on Back Issues
Many of our back issues have already sold out. If you would like to order
back issues we still have a few sets of 39 issues available for $200, postage
included! (U.S. postage only) For overseas orders please contact us at
solala@abodetao.com.
Medical Qigong Certification
Programs begin in January and February
~ Designed for non-local students ~
~ Multi-level certification programs ~
~ Highest standards and limited class size ~
~ Emphasis on theoretical and practical applications ~
~Approved by Chinese Ministry of Health and Education ~
~ Established in 1985 ~
Dr. Bernard Shannon, DMQ (China)
Internationally recognized doctor and teacher
• Executive Director, International Institute of Medical Qigong
• Chairman of the Board, National Qigong Association
• Ordained Daoist Priest
• Shifu (Master Instructor) of Baguazhang and Taijiquan
Please visit www.MedicalQigong.org or call 800-848-0649 for more information
40 Summer 2011

The Empty Vessel 41

New from Solala Towler
Chuang Tzu: The Inner Chapters
A new version of this ancient and timeless classic with
commentary. Profusely illustrated with photos from
China, printed in black and silver on glossy paper.
Through its many stories, odd little passages and discourses
we can find illumination on how to live in the
world as free and spiritually independent beings. The
principles of spontaneity, flexibility, not going against
the natural flow of the Tao, grace under pressure, facing
death fearlessly, and going beyond the obvious and
commonplace to find our own true nature, thereby transcending
the world’s problems and vaulting us into the
192 pages $22.95 + $5 p&s
from Abode of the Eternal Tao
1991 Garfield St. Eugene OR 97405
800.574.5118/541.345.8843
solala@abodetao.com
42 Summer 2011

“Be Here Now”
Perfecting the Practice of Presence
Daniel Reid
A lament often heard from modern Western novices
on ancient Eastern spiritual paths soon after receiving
their first introductions to the depth and complexity of
the practices is, “Why is it all so complicated!” This is
particularly true of those who choose the highly disciplined
practice paths designed to awaken awareness,
such as the “Complete Reality” (chuan jen) branch of
Chinese Taoism and the “Great Perfection” (dzogchen)
path of Tibetan Buddhism.
Years ago, at a retreat in India with
my first Tibetan teacher, the great Kagyupa
meditation master Kalu Rinpoche,
someone asked the venerable lama why
the foundation practices he taught were
all so complicated. His reply crackled
with the swiftness and clarity of lightning:
“Because the human mind is so
complicated, that’s why! It takes complex
methods to dismantle the complex
delusions the ego constructs to blind the
mind to the light of truth. Truth itself is as
simple and clear as the morning sun. In
fact,” he said, sweeping his hand around
the room, “the truth is right here in front
of you, right now, this very moment, but
you just don’t have the eyes to see it!”
It’s true: the Tao of “Complete Reality”
and the “Great Perfection” of the
awareness which reflects it like a mirror
are utterly simple, self-evident, and everpresent,
here and now. There is nothing
to seek: all we need is the vision to see.
It’s our human minds that are complex
and tricky, not awareness and reality.
Both Buddha and Lao-tze stated very
clearly that the disciplines they taught
were designed to awaken the ignorant
and enlighten the blind; those who know
the truth and see how simple it is don’t
need the discipline of practice.
Most of us, however, spend a lot
of time and energy weaving elaborate
veils of illusion around our minds, like
silkworms in their cocoons, to protect
our delicate egos and desires from rupturing
in the radiant light of awareness
which we keep locked deep inside our hearts. Despite
our barriers of doubt and fear, it’s always here within
us, each and every moment, a treasury of wisdom, love,
and power waiting for us to claim it by awakening to its
luminous presence. Depending on how deep asleep we
are in our dream worlds, the work of waking up can be
easy or difficult, fast or slow. Either way, the first step is
to dodge the tricks our egos play to distract our attention
The Empty Vessel 43

from practice and lull us back to sleep, and find a way
to steer our minds directly to the luminous clarity of our
original awakened state.
The entire corpus of complex practices taught in
the traditional schools of Taoist and Buddhist cultivation
boils down to a single simple teaching that can be
summarized in three words : “Be here now.” This is the
keystone that supports the entire foundation of all the
practices. This precept has become such a popular “New
Age” slogan that it’s usually dismissed as a trite cliché,
but it nevertheless remains the essential link connecting
all the major Eastern practice lineages, and it holds the
key that unlocks the gate to success in them all. Let’s take
a closer look at this supreme yet simple teaching, word
by word, and see how it
works.
“To Be or Not to
Be…”
That’s the basic
question in the quest
for enlightened awareness:
to be aware or not
to be aware. It’s also the
choice one makes when
choosing to follow the
Taoist and Dzogchen
paths of practice, which
are designed to awaken
the practicioner to a direct
experience of being
present in the primordial
state of awareness. This is a state of being that can
only be experienced when you stop doing. That means
withdrawing the energies of body, breath, and mind
from their ordinary expressions of “doing” in activity,
speech, and thought, and resting instead in the stillness
and silence of simply “being.” In Taoist tradition, the
deliberate withdrawal of energy from the active state of
doing into the still state of being in order to experience
the nature of awareness is called wu wei (“not doing”).
In Buddhism, this basic meditation practice is known
as shamatha (“dwelling in tranquility”). Disdained in
modern life as a waste of time, “sitting still doing nothing,”
which is the Chinese term for “meditation,” is in
fact an indispensable condition for all spiritual discovery.
Meditation is your ticket for a front-row seat in the theater
of complete reality, where the curtain doesn’t rise until
you sit still and be quiet.
Life in the world today spurs us into a constant
gallop of non-stop activity and traps our attention with
a relentless onslaught of sensory distractions, allowing
us little chance to slow down, stop moving, stop talking,
stop thinking, and simply savor the essential flavor of being
alive, being aware, and being present in the moment.
“Being” involves a totally different state of mind than
“doing.” It’s a totally different expression of energy that
When you stop doing
and just be, your energy
remains at rest in its
original potential state.
reveals a completely different dimension of experience.
Doing manifests our energy in a dynamic state of activity—action,
speech, and thought—hooking our attention
in the temporal dimension of linear time and space. Doing
always has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and activity
always manifests in a finite field of space and time.
When you stop doing and just be, your energy remains
at rest in its original potential state, permiting your attention
to experience the still depths of your mind in its
basic state of awareness. Energy at rest abides in a state
of infinite potential, and stillness is the boundless crucible
of all creation. This is the immortal dimension of pure
awareness, the primordial source from which all temporal
form and activity arise and to which they all return, like
waves rising and falling on
the ocean. If the mind is like
an ocean, then awareness is
like the water: always calm
and quiet deep down inside,
but constantly rippling with
waves of activity on the surface.
In order to experience
the nature of the ocean’s
water before it forms itself
into waves, you must sink
down below the surface
and submerge yourself in
its depths.
All forms of doing—activity,
speech, and thought—
give rise to movement, and
all movement creates the
illusion of linear time, with
a beginning, middle, and end. Not doing (wu wei) makes
time collapse in the infinite stillness and radiant space of
being in primordial awareness, which has no beginning,
middle, or end. When you stop moving, speaking, and
thinking, time stops and awareness expands into infinity,
dissolving all dualistic boundries between self and
other, here and there, now and then. What you realize in
this still and silent state of awareness is that everything
arises from and returns to its original source—the empty,
luminous, infinite potential energy of the primordial state.
Here’s how Lao-tze expressed it in the Tao Teh Ching:
Something formless yet complete
That existed
before heaven and earth,
Without sound, without substance,
Dependent
on nothing, unchanging
All pervading,
unfailing. . .
It’s true name I do not know :
“Tao” is
the nickname I give it.
The nickname the Buddha gave it is “Dharmadatu:”
“the way things are.”
“To be or not to be” is therefore the first choice
you make when embarking on the path of cultivating
awareness. There is nothing particular to do to reach the
primordial state of enlightened awareness, because you’re
already there before you start. However, it takes a lot of
practice stop interfering with it and simply let it be. You
must arrive at the realization that it’s already here within
44 Summer 2011

you, right now, and learn to recognize its radiant light.
This is the path as well as the goal of all the practices
taught by the masters of theTao and the Dharma - to be
present in awareness.
“Here , There, and Everywhere. . .”
Taoists refer to body, breath, and mind as the “Three
Treasures” of life. Buddhists call them the “Three Gates”
of energy. Keeping these three vehicles of our life force
working together in harmony, rooted in the same ground
of being and doing, is an essential point of attention on the
path of awareness. This seems simple enough in principle,
but in practice it’s not so easy because the human mind
is like a monkey: it hops here, there, and everywhere,
leaving body and breath elsewhere. Training the mental
monkey to sit still and pay attention to where your body
is here and now, is a primary task of practice that takes
time and patience.
Body and breath are always right here, firmly rooted
like flagpoles at your present location. Where else could
they possibly be It’s the mind that’s
always drifting away to another place
and time, floating to and fro like a leaf
in the wind. Left unattended, the mental
monkey is always hopping around
out “there,” leaving body and breath
stranded like a car without a driver in
the traffic of life. As the monkey wanders
off to worry about the future, romp
through the past, chase fantasies, chat
with phantoms, and meander through
mental mazes far removed from the
present locus of body and breath, it takes
along a big supply of your vital energy,
burning it frivolously in the bonfires of
random thought and robbing your body
of its essential fuel of life. The breath
grows shallow and irregular, the body
loses balance, and vital functions stagnate,
while the mind fritters away the
energy upon which the whole system
depends.
The solution to this problem is to
focus the spotlight of attention on your
breath, and to shift your breathing from
autonomic to voluntary control. Since
breath and body are inseparably linked,
conscious breathing keeps the mind
firmly grounded in the body, here and
now. All you need to do to make this
transition is summon the intent to steer
your attention away from the monkey’s
madcap maneuvers and lock it onto the
perpetual flow of breath in and out of
the body, and to feel the body’s rhythmic
response to the movement of the breath.
Follow the breath in, follow the breath
out; feel your belly rise, feel your belly
fall. Your breath and your belly are completely real, and
they are both always right here at home in your body.
You may therefore use the breath and the belly as buoys
to keep your mind anchored in reality, rather than letting
it wander away with the monkey. That’s why conscious
abdominal breathing is such an important foundation
practice in both Taoist and Buddhist systems of cultivating
awareness.
All this may sound, as they like to say in Australia,
“too easy, mate!” And in fact it is easy, once you get the
hang of it, but like everything else in life that’s worth
doing well, it takes practice to get it right. Verily it is
said, “practice makes perfect,” but the practice does not
always need to be so complicated. It can be as easy yet
profoundly effective as breathing, if you pay attention to
the way you’re doing it. The Great Perfection of enlightened
awareness is only a breath away, but to realize that
you must pay attention to your breathing and not get distracted
by the monkey’s mental marvels. The Taoist adept
Liu I-ming clarifies this point in Awakening to the Tao:
The Empty Vessel 45

The Tao is simple and convenient. There is no need
to seek afar, for it is right here at home … It is utterly
simple, utterly easy, there is no difficulty involved … The
ridiculous thing is that foolish people seek mysterious
marvels, when they do not know enough to preserve the
mysterious marvel that is actually present … So many
Taoists seek at random, all the while casting aside the
treasure at hand.
“It’s Now or Never…”
The “treasure at hand,” described by Taoists as the
“precious pearl” and by Buddhists as the “wish-fullfilling
gem,” is the luminous, infinite potential energy of fully
awakened awareness. This jewel is always shining right
here within our own mind and body from the day we
are born until the day we die.
It’s not something we must
seek elsewhere. “What is of
real value is in ourselves,”
writes Namkhai Norbu in The
Mirror, “in our own original
state: this is our wealth.” This
original state of awareness is
known in Buddhism as bodhicitta
(“awakened mind”)
and in Taoism as wu-dao
(“realization of truth”), and
it’s our most precious possession
in life, an infinite source
of wisdom, compassion, and
power waiting for us to reclaim
it. However, because we
look for truth in “mysterious
marvels” outside ourselves,
rather than turning to the
infallible source within, and
because we habitually mistake
material possessions for wealth and force for power, most
of us go through life without ever discovering the real
treasure of truth, vision, and infinite potential which we
all carry within us every moment.
The moment itself is the ultimate marvel, and presence
in the moment paves the way to mastery of all mysteries.
What could be more marvelous than the infinite
energy of creation that unfolds each moment in all the
myriad forms of the universe, pulsing like a heartbeat
from the twinkle of distant stars to the murmur of the sea,
from the wind in the trees to the hum of the bees, from the
radiance of a rainbow to the glow of a candle. The light of
pure awareness reflects all the manifold creations of universal
energy right here within our own minds, moment
by moment, as clearly and unconditionally as a mirror.
Since everything manifests from the same basic energy,
every moment reveals the fundamental mechanism of
creation and vibrates with the mysterious marvel of life.
In order to become aware of all this , we must keep our
attention on the mirror of the moment and practice the
Most people spend
their entire lives
roaming across the
frozen mindscapes of a
dead past and unknown
future, completely
ignoring the vibrant
present.
perfection of presence. Presence of mind in the immediate
moment permits us to experience the infinite marvels
of the eternal present. After we’ve learned to anchor our
minds here in our bodies by using breath as a buoy, we
must then free our minds from the trap of linear time by
realizing that it’s always “now,” and that the present moment
is therefore timeless and eternal. A single moment
of direct experience in the eternity of the present teaches
us more about the true nature of time and reality than a
lifetime of study and thinking.
Most people spend their entire lives roaming across
the frozen mindscapes of a dead past and unknown
future, completely ignoring the vibrant present, except
for those rare moments when reality suddenly grabs
their attention with the proverbial Zen slap in the face.
The fragmented segments of linear time as measured
by the tick-tock of the clock
produce the artificial mental
paradigm of a chronological
past and an imaginary future
that stretch infinitely in
opposite directions from the
fleeting moment of a swiftly
passing present. Presence
in the stillness of the eternal
moment produces the
opposite effect—a direct
experience of indivisible
whole time in the seamless
eternity of now. This experience
awakens awareness of
the timeless present as the
only reality, and shatters the
illusion of past and future
projected through the lens
of linear time. What we
learn from the practice of
presence is that the only “real time” is now and that the
present is the dimension of eternity.
It’s always “now,” and the present is always here
where we experience it, reflecting the whole universe in
the mirror of the eternal moment. The only reason most
people are blind to the vision of complete reality which
every moment reflects is because they rivet their attention
on the express train of thought that’s constantly running
through their heads, rather than dwelling tranquilly in
the stillness of the timeless present. Someone once wrote,
“Time is space thinking.” Since the mind is essentially
empty, like space, it follows that “time is mind thinking,”
which is the mental form of “doing.” When mind
stops thinking, i.e. “doing,” and dwells instead in the
stillness of “not doing” (wu wei), time stops, and mind
experiences the timeless state of presence in the eternal
moment, i.e. of “being here now.” Stillness doesn’t do,
it just is. Stillness is therefore the master of presence: it
teaches you how to “be here now” and experience Complete
Reality in the Great Perfection of awareness in the
46 Summer 2011

eternal moment. In Carlos Casteneda’s books, Don Juan
teaches Carlos essentially the same lesson when he says
that we can “stop the world” and experience the pulse
of eternity simply by stopping the “internal dialogue”
in our heads.
We are always in the present moment, here and now,
and it provides the only view of the world that’s not
imaginary. The past and future are mental constructs,
but the present is the living ground of awareness and the
cradle of creation. In “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior”,
Dan Millman states that the most profound lesson his
teacher ever taught him was contained in the declaration,
“There are no ordinary moments.” Every moment
is extraordinary because it always reflects a complete and
perfect picture of the whole universe, like a flawless gem
of awareness. However, in order to perceive reality with
the flawless vision of the moment, we must perfect the
pratice of presence.
As we begin to awaken to the infinite potential
of presence in the eternal moment, we also begin to
realize that the primordial awareness through which
we experience presence is as immortal
as the moment---that our awareness is
something that “is not born and does not
die.” We realize that the infinite luminous
energy of awareness is the very source
of the world which we perceive through
our senses, and that we are always the
authors of our own lives, free to set the
stage and write the script as we wish.
That’s why Tibetan teachers describe the
“Clear Light” of primordial awareness as
a “wish-fulfilling gem.”
The Dzogchen master Namkhai
Norbu refers to the experience of undistracted
awareness in the moment as “instant
presence.” When you practice instant
presence, you experience the waves of
the world rising and falling in the infinite
ocean of awareness, and you realize that
the world you perceive is never separate
from the awareness which perceives it,
just as the images reflected in a mirror
are inseparable from the mirror which
reflects them, and the waves rippling and
roaring on the surface of the ocean are
inseparable from the still and silent water
in the depths from which they arise. The
world we experience is a product of our
awareness, not a separate reality. It’s very
important to recognize the distinction between
the reflections and the mirror, and
to realize that the waves on the ocean are
just a fleeting form of the water below, for
one is impermanent and inconstant while
the other is immutable and immortal. In
order to enjoy the ephemeral play of life’s
energies, we must avoid attachment to
their passing forms and not mistake the servant for the
master, for it is not the impermanence of things in life
that causes us sorrow, but rather our attachment to impermanent
things. Instant presence makes this distinction
clear, for it teaches us to value the treasure that we can
never lose—the luminous pearl of primordial awareness.
Taoist and Dzogchen teachings place such strong
emphasis on being aware of our real condition, as it is here
and now in the present moment, because this is where
we’ve always been and always will be—in the very center
of our experience of the universe, which unfolds like a
flower from the luminous heart of our awareness. Our
experience of the world is always complete and perfect
just as it is at the moment. In real time , there is no past
or future, only the eternal present, and as soon as we stop
thinking, the timeless perfection of the moment blossoms.
When we rest our minds tranquilly in stillness (shamatha),
the moment is all there is. In an interview in the
Winter 2003/04 issue of Dragon Mouth, Liu Ming notes
this point as follows: “Rather than offering transcendence,
the teaching introduces us to where we actually are. . . the
The Empty Vessel 47

place we really are is the place we’ll be forever. There’s
nothing missing in the experience we’re in.”
It’s also important to realize that the Great Perfection
of awareness in the present moment can only transform
our lives and liberate our minds from illusion if we learn
to apply it in the active “doings” of daily life as well as
in the still “non-doing” of meditation. Otherwise it’s just
a formal exercise that ends with each meditation session
and has no practical value in daily life. Even when the
body is busy doing something, the mind should experience
the activity with the instant presence of awakened
awareness. The whole point of cultivating awareness
in the non-doing stillness of meditation is to bring the
awakened state of presence into the doings of daily activity.
“In order to realize the inseparability of meditation
and daily activities,” states Dzogchen master Namkhai
Norbu, “we must apply the
practice twenty-four hours
a day.”
This means, for example,
practicing instant
presence while frying a
fish, pouring a cup of tea,
driving a car, or embracing
a partner in sexual union.
To do this, you must keep
your attention fully focused
on the nature of the activity
your body is doing in the
present moment and be
aware of how your energy
is manifesting in that activity,
here and now, on the
spot. Feel the sizzle of the
frying fish in the handle of
the pan; observe the hydrodynamics
of the tea pouring
from the pot; be alert to the
manifold mechanics of operating the car; experience the
energy of your partner in sexual embrace rising like a
tide on the sea.
While meditation allows us to experience our energy
in its still state, the activity of daily life lets us experience
the way our energy manifests in movement. Both aspects
are equally real and equally important, and instant
presence is the key to experiencing the nature of both as
they manifest in the perfection of the moment. “A true
practicioner,” writes Namkhai Norbu in The Mirror, “can
appear to drink and laugh like others in a pub, but we can
be sure that, without assuming the meditation posture,
he is continuing in his state of presence.”
Both Taoist and Dzogchen teaching include specific
methods that help the practicioner learn how to maintain
the state of instant presence in the midst of ordinary
activity. Often refered to as “moving meditation,” these
practices are designed to integrate inner stillness of mind
with outer movement of body, and to unify the states of
“being” and “doing,” awareness and action. In Taoist
In Western religions,
people generally
disdain their bodies
as obstacles to
salvation and view
the world we live in as
a sink of sin and
corruption
tradition, various forms of chi-gung such as Eight
Brocades, Tai Chi, and Pa Kua are practiced to harmonize
body, breath, and mind in smooth rhythmic
movements of the body synchronized with the natural
flow of the breath, all balanced by presence in a meditative
state of mind. Chi-gung develops the ability to
engage naturally in the external activities of daily life
while remaining in a calm state of awareness inside.
In Dzogchen, yantra yoga is practiced as a form of
“moving meditation” to bring body and mind into a
balanced state of awareness that fuses inner stillness
with outer movement. Chi-gung and yantra yoga train
practicioners to integrate stillness with movement, and
to experience the mind’s essential emptiness as well as
its intrinsic energy, without getting distracted by either.
Moving meditation should be applied to ordinary
activities “until,” as Namkhai
Norbu notes, “there is no longer
any distinction between
meditation and life.”
“The Precious
Human Existence”
In Western religions, people
generally disdain their
bodies as obstacles to salvation
and view the world we live in
as a sink of sin and corruption,
far removed from a future
paradise to which they hope
to gain entry after death by
behaving in a way prescribed
by clerics during life. This view
rejects our own experience of
life in this world as a valid
source of truth and instead
demands faith in unproven
dogma in exchange for a dubious
promise of eternal bliss in
an uncharted heaven that can
only be reached in death. This is not a good bargain
and a highly risky investment of our faith.
Better by far to work with the resources life has
given us, here and now. Never dismiss your body as
a viable vehicle for reaching the goal of enlightened
awareness, for without it you don’t stand a chance
of success. Your body is the only anchor that keeps
your mind grounded in reality and lets you to learn
the lessons life has to teach you. By paying close attention
to your body and its experience of the world,
you prevent your mind from wandering off into false
realms of fantasy and dissipating your energy in illusory
distractions. Always utilize your breath as a
bridge to keep your mind and body linked together
in the present moment by breathing consciously at all
times, not just while practicing meditation, chi-gung
or yoga. Breath is the most effective tool we have
for keeping our minds aware of what our bodies are
doing in the present moment, and for synchronizing
the microcosmic pulse of our personal energy with
48 Summer 2011

the macrocosmic pulse of universal energy. By using
breath as a metronome, we can harmonize body,
breath, and mind in an integrated state of awareness
that allows us to experience the real time of the eternal
present rather than the artificial time of past and
present conjured by linear thinking.
The “bottom line” is this : if we wish to attain
the Great Perfection of enlightened awareness and
understand the Tao of Complete Reality, we must do
it here and now, in this body, in this life, while we
still have the “precious pearl” of primordial light to
illuminate our way. We
must always remember
that the Clear Light of
immortal awareness resides
only in the hearts
of living beings, and
that at death the spiritual
Light in our hearts
returns to its original
source in the primordial
heart of the universe.
The Light does not illuminate
the dark night
of death, so unless we
merge our minds with
the immortal Light
in life, while we still
have the chance, we
will die with minds
still clouded in illusion
and wander aimlessly
through the dark corridors
of the illusory astral realms. Known in Tibetan
Buddhsim as the bardo (“in-between state”) and in
Chinese Taoism as chung-yin (“middle shade”), these
astral realms include all of the heavens, hells, and
“other worlds” ever imagined by the human mind,
and after death they trap the unenlightened minds
of those who invested belief in their falsehood during
life. The only way out of these shadowy realms
of delusion is to get another chance at winning the
prize of immortal awareness by getting another life
and another body with a heart of Light to serve as
a vehicle for practice. Tibetan teachers compare the
chance of gaining another human body to the chance
that a blind turtle swimming aimlessly in the bottom
of the ocean will rise to the surface and stick its head
through a ring tossed randomly into the water. Those
aren’t very good odds, which is why Tibetan masters
always refer to this life we have here and now as the
“precious human existence:” because it offers us the
precious opportunity to receive the teachings and
gives us the vehicle of a human body to practice the
methods which can lead us directly to the radiant
treasure of enlightenment and the “precious pearl”
of immortality.
The Great Perfection of awakened awareness is
Never dismiss your
body as a viable vehicle
for reaching the goal of
enlightened awareness,
for without it you don’t
stand a chance of
success.
not attained by rejecting, transforming, or transcending
the human condition. It can only be discovered through
direct experience of the world as it is, here and now. When
you practice instant presence in all aspects of your life,
each and every moment has the extraordinary potential
to reflect the whole truth of reality in the mirror of your
mind and awaken you to the Great Perfection of your
own enlightened awareness. There is nothing to reject,
nothing to transform, nothing to transcend, and nothing
particular to do, because the Clear Light of awareness is
always shining here and now in your own heart. All you
need to realize it is presence.
In closing, I would like
to quote the last line of my
favorite Tibetan prayer. It’s
a call to all one’s teachers to
ask for their blessings on the
path of practice, and it neatly
summarizes the essence of
everything written above:
“Grant us your blessings
that we may attain 
the
supreme accomplishment of
being aware
in the Clear Light
of Great Perfection,
right now,
immediately, here in this very
place!”
Daniel Reid was born in 1948,
in San Francisco, and spent his
childhood in East Africa. After
completing a Bachelor of Arts
degree in East Asian Studies at the University of California,
Berkeley in 1970, and a Masters of Arts degree in Chinese
Language and Civilization at the Monterey Institute of International
Studies in 1973, Reid moved to Taiwan, where he
spent 16 years studying and writing about various aspects of
traditional Chinese culture, focusing particulaly on Chinese
medicine and ancient Taoist health and longevity systems. In
1989, he relocated to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where he continued
his research and writing until 1999, when he immigrated
with his wife Snow to the Byron Bay region of Australia,
where he now makes his home. Dan and Snow have plans to
establish a High Mountain Oolung Tea plantation in northern
New South Wales.
His published books include The Tao of Health,
Sex, and Longevity, Complete Book of Chinese Health &
Healing (Guarding the Three Treasures in British edition),
Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs, Complete Guide to Chi
Gung, and Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
His health latest title is The Tao of Detox: The Natural Way
to Purify Your Body for Health & Longevity, and his most
recent publication is My Journey in Mystic China: Old Pu’s
Travel Diary” (Inner Traditions, USA), his translation of the
writer John Blofeld’s memoirs of China from 1930-48, which
Blofeld wrote entirely in Chinese at the end of his life.
More information on Daniel's work is available on
his website: www.danreid.org
The Empty Vessel 49

The Essential Qigong Training Course
A Complete Home Study Course
on DVD and Audio CD
This Essential Qigong Training Course
includes
• The fundamentals of qigong: organ systems,
the five elements, and the body’s energy meridians.
• Qigong techniques to cleanse the body of impurities,
pathogens, and toxins.
• Exercises for gathering qi to create a reservoir
of healing vitality in the body—and how to direct
it to heal yourself or others.
• Visualizations for finding harmony and peace
with the universe.
• The 12 key benefits of qigong, from improved
health and well-being, to increased energy and
sexual vitality, to heightened intuition and creativity.
• Qigong history, including a timeline detailing
its earliest writings in 500 BCE through its evolution
to the present day.
• A complete training course in qigong as it was
meant to be taught—step by step by an expert in
a 100-day format.
Ken Cohen is a renowned China
scholar and qigong master. Author
of the internationally acclaimed
book The Way of Qigong: The Art
and Science of Chinese Energy
Healing and more than 200 journal
articles, he recently won the leading
international award in Complementary
and Alternative Medicine.
Included is
• 59-page study guide with detailed instructions to guide you
through our training each day
• All-new material integrated with meditations and exercises from
the Ken Cohen classics Qi Healing, Qigong, and The Practice of
Qigong
• Five audio CDs covering every phase of qigong theory and practice,
including 25 rare meditation exercises.
• Three DVDs of essential teachings and hands-on exercises, including
a complete 90-minute programmable workout.
$99 plus $10 shipping and handling
from The Abode of the Eternal Dao
1991 Garfied St Eugene, OR 97405
541-345-8854
50 Summer 2011

Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy
by Jerry Alan Johnson
Volume 1 - Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy - Energetic Anatomy
and Physiology
This first textbook (644 pages) includes a thorough understanding of the creation
and development of the body’s energetic fields, ancient metaphysical
theories of tissue formation, and the evolution of ancient Chinese energetic
medicine.
Volume 2 - Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy - Energetic Alchemy;
Dao Yin Therapy and Qi Deviations
This second textbook (616 pages) includes a thorough understanding of
ancient Chinese esoteric alchemy, metaphysical theories of projecting the
Soul, Spirit, and Qi, Daoist Sorcery, Psychic Attacks, and Demonic or Spirit
Oppression/Possession, as well as the practical Medical Qigong applications
used to treat such conditions.
Volume 3 - Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy - Differential Diagnosis;
Clinical Foundations; Treatment Principles and Clinical
Protocols
This third textbook (580 pages) includes a thorough understanding of the
ancient metaphysical theories of Chinese energetic medicine, including
Qi diagnosis, Materializing and Dematerializing Energy, Discovering and Removing Energetic Cords, Long Distance Scanning
(Moving Clairvoyance), Breath Incantations (Mantras) and Medical Talismans, Hand Seals (Mudras), the ancient Daoist use of
the Magic Mirror, Advanced Energy Cultivation and Qi Emission Techniques, Vibrating Palm Cultivation Techniques, and other
practical clinical applications of energetic medicine.
Volume 4 - Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy - Prescription Exercises and Meditations; Treatment of Internal
Diseases; Pediatrics; Geriatrics; Gynecology; Neurology and Energetic Psychology
This fourth textbook (592 pages) includes a thorough understanding of ancient Daoist and Buddhist energetic exercises, secret
meditations, advanced energetic theories, the treatment of Stroke, Paralysis, M.S., Parkinson’s Disease, as well as other related
medical fields of study practical applications of Chinese energetic medicine.
Volume 5 - Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy - An Energetic Approach to Oncology
This fifth textbook (570 pages) includes a thorough understanding of the Medical Qigong treatment protocols and prescription
homework used successfully in both China and the U.S. for the treatment of various types of cancer. Written by an internationally
recognized Grandmaster and Professor of Medical Qigong training who specializes in cancer treatment.
Price $65.00 per volume plus $10 shipping and handling (overseas double postage)
Volumes 1-5 - The Entire Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy Book Series Price $325.00 plus $40 shipping
and handling. (overseas double postage)
Send check or money order to: Abode of the Eternal Dao
1991 Garfield St Eugene, OR 97405
or call: 800-574-5118/541-345-8854.
The Empty Vessel 51

Reviews
Tai Ji
Beginner's Tai Ji Book
by Chungliang Al Huang
Singing Dragon
Softcover, 80 pages, $18.95
Originally published in
1989, our friends at Singing
Dragon have brought out
a new edition of this fine
book.
This a quite wonderful
and magical book, filled with
the gorgeous photography of
Si Chi Ko. In it Chungliang,
one of the first taiji teachers to
come from China to the West, writes not only about the external
movements of taiji but of the spirit as well. In lines like the following
he takes us on a journey into the magical realm of taiji.
Do not forget that the only Tai Ji tools is the human body, already
perfectly attuned to move in the Tai Ji way. We must learn not to
interfere with its organic functioning, but instead, to trust it. Practice
each time like it was the first time. Let your practice be like the sun
rising anew each morning.
Quantum Soup
Fortune Cookies in Crisis
by Chungliang Al Huang
Singing Dragon
Oversieze softcover,
New and enlarged
edition
160 pages, $24.95
Another favorite
of mine, this is a
entertaining and
enlightening romp
through Daoist and
Zen culture, filled
with stories, jokes,
aphorisms and many
wonderful examples of
Chungliang's dancing
calligraphy. It is the
kind of book that you
into at any point and
get new insights and new ways of looking at the world.
One of my favorites says "The benefit and wisdom of
laughter is now crystal clear. And why do so many of us insist
on cheerless sobriety Our third eye is shut tight or turned
inward with a frown. Turn the eye around and take a good
look at some of our cosmic jokes. Take the s out of cosmic and
enjoy what's left."
Simple yet deep wisdom from a heart-felt teacher of
joy in movement.
The Chinese Book
of Animal Powers
by Chungliang Al Huang
Singing Dragon
Hardcover, 32 pages
$18.95
"A great way to
learn about the animal
powers is to draw
the animals and their
symbols—and the best
way to draw them is to
dance them." So says
the author, who has done an admirable job drawing each
animal in a Chinese brushwork style. Also included is an explanation
and description of each animal and how they might
manifest in your life. This is the kind of book that works very
well for children as well as adults, the pictures do such a good
job embodying the power of each animal.
The Lost Secret of Immortality
by Barclay Powers
Golden Elixir Productions
Softcover, 206 pages $16.95
An interesting book, which is a
companion piece to the movie of the
same name, this book takes a look
at the immortality or enlightenment
practices in Western alchemy (The
Philosopher's Stone), Tantric Tibetan
(Six Yogas of Naropa, Three Bodies
or Trikaya), Hinduism (Kundalini)
and Daoist neidan practices (Three
Treasures and the Golden Embryo).
There are also sections on shamanism, quantum physics and
Chinese sexual yoga.
The book starts out with some historical references to
the Tibetan practice of The Rainbow Body, wherein, upon
death, the practitioner's physical body disintegrates rapidly,
shrinking down to a very small size or leaving just a few wisps
of hair and fingernails. This is similar to the Daoist idea of
"corpse liberation."
Equating the Philosopher's Stone, the Zen idea of Seeing
Your Original Face (the one you had before you were born)
and the Golden or Immortal Embryo this books is a great
resource guide for anyone interested in field of cross fertilization
of spiritual paths and practices.
Indeed we do live in exciting and amazing times! In
ancient times one had to go through strenuous and often
dangerous travels to study with different teachers. Today we
have so much information and inspiration at our fingertips
with the Internet and books like this one. The most important
thing, though, is to be able to really apply ourselves in both
learning these practices and then using them in our on-going
spiritual cultivation practice.
This book is a good guide to these ancient practices of
the West and East which, including the eve- growing field of
quantum physics, we can transform ourselves and our world.
52 Summer 2011

Directory
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. Three year
academic and clinical program. We offer classes in Oriental
medicine, acupuncture, and Chinese herbology.
Master’s degree is accredited. Financial aid and China
internships are available. Preparatory to national certification
and state licensing examinations. (503) 253-3443
for information, literature.
Genesee Valley Daoist Hermitage Residential facility.
Qigong, sustainable gardening, meditation for self
cultivation. Chinese herbs, massage, Daoist healing
toharmonize chronic disorders. PO Box 9224, Moscow,
Idaho 83843-1724. (208) 285-0123.
Tidewater Tai Chi Center has been offering classes
and workshops in tai chi, chi kung, meditation, self
cultivation practices and other Taoist arts in Norfolk
and Virginia Beach since 1974. For information call
757.533.9092. Send email to dondavis@verizon.net or
visit www.tidewatertaichi.com.
Taoist Arts Center. Wu Style Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Meditation.
Traditional Taoist arts offered in a friendly and
cooperative environment. Classes, Workshops, Private
Instruction. Director: Susan Rabinowitz, 342 East 9th
Street, NYC 10003. (212) 477-7055. www.taoist-arts.com
The Alaska College of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture
& Massage Therapy. 2636 Spenard Rd., Anchorage,
AK 99503. Offering course work in a full spectrum
of Asian Studies including Taiji, Qigong, Meditation,
Medical QiGong, Taoist Herbology, Massage Therapy,
with advanced study in Thai Yoga Massage and Tui
Na Acupressure Massage and a three year Masters
program of study in Acupuncture. We offer year round
full or part-time schedules of study. We feature biannual
Spring and Fall Health and Wellness Festivals where
participants can study cutting edge information with
our expert staff and visiting masters from around the
globe. Traveling to Alaska Check out our website and
make sure our classes and workshops are in your plans.
www.touchoftao.com. (907) 279-0135
White Cloud Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico offers
learning opportunities to people of all ages. Certification
programs in Taoist Studies, Energy Medicine and
Chi Nei Tsang: External Qi Healing. Weekly Tai Chi
and Qigong classes. Qigong Research and Retreats.
Continuing Education for Massage, Nursing and Acupuncture.
Ask about retreats. (505) 471-9330, www.
whitecloudinstitute.com.
Qigong Alliance International is a global Qigong and
Tai Chi organization with members from over 50 countries.
We believe the practice of Qigong and Tai Chi enhances
health and well-being, and brings harmony and
balance to those who practice, and to our planet. Our
mission is to serve our global Qi community and people
everywhere by providing information and education on
the benefits of Qigong, Tai Chi and other subtle-energy
modalities. We offer: free general membership and several
levels of professional and support memberships,
teacher/school referrals, networking opportunities, and
sponsor Qigong Tours to China & Tibet. Qigong Alliance
International (800) 341-8895 www.QiCentral.org
Qigong & Daoist Training Center offers certification in
qigong and Daoist training and ordination as a priest:
qigong, TCM, Daoist Cultivation practices, and Daoist
Zuowang Meditation. Michael Rinaldini, founder,
American Dragon Gate Lineage, received authorization
to train/ordain others by Chinese Daoist Master Wan
Sujian. Level 4 NQA Certified Qigong Teacher. www.
dragongateqigong.com. 707 829-1855
The Taoist Institute offers studies and services in
Chinese qigong, tai chi chuan, Daoist weddings,
shamanic energy & Reiki healing. Director: Dr. Carl
Totton. 10630 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA,
91601 (818) 760-4219. www.taoistinstitute.com.
Embrace The Moon School for Taijiquan and Qigong
is located in Seattle, Washington. Embrace The Moon
offers classes in the full Chen Taijiquan & Luohan Gong
Qigong curriculums to all ages and fitness levels as well
as offers extensive teacher training and advanced development
programs in these systems. Founder & Chief
Instructor Kimberly Ivy has 35 years of experience in the
Martial Arts (Judo, Aikido, Taijiquan), Qigong & Yoga.
She holds black belts in Judo & Aikido, and is ranked
6th Duan Wei by the International Wu Shu Association.
Ms. Ivy is a 20th Generation Disciple of Grandmaster
Chen Xiao Wang and among the senior international
Luohan Gong students of Grandmaster Gaspar Garcia.
More information on the school can be found at www.
embracethemoon.com. Ms. Ivy is available for seminars
on the topic of your choosing. Contact her to schedule at
kim@embracethemoon.com or by calling (206) 789-0993.
The Empty Vessel 53

Tools for Living the Dao
Books
Daoism
Workbook for Spiritual Development of All People
by Hua Ching Ni
Summarizes thousands of years of traditional teachings and littleknown
practices for spiritual development. There are sections on ancient
invocations, postures for energy channeling, stories and sections
on emotional independence and a balanced life and Taoist spiritual
practices. A good primer for beginning Taoists.
Softcover, 240 pages. $14.95
The Complete Works of Lao Tzu by Hua-Ching Ni
Lao Tzu's timeless wisdom provides a bridge the subtle spiritual truth
and practical guidlines for harmonious and peaceful living. Mater Ni
has included one of the only English translations of the Hua Hu Ching,
a later work of Lao Tzu which has been lost to the general public for
a thousand years.
Softcover, 212 pages. $13.95
The Taoist Inner View of the Universe by Hua-Ching Ni
This presentation of Taoist metaphysics provides guidance for one's own
personal life transformation. It offers a glimpse of the inner world and
immortal realm known to achieved Taoists and makes it understandable
for students aspiring to a more complete life.
Softcover, 218 pages. $16.95
Tao, the Subtle Universal Law by Hua-Ching Ni
Most people are unaware that their thoughts and behavior evoke responses
from the invisible net of universal energy. The real meaning of
Taoist self-discipline is to harmonize with universal law. To lead a good
stable life is to be aware of the actual conjoining of the universal subtle
law with every moment of our lives. This book presents the wisdom
and practical methods that the ancient Chinese have sucessfully used
for centuries to accomplish this.
Softcover, 165 pages. $12.95
The Esoteric Tao Teh Ching by Hua-Ching Ni
Offers instruction for studying the Tao Teh Ching and reveals the
spiritual practices "hidden" in Lao Tzu's classic. These include in-depth
techniques for advanced spiritual benefit. This version gives the esoteric
meaning of the Tao Teh Ching as revealed to the virtuous leader of the
Han Dynasy, Emperor Wen by an unusual old man called "The Old
Gentleman on the River."
Softcover, 192 pages. $13.95
Mysticism: Empowering the Spirit Within by Hua-Ching Ni
"Fourteen Details for Immortal Medicine" is a chapter on meditation for
women and men. Four others are devoted to the study of 68 mystical
diagrams, including the ones on Lao Tzu's tower.
Softcover, 200 pages. $13.95
Nurture Your Spirits by Hua-Ching Ni
Spirits are the foundation of our being. Hua-Ching Ni reveals the truth
about "spirits" based on his personal cultivation and experience so
that you can nurture your own spirits, which are the truthful internal
foundation of your life being.
Softcover, 176 pages. $12.95
The Tao of Philosophy
by Alan Watts
This collection of essays compiled from lectures and seminars presents
the words of Alan Watts, as he spoke them, on issues of great significance
Harmony: The Art of Life
by Hua-Ching Ni
Harmony occurs when two different things find the point at which they
can link together, Hua-ching Ni shares valuable spiritual understanding
and insight about the ability to bring harmony within one's own self,
one's relationships and the world.
Softcover, 208 pages, $16.95
Moonlight in the Dark Night
by Hua-Ching Ni
The difficulty for many people in developing their spirituality is not
that they are not moral or spiritual enough, but they are captive to
their emotions. This book contains wisdom on how to guide emotions.
It also includes simple guidance on how to balance love relationships
so your life may be smoother and happier and your spiritual growth
more effective.
Softcover, 168 pages, $12.95
The Mystical Universal Mother
by Hua-Ching Ni
An understanding of both masculine and feminine energies is crucial
to understanding oneself, in particular for people moving to higher
spiritual evolution. Hua-Ching Ni focuses upon the feminine through
the examples of ancient and modern women.
Softcover, 240 pages, $14.95
Eternal Light
by Hua-Ching Ni
Hua-Ching Ni presents the life and teachings of his father, Grandmaster
Ni, Yo San, who was a spiritually achieved person, healer and teacher,
and a source of inspiration to Master Ni. Deeper teachings and insights
for living a spiritual life and higher achievement.
Softcover, 208 pages, $14.95
Enlightenment: Mother of Spiritual Independence
by Hua-Ching Ni
The inspiring story and teachings of Master Hui Neng, the father of
Zen Buddhism and Sixth Patriarch of the Buddhist tradition, highlight
this volume. Hui Neng was a person of ordinary birth, intellectually
unsophisticated, who achieved himself to become a spiritual leader.
Softcover, 265 pages, $12.50
8,000 years of Wisdom, Volume I and II
by Hua-Ching Ni
This two-volume set contains a wealth of practical, down-to-earth
advice given by Hua-Ching Ni over a five-year period. Drawing on his
training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Herbology, and Acupuncture,
Hua-Ching Ni gives candid answers to questions on many topics.
Vol. I Includes dietary guidance, Softcover, 236 pages, $18.50
Vol. II includes sex and pregnancy guidance, Softcover, 241 pages, $12.50
Internal Growth Through Tao
by Hua-Ching Ni
In this volume, Hua-Ching Ni teaches about the more subtle, much
deeper aspects of life. He also points to the confusion caused by some
spiritual teachings and encourages students to cultivate internal growth.
Softcover, 208 pages, $13.95
Wandering on the Way: Early Tales
and Parables of Chuang Tzu by Victor H. Mair NEW
Complete with an authoritative introduction on Chuang Tzu and his
place in Chinese thought and history as well as a glossary of key terms
and concepts.
Softcover, 402 pages, $18
54 Summer 2011

in the spirit of Taoist thought. They reveal the author's appreciation for
the wisdom inherent in the course and current of nature.
Hardcover, 96 pages. $16.95
Tao Te Ching
translated by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English
One of our favorite translations of this timeless and sublime work!
The text captures the true poetry of Lao Tzu's work and Jane English's
wonderful nature photographs illustrate perfectly the philosophy of
the sage. Oversize softcover, 174 pages. $18
Chronicles of Tao
by Deng Ming-Dao
This volume combines the trilogy of The Wandering Taoist, Seven Bamboo
Tablets of the Cloudy Satchel, and Gateway to A Vast World under one
cover. A wonderful way to receive Taoist instruction through a story
form. This is the tale of Kwan Saihung's training from boyhood, in an
ancient Taoist temple high in the Huashan mountains, to adulthood in
America. Full of rich characters, Taoist practices and philosophy, and
kung fu adventure!
Softcover, 476 pages. $19
365 Tao
by Deng Ming-Dao
This volume of daily meditations is the perfect thing for bathroom
reading or for daily reflection. Deng Ming-Dao's years of training in
self-cultivation shine through in these short yet deeply felt passages.
Softcover, 380 pages. $16
Scholar Warrior
by Deng Ming-Dao
Subtitled An Introduction to the Tao in Everyday Life , this book contains
sections on medicine, chi gong, herbs, meditation, finding one's
purpose in life, diet, sexuality, death and transcendence. Softcover,
351 pages. $23
101 Lessons of Tao
by Luke Chan
A collection of lighthearted yet thought-provoking stories. Illustrated
with pen and ink drawings. A good way to experience the wisdom of
the sages while being entertained by the ever interesting vagaries of
human existence.
Softcover, 152 pages. $12.95
Daoist Mystical Philosophy
by Livia Kohn
A central text of medieval Daoist mysticism. Written by an unknown
author, probably of the Northern Celestial Masters at Lougan, in the
late 15th century C.E. it closely resembles the Daode Jing in structure
and contents. Edited and commented on several times until the twelfth
century, the text played an important rôle in the Tang religious thought.
With an excellent in-depth introduction by Livia Kohn, one of the leading
experts on medieval Daoist thought and practice.
Softcover, 285 pages. $24.95
Women in Daoism
by Catherine Despeux & Livia Kohn
Outlines the status and roles of women in the Daoist tradition from its
inception to the present day. It describes the historical development and
role of Daoist women in Chinese society; focusing on the different ideals
women stood for as much as on the religious practices they cultivated.
Softcover, 296 pages, $25
Daoist Body Cultivation
edited by Livia Kohn
a comprehensive volume by a dedicated group of scholars and practitioners
that coves the key preaches of medical healing, breathing, diets,
exercises, sexual practices, Qigong and Tai quan. Ultimately aiming to
energetically transform the person into a spiritual and transcendent being,
Daoist cultivation techniques have proven beneficial for health time
and again and can make in important contribution to the world today.
Softcover, 243 pages, $24.95
Chuang Tsu: Inner Chapters
by Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English
Companion volume to their superb Tao Te Ching, once again the
translation, calligraphy and nature photography combine to make
an exhilarating presentation of the master of sublime ridiculousness.
Softcover, 164 pages. $18
Chuang Tzu: The Inner Chapters
by Solala Towler
A new rendition of the classic Taoist text. Solala Towler's brilliant
commentary and empathetic interpretation of these timeless tales
demonstrates the profound implications of this great work for the
modern age.
Oversize softcover, 170 pages, 22.95
Cha Dao: The Way of Tea, Tea as a Way of Life
by Solala Towler
The art and practice of drinking tea is rooted in Daoism and emerged
from a philosophy that honored a life of grace and gratitude, balance
and harmony, and fulfillment and enjoyment – what the ancient Chinese
called Cha Dao, The Way of Tea. Cha Dao takes us on a fascinating
journey through the Way of tea from its origins in the sacred mountains
and temples of China, through its links to Daoist concepts such as wu
wei or non-striving and the value of worthlessness. This book will
interest tea lovers, as well as those who want to learn more about tea
culture, Daoist and Zen thought and practice, and Asian history and
culture.
Softcover, 172 pagers, $16.95
The 12 Chinese Animals
by Zhongxian Wu
The Chinese horoscope holds the key to a better understanding of self
and others, and to living a life of harmony. Not just your year of birth,
but also the month, day and hour have significance in true Chinese
astrology. Master Zhongxian Wu explains how to find your power
animal symbolise and how to learn from their wisdom. Using the 12
animal symbols as a guide, you will learn how to better understand
your personality and make choices that profoundly influence your
health, relationships, career, and finances, allowing you to live up to
your greatest potential.
Harcover, 189 pages, $18.95
The Chinese Book of Animal Powers
by Chungliang Al Huang
The powers unleashed by Chungliang Huang's masterful brush
paintings will send centuries of wisdom and energy coursing through
you. We know these animal energies reside deep within us and it is
Master's Huang's genus to release them through his guiding words
and swirling brushstrokes. Year by year, month by month, day by day,
Chungliang is our laughing, dancing, shape-shifting guide to an ancient
realm of knowing.
Hardcover, 32 pages, $18.95
Harmonizing Yin and Yang: The Dragon-Tiger Classic
by Eva Wong
A translation of a concise Taoist alchemical manual along with its two
most important commentaries. Covers external alchemy, sexual alchemy
and internal alchemy.
Softcover, 146 pages. $14.95
The Empty Vessel 55

Everyday Tao by Deng Ming-Dao
This companion volume to 365 Tao offers clear, specific directions on
bringing the Taoist spirit into our work, our relationships, and other
aspects of our everyday lives.
Softcover, 256 pages. $15
The Tao of Zen by Ray Grigg
A must-read for anyone interested in the influence of Taoism on Zen Buddhism.
This book llustrates how much of what we think of as uniquely
Zen—such as love of spontaneity; connection to nature; belief in direct
experience; non-reliance on sutras, rituals and priests; love of paradox;
human and "foolish wisdom"—all come directly from Taoism.
Softcover, 357 pages. $16.95
Entering the Tao by Hua Ching Ni
A valuable anthology of Master Ni's work, culled from prolific writings;
it provides a good overview of his work. There is advice and inspiration
on many aspects of life, from the physical to the spiritual. A good
introduction to this contemporary Taoist master's work.
Softcover, 158 pages. $13
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
A playful and fun way to learn Taoism, using the stories of Winnie the
Pooh. A great book for that friend who you want to introduce to Taoism
in an entertaining and endearing fashion. Softcover, 158 pages. $11.95
Tao Te Ching: The Definitive Edition
translated by Jonathan Star
Contains not only a new translation but provides verbatim translation of
each verse—including Chinese character, pin yin as well as all possible
English meanings. Also contains commentary as well as further definitions
of Chinese characters, a concordance as well as Wade giles to Pinyin
conversion. A great way to delve deeply into this ancient classic as well
as derive your own version of Laozi's work.
Hardcover, 349 pages. $32.95
Taoism: The Road to Immortality by John Blofeld
In this comprehensive study, John Blofeld explains the fundamental
concepts of Taoism, tells many stories of ancient masters, and provids
incisive reflections on Taoist verse. Taoist yoga, a little known aspect of
Taoist practice, is also discussed in detail. He also writes in a colorful
and unique way about his visits to Taoist hermitages in China and his
interchanges with contemporary masters.
Softcover, 195 pages. $16
Taoism: Way Beyond Seeking by Alan Watts
Transcribed lectures from between 1968 and 1973 covering such topics
as "The Philosophy of the Tao," "Being in the Way," and "Landscape,
Soundscape," Entertaining and illuminating lectures by one of the great
bridges between East and West of this century.
Softcover, 109 pages. $10.00
Daoism and Chinese Culture by Livia Kohn
A long-awaited textbook that introduces the major schools, teachings,
and practices of Daoism, this work presents a chronological survey that
is thematically divided into four parts: Ancient Thought, Religious Communities,
Spiritual Practices, and Modernity. It offers an integrated vision
of the Daoist tradition in its historical and cultural context, establishing
connections with relevant information on Confusionism, Chinese Buddhism,
popular religion, and political developments.
Softcover, 228 pages. $14.95
Cultivating Stillness:
A Taoist Manual for Transforming Body and Mind
translated by Eva Wong
Written between the second and fifth centuries, this book is attributed to
T'ai Shang Lao-chun, the legendary figure widely known as Lao-tzu. It
was a principle part of the Taoist canon for many centuries. Accompanying
commentary, written in the nineteenth century by Shui ching Tzu,
explains the alchemical symbolism of the text.
Softcover, 136 pages. $15
A Gathering of Cranes: Bringing the Tao to the West
by Solala Towler
In this volume of interviews with nine well-known authors and teachers
who have brought Taoism from China to the West, we learn the wisdom
and experiences of Taoism, including: meditation, qigong, taiji, Chinese
medicine and the guidance on how to live a healthy and long-lasting
life—mentally, spiritually and physically.
Softcover, 149 pages. $12.95
Cultivating the Energy of Life by Eva Wong
A translation of the Hui-Ming Ching and its commentaries, one of the
most important Taoist classics on the arts of longevity. Discusses the
practices of the Microcosmic and Macrocosmic Orbits, the role of breath
in circulating energy, and the conservation of procreative energy in a
straightforward and concrete way.
Softcover, 113 pages. $10
The Tao of the Tao Te Ching by Michael Lafargue NEW
Interprets the concept of "Tao" in the Tao Te Ching as a spiritual state of
mind cultivated in a particular school of ancient China, a sate of mind
which also expressed itself in a simply but satisfying life-style, and in
a low-key but effective style of political leadership.
Softcover, 270 pages, $21.95
Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching by Robert G. Henricks NEW
A new translation based on the recently discover Ma-wang-tui texts.
These texts, which were buried in 168 BCE are more than five centuries
older than any others known This ground breaking work reassess the
story and significance of this well-known text and its role in the development
of Taoism in early China.
Softcover, 283 pages, $20
The Essential Chuang Tzu by Sam Hamill & J.P. Seaton NEW
A compendium of wisdom stories, verses, fables, conversations and
anecdotes. At turns playful and acerbic, these writings present a philosophy
of life that is politically radical and deeply spiritual.
Hardcover, 170 pages, $22.95.
The Taoist Classics
The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary
Masterful translations of some of the essential texts of
Taoism.
Volume I
New
Tao Te Ching
Chuang-tzu
Wen-tzu
The Book of Leadership and Strategy
Sex, Health, and Long Life
Softcover, 485 pages. $24.95
Volume II
Understanding Reality
The Inner Teachings of Taoism
The Book of Balance and Harmony
Volume III
Vitality, Energy, Spirit
The Secret of the Golden Flower
Immortal Sisters
Awakening to the Tao
Softcover, 561 pages. $24.95
Volume IV
The Taoist I Ching
I Ching Mandalas
Softcover, 456 pages. $24.95
56 Summer 2011
46

Tales From the Tao
by Solala Towler
Teaching stories from Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu along with passages
from the Tao Te Chin as well as original stories form the author. Lavishly
illustrated with photographs from China, Nepal and Tibet.
Oversize softcover, 250 pages. $22.95
Small Harcover, 192 pages, $12.95
Small Hardcover Spanish version, 192 pages, $12.95
Qigong/Chi Kung
Internal Alchemy by Hua Ching Ni
" Ancient spiritually achieved ones used alchemical terminology metaphorically
for human internal energy transformation. Internal alchemy
intends for an individual to transform one's emotions and lower energy
to be higher energy and to find the unity of life in order to reach the
divine immortality." Another valuable book from this contemporary
Taoist master.
Softcover, 288 pages. $15.95
Cosmic Fusion by Mantak Chia
Cosmic Fusion exercises establish the spiritual body firmly in the lower
abdomen, where chi energy is gathered and distributed to all parts of
the body--and into all creation. The fully illustrated exercises in this
book also show how to collect and channel the greater energies of the
stars and planets. By “fusing” all these different energies together,
a harmonious whole is created, a unity of what is above and below.
Softcover 272 pages, 208 color and b/w illustrations, $18.95.
The Way of Qigong by Kenneth S. Cohen
A truly comprehensive book on qigong, including theory, scientific
basis for qigong, qigong basics, a complete qigong workout, self-healing
massage and the Dao of diet. Also includes extensive appendices. A
great book for beginners!
Softcover, 428 pages. $14.95
Complete Guide to Chi-Kung
by Daniel Reid
The author is able to achieve an impressive balance between modern
scientific knowledge and the ancient wisdom of the Taoist sages. Good
for anyone who plans to begin practicing qigong or for anyone wishing
to go a little deeper in their own practice and written by a well-known
author on Chinese medicine and qigong. One of the best books we've
seen on this subject.
Softcover, 336 pages. $19.95
Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body
by B.K. Frantzis
As well as including a comprehensive guide to chi kung theory, this
book also gives you a complete, systematic lesson plan, with 98 functional
illustrations and built-in safeguards to ensure that the exercises
are practiced correctly. The author explains not only how they are
done, but why. Going beyond mere body movement, he teaches from
the inside out, linking the biomechanics and anatomy of the physical
body with the subtleties of the energetic (chi) body.
Softcover, 200 pages. $16.95
101Taoist Ways to Transform Stress into Vitality
by Mantak Chia
Energy Balance through the Tao: Exercises for
An introduction to the ancient Taoist exercise system of Tao Yin. Tao Yin
focuses on cr12eating balance between internal and external energies and
revitalizing the body, mind, and spirit with a combination of strength,
flexibility, and internal energy exercises. Its ultimate goal is for the
practitioner to become pure, responsive, and full of energy, like a child.
Softcover, 224 pages, $18.
Fusion of the Eight Physchic Channels
by Mantak Chia
Shows how to open the Great Bridge Channel and the Great Regulator
Channel--the last of the eight psychic channels that connect the
twelve organ meridians and enable energy to flow from one meridian
to another. By opening these psychic channels in conjunction with
the Microcosmic Orbit, practitioners can balance and regulate the
energy flow throughout the body to protect all the body’s centers.
Softcover, 128 pages, $14.95
The Root of Chinese Chi Kung by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming
A valuable work by a well known chi kung master, this volume covers
history, basic concepts, categories , chi kung theories as well as keys
to chi kung training.
Softcover, 272 pages. $27.95
The Eight Treasures by Maoshing Ni
Eight sets of exercises that combine toning and strengthening movements,
stretching, and specific breathing techniques for the purpose of
maintaining health and preventing disease. An ancient system of energy
enhancing movements based on the natural motion of the heavenly
Chinese Soaring Crane Qigong by Zhao, Jin Xiang
A workbook of the immensely popular form of chi gong. This easy to
learn, half hour form is practiced by millions of people in China and is
extremely powerful.
(See video section for accompanying video)
Softcover, spiral bound, 102 pages. $30
Mastering Chi by Hua Ching Ni
A great introduction to anyone just beginning qigong practice. Includes:
Choosing the Exercise Right For You; sections on Children, Young People,
Older People, Men and Women; and descriptions of various types of taiji
and qigong exercises.
Softcover, 220 pages. $17.95
Attune Your Body With Dao-In by Hua Ching Ni
A step-by-step instructional book on this ancient Taoist exercise. Much
like a Taoist yoga workout, Dao-In is gentle and easy to do. Illustrated.
(See video section for accompanying video).
Softcover, 135 pages. $16.95
The Healer Within by Roger Jahnke
Details the scientific healing and personal cultivation aspects of qigong for
Western readers and practitioners. Offers tools and methods for treating
and maintaining a personal qigong and meditation practice—from gentle
movement through self-applied massage, breathing practices and deep
relaxation and meditation practices.
Softcover, 264 pages $14
by Mantak Chia
An introduction to the ancient Taoist exercise system of Tao Yin. Tao Yin
focuses on cr12eating balance between internal and external energies and
revitalizing the body, mind, and spirit with a combination of strength,
flexibility, and internal energy exercises. Its ultimate goal is for the
practitioner to become pure, responsive, and full of energy, like a child.
Softcover, 224 pages, $18.
Fusion of the Eight Psychic Channels
by Mantak Chia
Shows how to open the Great Bridge Channel and the Great Regulator
Channel--the last of the eight psychic channels that connect the
twelve organ meridians and enable energy to flow from one meridian
to another. By opening these psychic channels in conjunction with
the Microcosmic Orbit, practitioners can balance and regulate the
energy flow throughout the body to protect all the body’s centers.
Softcover, 128 pages, $14.95
45
The Empty Vessel 57

The Root of Chinese Chi Kung by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming
A valuable work by a well known chi kung master, this volume covers
history, basic concepts, categories , chi kung theories as well as keys
to chi kung training.
Softcover, 272 pages. $27.95
The Eight Treasures
by Maoshing Ni
Eight sets of exercises that combine toning and strengthening movements,
stretching, and specific breathing techniques for the purpose of
maintaining health and preventing disease. An ancient system of energy
enhancing movements based on the natural motion of the heavenly
bodies. (See accompanying video).
Softcover, 196 pages, $17.95
The Healing Promise of Qi
by Roger Jahnke
One of the best resources for using both qigong and taiji for creating a
healthy and fulfilling life. Filled with exercises, stories, illustrations and
wonderful insights by someone who has spent many years practicing
and these these ancient arts.
Hardcover, 316 pages, $24.95
Health and Long Life The Chinese Way by Livia Kohn
This book, written by theauthor of a number ob books on Daoist philosophy
and practice, is a good overall view of Chinese health practices,
which cover a wide variety of subjects. Besides chapters on diagnosis,
acupuncture, massage and herbal treatments, the book contains chapters
on fengshui, food cures, qigong, meditation, inner alchemy and
sexual practices.
Softcover, 235 pages, $24.95
The Chi Revolution by Bruce Frantzis NEW
Challenges you to free ourself from negative actions and the incessant
chatter of our monkey mind, and optimize you health and well-being.
The unique energetic exercises that comprise the Chi Rev Workout
will teach you how to activate and strengthen your chi so you can start
relaxing into your life today.
Softcover, 223 pages, $19.95.
Jade Woman Qigong
by Master Liu He
Master Liu's signature form of qigong is desinged to help all women
achieve wholeness by activating the innate healing power within their
own minds and bodies. The result is a greater awareness of all aspects
of a women's spiritual, mental, emotional and physical life.Softcover,
236 pages. $27.95
Chinese Martial Arts/Taiji (Tai Chi)
The Power of Internal Martial Arts by B.K. Frantzis
The most informative book on internal martial arts we have encoun-
tered, clearly explains the differences between external, internal and
combination martial art styles, indicating the strengths and weakness
of each art. Covers tai chi, bagua and hsing-i. Includes a section on Using
Energy to Heal which teaches the health aspects of the martial arts.
Softcover, 344 pages $19.95
The Essence of Tai Chi Chi Kung by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming
Tai chi chuan training usually starts with the practice of special chi
kung sets. These are designed to help the beginner understand chi
and to learn how to use the concentrated mind to lead the chi so that
it can circulate smoothly. This book presents a brief discussion of the
background and principles of Chinese chi kung and tai chi chuan, then
explains several tai chi chi kung practice routines.
Softcover, 148 pages. $18.95
Thinking Body, Dancing Mind
by Chungliang Al Huang & Jerry Lynch
In this remarkable book, tai chi expert Chungliang Al Huang and renowned
professional and Olympic spirits psychologist Jerry Lynch teach
you the time-honored principles of successful performance—whether on
the playing field, in the office, or in our relationships. By mastering the
unique strategies and mental exercises of the TaoAthlete, you'll unlock
the extraordinary powers of body, mind, and spirit that will lead you to
victory in any field of endeavor.
Softcover, 306 pages. $13.95
Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain by Chungliang Al Huang
A more in-depth exploration of tai ji, both the formal practice and what
Chungliang calls "the tai ji of life." Also includes wonderful photos (black
and white) by Si Chi Ko. For anyone interested in taking the form both
deeper and wider into their life and the rest of the world.
Softcover,188 pages. $17.95
Chinese Medicine
The Web That Has No Weaver:
Understanding Chinese Medicine
by Ted. J. Kaptchuck
One of the first and best books published on Traditional Chinese Medicine
for the lay person. This book covers yin yang theory, three treasures,
eight condition diagnosis, meridians, organ system and lots more, all
presented in an easy-to-understand format.
Softcover, 500 pages. $18.95
The Complete Book of Chinese Health and Healing
by Daniel Reid
This book does a very good job of not only explaining Chinese medicine
but putting it into its Taoist context, including chi gong, meditation and
diet. Softcover, $22.95
A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs by Daniel Reid
A handy guide to 108 of the most widely used Chinese herbs, with descriptions,
therapeutic effects, preparation methods and dosages. Also
includes a brief overview of the basic terms and concepts of Traditional
Chinese Medicine, simple instructions for preparing herbal formulas at
home, a guide to dozens of readily available, prepared herbal formulas
for common ailments, and an index of symptoms and ailments and more.
Softcover, 328 pages. $15
The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine
A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with Commentary
by Maoshing Ni
Perhaps the most famous classic of Chinese Medicine, attributed to the
Yellow Emperor, who reigned during the third millennium BCE. This
new translation consists of the eighty-one chapters of the section of the
Neijing known as the Suwen or "Questions of Organic and Fundamental
Nature." For the non-practitioner, this text has many insights into understanding
seasonal and dietary influences and general lifestyle habits
that affect the energy flow through our meridians and into our organs.
Softcover, 316 pages. $18
Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine
by Harriet Beinfield & Efram Korngold
Addresses three vital areas of Chinese medicine—theory, therapy and
types—to present a comprehensive, yet understandable guide to this
ancient system. Easily understandable by the layperson.
Softcover, 432 pages. $14
Power of Natural Healing by Hua-Ching Ni
Discusses the natural aspects of healing in contrast to conventional
medicine. Offers information and practices which can enhance any
treatment method currently being used by anyone seeking full health.
It goes deeper to discuss methods of Taoist cultivation which promote
58 Summer 2011

a healthy life, including Taoist spiritual practices for achievement and
attaining immortality.
Softcover, 200 pages. $14.95
The Tao of Nutrition by Maoshing Ni
In addition to describing the energetic properties of various foods
according to Taoist belief, the author offers a guide to a balanced diet
based on the principles of Chinese nutrition. Suggested remedial diets
and food items for common conditions ranging from acne to worms
are included. An additional section covers simple vegetarian recipes.
Softcover, 214 pages. $14.95
Chinese Herbal Medicine by Daniel P. Reid
Highly illustrated, it examines the natural flora and fauna on which
herbal medicine is based and explains the philosophy that propelled its
development. Describing the art and practice of herbal medicine as applied
today, it also highlights the potential to combine modern Western
diagnoses and traditional Chinese treatment to form a complete and
effective system for both preventative and curative medicine.
Softcover, 175 pages. $25
Sexual Cultivation
Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy
by Mantak Chia & Michael Winn
A unique volume of Taoist Sexual Yoga, especially attuned to the male.
These practices enable men to conserve and transform sexual energy
through its circulation in the Microcosmic Orbit, invigorating and
rejuvenating the body's vital functions. Hidden for centuries, these
esoteric techniques and principles make the process of linking sexual
energy and transcendent states of consciousness accessible to the reader.
Soft cover, 250 pages. $16.95
Healing Love Through the Tao:
Cultivating Female Sexual Energy
by Mantak and Maneewan Chia
This book outlines the methods for cultivating female sexual energy,
introducing for the first time in the West the different techniques for
transforming and circulating female sexual energy.
Softcover, 328 pages. $14.95
The Tao of Love and Sex by Jolan Chang
Longevity and the sexual response: the prolongation of virility into
extreme old age; the art of lovemaking regarded as a basic therapy in
the Taoist medical canon—these subjects, which are burning topics for
us in the West, are discussed with insight in this first detailed study
of the lovecraft of the Taoist medical schools. Illustrated with classical
erotic paintings.
Softcover, 136 pages. $15
Sexual Secrets: The Alchemy of Ecstasy
by Nik Douglas & Penny Slinger
A definitive and all-encompassing guide to sex and mysticism. Profusely
illustrated throughout, it covers sacred sexuality from the traditions of
India, Nepal, Tibet, China and Japan. Reveals the wisdom of the sages
whose teachings on sexuality have stood the test of twenty centuries
and, even today, show how physical love can become the pathway to
liberation.
Softcover, 383 pages. $25
The Tao of Sex
by Howard S. Levy & Akira Ishihara
Consists of a highly readable translation of the sexological sections
found in the Japanese medical encyclopedia "The Essence of Medical
Prescriptions" (Ishimpo) which has been celebrated as the most important
bible of sex for East Asia. Softcover, 241 pages. $15.95
The Sexual Teachings of the White Tigress:
Secrets of the Female Taoist Masters
by Hsi Lai
Translation of a 3,000-year-old White Tigress sexual manual explaining
techniques for absorbing male sexual energy, intensifying organs,
restoring beauty, re-creating youthful sexual energy and enliven the
sexual organs. Softcover, 264 pages, $19.95
The Sexual Teachings of the Jade Dragon:
Taoist Methods for Male Sexual Revitalization
by Hsi Lai
Reveals how Taoist sexual practices can help men achieve "immortality"
through the enhancement of their sexual prowess through a 3,000-yearold
system. The goal of the Jade Dragon is health, longevity and immortally
though external and internal regimens for the enhancement
and accumulation of the Three treasures of Taoism—jing (sexual and
physical energy), qi (breath and vital energy), and shen (spiritual and
mental energy).
Softcover, 242 pages, 16.95
DVDs
Attune Your Body with Dao-In by Hua-Ching Ni
Dao-In is a Taoist exercise consisting of a series of gentle, rhythmic
movements to adjust and attune, and at the same time generate,
strengthen or invigorate personal energy. Presented by contemporary
Taoist master, Hua-Ching Ni, himself in his eighties, who demonstrates
the movements and is himself an example of the healing properties of
this ancient yet simple practice.
50 minutes $39.95
Self-Healing Qigong For the Five Organ Systems
by Dr. Maoshing Ni
An excellent course in self-healing qigong, this video offers a comprehensive
course as taught by Dr. Maoshing Ni of Yo San University.
Covers specific techniques for healing and strengthening the five major
organ systems (liver, kidney/bladder, respiratory/immune, cardiovascular
and digestive). Each organ system is explained in detail in both
medical and energetic terms and then the specific exercise is taught.
Two hours, $39.95
Qigong:Awakening and Mastering the Medicine
Within by Roger Jahnke
Includes the Enhance Vitality Method, a practice of stretches and
warm-ups to enhance the movement of blood, lymph, qi and oxygen
throughout the body; the Seven Precious Practices, movements to
gather and release qi; the Tendon Changing Practice, concerned with
optimizing coordinating and balancing the connective tissues of the
body; Marrow Washing Practice, combines accumulated qi from the
elements to store it in the marrow, enhancing blood and immune factors.
Roger Jahnke brings a gentle yet authoritative voice to this field.
60 minutes, $29.95
Eight Simple Exercises for Health: Eight Pieces of Brocade
by Yang Jwing-Ming
Companion video to the book of the same name. $29.95
The Eight Treasures by Maoshing Ni
Companion video to the book of the same name. Never before presented
in its entire 32 movement form, this system of Eight Treasure's is
unique in its ability to work the body from head to toe while unblocking
obstructions in the energy channels. $39.95
The Empty Vessel 59

Qigong by Ken Cohen
Covers the two most important basic forms of qigong—Healing Sounds
and Standing Meditation. Use to cleanse the body of stagnant energy
and recharge the body with fresh, healing breath. Includes both basic
and intermediate practices, complementary meditations and a clear
summary of underlying principles and theory. $29.95
Jade Woman Qigong
by Maser Liu He
Master Liu's signature form of qigong is desinged to help all women
achieve wholeness by activating the innate healing power within their
own minds and bodies. The result is a greater awareness of all aspects
of a women's spiritual, mental, emotional and physical life.
35 minutes, $35 NEW
Chi Kung Fundamentals: Five Animals
Do Six Healing Sounds + Inner Smile
by Michael Winn
China's oldest shamanic chi kung + Ocean Breathing. Fuses color,
sound, breath, virtue and movement into One fun, powerful method.
Audio (4.5 hrs) + Video (1.5 hrs) $59 Video only $24.95
Open Micro-Cosmic Orbit by Michael Winn
10 top methods. Advanced jing-chi-shen theory, guided meditation to
mix chi & blood. Five unique Heaven & Earth chi kung movements
easily open and balance yin-yang chi flow.
Video (2 hrs) $45
Healing Love/Tao of Sex by Michael Winn
Heal male, female sexual problems (impotence to PMS). Sexual chi
kung creates Original Force suction. Supercharge your orgasm, boost
creativity, grasp sexual relationship dynamics. No partner need, for
single or dual cultivators.
Audio (9 hrs) + Video (2 hrs) $135. Audio only: $109
Primordial (Wuji) Chi Kung by Michael Winn
A magical ceremony mixes tai chi, feng shui, alchemy & chi kung. Gathers
chi of directions, collect power of Heaven & Earth, opens inner heart
to Supreme Unknown. Easy to learn, delivers chi fast.
Video (1.5 hrs) $45
Deep Healing Chi Kung by Michael Winn
Used in Chinese chi kung hospitals for chronic & terminal illness. I
added alchemical elements, now spiritually powerful, useful to anyone
seeking deep change. Video (1.5 hrs): $29
Dancing Qigong NEW
by Jack Bray, M.A.
This is a delightful dancing romp full of qigong healing dance movements
that strengthen the five major organ systems. It contains
detoxification movements. It moves energy along the meridian lines
and through the organs: a powerful form of qigong done to music. 20
minutes, $19.95
Self-Massage and One Thousand Hands Buddha
by Liu He
Self Massage can be practiced any time of the day to bring quiet to
the mind and awaken the body with renewed energy. One Thousand
Hands Buddha is a spiritual healing qigong method inspired by the
symbolic positioning of Buddha's fingers, referred to as "mudras." It is
an approach producing calmness, which inhibits the heart from "galloping
away", thus leading the practitioner into a state of silence and
peace a little at a time.
64 minutes. $35
Kung Fu for Kids
by Nicholas Yang and Ben Warner
An instructional program that teaches children the basics of traditional
Kung Fu in a fun and exciting way. The discipline and focus learned in
Kung Fu can help kids in many other activities, including academics,
sports, music, and literature.
75 minutes. $19.95 NEW
CDs
Taoism: Essential Teachings of the Way and Its Power
by Ken Cohen
In easy-to-follow language, Ken Cohen reveals Lao Tzu's vast spiritual
legacy, including Taoism's mystical roots in China's ancient shamanistic
tradition. This complete introduction to Taoism covers: origins, philosophy,
and religion; keys to ethical living, inner silence and simplicity;
Taoist meditation for awareness and healing; Taoist prayers, rituals, and
iconography; teachings on diet, poetry, feng shui, dream yoga, and much
more. 3 cassette set: $24.95
Practice of Qigong: Meditation and Healing by Ken Cohen
5 cassette set.
A complete study course. This step-by-step course covers every phase of
qigong theory and practice, including 25 rare meditation exercises with
specific instructions for breathing, postures, and visualizations.
6 hours, $39.95
Chi Kung Meditations by Ken Cohen
Teaches a series of authentic Chinese meditations which are designed to
help you use your mind to direct the flow of energy within your body.
Step-by-step instructions cover correct chi kung postures, awareness
control and proper breathing methods for three meditations to heal the
body, the mind, and the spirit. $10.95
Bowls of Compassion CD by Karma Moffett
The haunting music of Tibetan bowls, made of secret alloys of five, seven
and sometimes nine metals, including meteorite. Ringing pairs and groups
of bowls create overtones that interpenetrate each other and the body of
the listener, allowing one not only to hear the music but also internally
experience the vibration of the tones. Perfect for meditation or gentle
movement. $15.95
Ocean Bowls CD
by Karma Moffett
The ocean's natural rhythms and bowls' harmonic tones penetrate the
subtle energy body. Stagnant parts of energy immobilized from injury,
trauma or stress are gently vibrated into movement. With repetition
energy is released and circulated at increasingly profound levels. Perfect
for movement or meditation!
60 minutes, $15.95
Mountain Gate by Solala Towler
A soothing blend of nature sounds, Tibetan Singing Bowls, bamboo flute,
Native flute. Designed specifically for taiji, qigong, meditation, yoga
or massage. Two 30-minute sessions—Sun Rises over the Sea & Viewing
Moonlight Through the Pines.
60 minutes, $15.95
Sacred Soundings by Solala Towler
Combining throat singing, harmonic overtone singing, chant and Tibetan
bowls, dungchen (7-foot Tibetan horn), ad six different Native American
and Chinese Flutes. Takes the listen on a journey to the sacred mountains
and then deep into the mysterious mediation caves where one can listen
to the transcendent sounds of the breathing, singing earth, then back
down the mountain to enter the world again, renewed, refreshed and
rejuvenated. 60 minutes, $15.95
60 Summer 2011
50

Windhorse: Spirit of Tibet
by Solala Towler
A mystic blend of recordings made in the sacred city of Lhasa
and the Tibet inspired music of Solala. The haunting sounds of
the monks and nuns of the Jokang Temple are joined with flute,
overtone singing, throat singing, tabla and other instruments and
with vocal chant by Solala and friends.
64 minutes, $15.95
Boundless
by Solala Towler
A mystic bland of ocean waves and riversong, Tibetan singing
bowls, native and bamboo flute, chant and harmonic overtone
singing.
60 minutes, $15.95. NEW
Taoist Sexual secrets
by Michael Winn
Yin-Yang as cosmic sexual theory...sexual, energetic & spiritual
orgasm...Tao secrets: sexual energy cultivation...male and female
Tao practices...medical sexology for sex dysfunctions...sexual
vitality qigong (guided)
7 CDs (9 hours) $109
Qinxin
by Zhongsian Wu.
Beautiful music played on the guqin, and ancient Chinese intrument,
long treasured by scholars and Daoist masters. Music
specially designed for use in qigong, taiji and meditation. $15.95
Tao of Healing
by Dean Evenson
Beautiful qin music with haunting flute. $15.95
Tao of Peace
by Dean Evenson
Lyrical flute and qin. $15.95
Ocean Dreams
by Dean Evenson
Beautiful sounds of ocean waves, whales, flute and vocals. A
favorite here at the abode! $15.95
Internal Chi Breathing
by Michael Winn
Use each breath to build a powerful Energy Body anywhere,
anytime! Rare empty force method opens Original Chi in dan
tien (belly), detoxifies & creates warm current.
Audio (4.5 hrs) $49.50
Taoist Dream Practice
by Michael Winn
Work spiritually & effortlessly while you sleep. Go beyond lucid
dreaming power napping, lucid waking, dream commands,
shortcuts to dimensional travel. Fast way to improve health,
manifest what you need.
Audio (9 hrs) $99
Traditions of Tao
Herbal Food Supplements
These formulas are a comprehensive nutrition foundation. The
formulas cleanse, nourish, strengthen, balance and energize the
body’s systems, building toward and sustaining optimal health in
body, mind and spirit. Used for centuries for internal cultivation,
these formulas will enhance and support your energy cultivation
practices.The formulas have been brought to us through the
auspices of Taoist master, Hua Ching Ni. In concert with your
cultivation or simply your desire for health and longevity, the
Ni family, with 38 generations of doctors of Oriental Medicine.
has offered Traditions of Tao Regenerative Food Grade Herbs,
known as “Superior Foods”, or “Immortal Foods”.
Health Pack (700 High Performance, 180 Five Elements,
Ancient Treasures Tea, Regenerating Cream) $145
Five Elements: concentrated formula (180 caps) $50
High Performance (700 tabs) $50
High Performance (powder) $55
Ancient Treasures Tea $10
Internal Cleanse Tea $10
Spring Tea $10
Summer Tea $10
Fall Tea $10
Winter Tea $10
Calming/Sleeping (caps) $21.95
Dura-Bone (caps) $21.95
Cold & Flu (caps) $21.95
Healthy Joint & Arthritis (caps) $21.95
Elixirs
Passages $17.95
Superclarity $17.95
Feminine Desire (Libido Enhancement) $19.95
Dragon Male (Performance Enhancement) $19.95
Shipping & Handling for Health Pack $6.50 All others
$5.00 for first item and $2 for each additional item.
For more information on these formulas see our
website at www.abodetao.com
The Empty Vessel 61

Special Sale on Back Issues
Many of our back issues have already sold out. If you would like to order back
issues we still have a few sets of 39 issues available for $200, postage included!
(U.S. postage only) For overseas orders please contact us at solala@abodetao.com.
Fall 1993
Premier Issue
Teacher of Natural Spiritual Truth:
an interview with Hua-Ching Ni
The Value of Worthlessness
Fall 1994
Cultivating the Physical Body
The Risks of Cultivating Internal Power
Zhuangzi Speaks Comics
A Taoist Abroad
Winter 1995
"Nothing Special":
an interview with Kenneth Cohen
The School of Auto-Idiocy
Sitting Still: Meditation
Spring 1995
"Cultivating the Garden":
an interview with Maoshing Ni
Winter 1996
Myth of Myself by Alan Watts
Achieving Harmony in a World of Conflict
Jing Hwa: The Golden Flower of Tao Mentoring
Spring 1996
Surfing the Wu Wei
Taoism for Children and Teenagers
Winter 1997
Eight Immortal Days with Kwan Sai-Hung
Refining the Mind
Exploring the Terrain of Taoist China
Spring 1997
Qigong Cautions
Invoking the Heart of Compassion
Interview with T.K. Shih
Summer 1997
Cha Tao: The Way of Tea
Qi Qing: The Seven Emotions
The Tao of Perfect Eyesight
Winter 1998
Tao and the Great Mother
Qigong Mysteries and Practices
Tao Yin: Meditation in Movement
Summer 1998
Working Out, Working Within
Taoist Psychotherapy
The Power of Internal Martial Arts
with B.K. Frantzis
Spring 2000
The Eight Immortals of Taoism
Five Elements and Taoist Feng Shui
Health, Illness and Healing in the Inner Tradition
Summer 2000
Trusting Your True Nature
Understanding Chinese Medicine
Fall 2000
Qigong and Unconditional Love
The Valley Spirit (Living Taoism)
The Taoist Antidote to Stress and Illness
Summer 2002
Longevity and the Eight Brocades
Daoist Sitting Meditation
Interview with Zhongxian Wu
Summer 2003
The Feminine and the Dao:
an interview with Ursula K. LeGuin
Daoism and the Classical Chinese Arts
The Daoist Roots of Zen Buddhism
Fall 2004
Qigong as a Portal to Presence
Daoist Alchemy
Daoism and the Origins of Qigong
The Power of Menopause
Spring 2005
The Ancient Daoist Magic Mirror
2 1st Century Strategies for New Daoism
The Inner Smile
Spring 2006
The Death of Chuang Tzu
The Dao of Consciousness
Qigong Prison Ministery
Summer 2005
Teachings From the Dao
Wandering on the Wind:
Two Chapters from Zhuangzi
Winter 2006
A Daoist Tea Ceremony
Dao and Qi
Wandering on the Wind:
Two Chapters from the Zuangzi
Sping 2006
The Death of Chuang Tzu
The Dao of Consciousness
Qigong Prison Ministery
Summer 2006
Transforming the Energy of Negativity
Spiritual/Mental Qualities of the OrgansEV
Tour to China & Tibet
Spring 2007
Gardening with Qi
A Taoist View of Enlightenment
Interview with Eva Wong
Summer 2007
Discovering the I Ching
Shen: The Celestial Storehouse
Lu Yu Meets a True Tea Master
Fall 2007
Daoist Lower Dan-tien Psychotherapy
Medical Qigong
Qigong Master Wan Su-jian
Winter 2008
Looking for Daoists in China,
Mortal and Immortal
Huanyang Qigong: Tracing Life to Its Roots
Qigong Fever
62 Summer 2011

Spring 2008
Special I Ching Issue
The I Ching:
The Motherlode of the Chi Revolution
Introduction to the Guidance of the Sixty-Four Hexagrams
Flying with the I Ching
Methods of Divination
Symbolism and Prediction with the Yijing
Summer 2008
The Secret Training of Daoist Magical Incantations
The Making of an Immortal
The Crocodile and the Crane
Fall 2008
Return to Wuyi Mountain with
Chungliang Al Huang
The Chinese way of the Sword
Sexual Qigong
Chicken Soup for Daoist Alchemy
Winter 2009
Returning to Essence Through Shamanic Qigong and Sacred Sound Healing
The Spirit of Tea
Dao at the Beach: Searching for Dao in Daily Life
Summer 2009
The Seasons of Tea
Taijiquan as Qigong
Healing Through Jade Woman Qigong
Empty Vessel Trip to China
Fall 2009
Qigong and the Dreamtime
The Natural Process of Internal Alchemy
Zhuangzi: The Inner Chapters
Winter 2010
A Daoist Master's Search for his Chinese Ancestry
Daoism in the Korean Mountains
The Daoist System of Lao Zi: Part One
Spring 2010
The Liezi: Forgotten Daoist Text
Spirit of the Dancing Warrior
Bagua and Tai Chi: Sophisticated Health Exercises
A Taoist Master's Search for His Chinese Ancestry Pt. 1
by Chungliang Al Huang
Summer 2010
Bagua: Why Practice This Old and Obscure Art
Mystical Wudang Mountain
Guidelines for Setting Up a Daoist Altar
A Taoist Master's Search for His Chinese Ancestry Pt. 2
Fall 2010
Chuang Tzu: The Way of Nourishing Life
Nudan Practice and Modern Women
Taoists, Doctors and Shamans
A Taoist Master's Search for His Chinese Ancestry Pt. 3
Winter 2011
Chinese Astrology and Inner Cultivation
Yi: Intention, Practice and the Incubation of the Sage
Wu Wei: The Daoist Art of Happiness
A Taoist Master's Search for His Chinese Ancestry Pt. 4
Spring 2011
Daoism in America: A Conversation with Xuan Yun (Mysterious Cloud)
Return to Stillnes is the Motion of Tao
Pu the HEART Backinto LOVE
Speical Section on BiGu (Avoiding Food and Eating Qi)
Back issues are $7.50 postpaid. (Add $2 per issue outside U.S.)
Send check or money order (in U.S. funds) to
The Abode of the Eternal Tao 1991 Garfield St. Eugene, OR 97405
or call 800-574-5118/541-345-8854
The Empty Vessel 63

The following books have been written by Professor Jerry Alan Johnson and contain translated texts from
ancient Zheng Yi Daoist Mysticism and are introduced for the first time in English!
Magic Talismans. This amazing book contains a comprehensive Introduction to Magic Talismans, Applications of Magic Talismans,
Types of Magical Talismans, The Origin of Magical Talismans, The Secret Teachings of Magic Talismans, Constructing a Magic Talisman, Mao
Shan Protection Talismans Used For Fighting Against Black Magic and Psychic Attacks, and much more! NEW!
Daoist Magical Incantations, Hand Seals, and Star Stepping Introduction to Training Daoist Magic, History of
Daoist Magic, Training the Mind Secret, Training the Speech Secret, Words and Magic, Incantations, Daoist Magical Hand Seal Training,
Introduction to Hand Seals, Types of Hand Seals, Eight Trigram Double-Hand Seals for Gathering Power, Hand Seals and Rituals,
Hand Seals Used For Summoning, Hand Seals Used For Attacking and Defending, Hand Seals Used For Protection. History of Daoist
Star Stepping, The Steps of Yu, Ancient Daoist Stepping Patterns, Incantations For The Nine Palaces of Heaven, Offering Incense with
“The Dipper of Bright Stars and Pearls” Incantation, Gathering Energy from the Twenty-Eight Star Constellations, Magical Esoteric
Star Stepping Patterns for Summoning Celestial Immortals, and the Five Animal Protection Incantation and much more. 239 pages $85
Magical Tools and the Daoist Altar Acting as a bridge between the human and spirit worlds, the traditional role of the Daoist
priest has been to continually renew the good relationship between the people of his or her community and the celestial powers of the gods. The
various esoteric symbols, colors and items used in Daoist magical rituals serve to further focus the sorcerer’s intention. Likewise, the use of
incense, music, magical tools and other materials are sometimes included to intensify the sense and empower the energy used in the magical rite.
The following book describes the Daoist mystic’s clothing, altar, magical tools, and magical rituals needed to summon the supernatural powers
of the Celestial Immortals as used in the ancient esoteric training of the Zheng Yi Branch of Daoist mysticism and much more. 350 pages. $165
Daoist Exorcism: Encounters With Sorcerers, Ghosts, Spirits and Demons History of Exorcism,
Three Realms of Daoist Mysticism, Interactions with the Spirit World, Two Schools of Daoist Sorcery, Understanding Psychic
Influence, Principles of Psychic Interference, Psychic Attacks, Types of Psychic Attacks, Symptoms That Indicate a Psychic Attack,
Defending Against Psychic Attacks, Encounters With Ghosts,Self-Defense Against Spirit Entities, Protecting Children, Closing
the Ghost Gate to Protect against Ghosts and Spirits, Encounters With Demonic and Evil Spirits and much more. 205 pages. $65
Daoist Mineral Magic The Study of the Realm of Minerals, Introduction to the Alchemical Transformations of Minerals,
History of Magical and Medicinal Rocks, Formation of Minerals and Crystals, Minerals in Traditional Chinese Pharmacology,
Absorbing the Healing Properties of Gems, Creating Gem Ens Elixirs, Cleansing the Crystal With Sunlight, Moonlight, Flowing Water
or Earth, Ritualistic Cleansing and Incantations, Charging a Stone, Storage and Care of the Gem Elixir and much more. 162 pages. $50
Daoist Plant and Animal Magic Introduction to the Alchemical Transformations of Plants, Superior,
Medium, and Inferior Herbs, Gathering Energy from Nature, The Magical Properties of Trees, Gathering Qi from
Trees , Locating Tree Power Spots, Precautions, Tree Spirits, Forest Spirits, The Magical Properties of Plants, Visionary
Plants, Gathering Qi From Plants, Daoist Celestial Animal Totems, Animal Shapeshifting and much more. 239 pages. $85
Daoist Magical Transformation Skills, Dream Magic, Shape-Shifting, Soul Travel & Sex Magic
Transformation Skills of Daoist Sorcery, Two Types of Magical Transformation Skill, Weather Magic, Divination Magic, Corpse
MagicIntroduction to Daoist Sex Magic, Three Stages of Relationship, Levels of Intimacy, Applications of Sex Magic, Using Sexual Magic
for Energy Cultivation, Sexual Postures and Techniques, Sex Magic Rituals, Deity Magic and Sex Magic and much more. 248 pages. $85
To order these books send check or money order along with $5 s/h for each book to: The
Abode of the Eternal Tao 1991 Garfield St Eugene, OR 97505 541.345.8854/800.574.511
64 Summer 2011

SINGING DRAGON
authoritative new and classic books on Daoism, Qigong,
Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Alternative Health
Perennial editions of classics by Master Chungliang Al Huang
Quantum soup
Fortune Cookies in Crisis
New and enlarged edition
160pp • 8.5x11
Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-84819-054-2 • $24.95
“An elegant, wise and playful
expression of Taoist and Zen Buddhist
sensibilities in a Western setting—a philosophical
entertainment with a collection of anecdotes, aphorisms
and koan-like ruminations, all served up in appetizer
portions.”
—Los Angeles Times
essential tai ji
Photographs by
Si Chi Ko
80pp • 6x9.25
Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-84819-053-5 • $18.95
Chungliang Al Huang shares the
basic movements of Tai Ji, lovingly
presented in eloquent writing, and
accompanied by splendid full color photography and
beautiful calligraphy. The book promotes strength,
relaxation and clarity, as Master Huang teaches how to
unify mind and body, achieving a healthier and more
fulfilling state of being.
the Chinese
book of
animal powers
32pp • 10x8.5
Hardback
ISBN: 978-1-84819-066-5
$18.95
“The powers unleashed by Chungliang Huang’s masterful
brush paintings will send centuries of wisdom and
energy coursing through you.”
—Gerald McDermott,
Fellow of the Joseph Campbell Foundation
embraCe tiger,
return to
mountain
The Essence of Tai Ji
Foreword by Alan Watts
Photographs by Si Chi Ko
224pp • 7x10
Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-84819-052-8 • $19.95
This all time classic of Tai Ji literature remains as fresh
and illuminating today as when it was first published.
Written with true passion and eloquence, the book
richly conveys the subtle yet profound principles
underlying Tai Ji: movement, stillness, joyfulness, and
the ability to live in the moment.
Chungliang Al Huang is the founder of Living Tao Foundation, an international cultural-arts network for
lifelong learning, and the director of the Lan Ting Institute, a cross-cultural study and conference center at
the sacred and historic Wu Yi Mountain, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the People’s Republic of
China, and at Gold Beach on the Oregon Coast in the USA.
New titles by Master Zhang Guangde
nourish the blood,
tonify the Qi to
promote longevity,
and Calm and
ConCentrate the
mind to regulate
the heart
Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong
Foundation Sequences 1
128pp • 6x9.25 • Paperback + DVD
ISBN: 978-1-84819-072-6 • $24.95
includes
DVD
thirteen movements
to stretCh the body
and make it more
supple, and guiding
and harmonising
energy to regulate
the breath
Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong
Foundation Sequences 2
112pp • 6x9.25 • Paperback + DVD
ISBN: 978-1-84819-071-9 • $24.95
Singing Dragon
includes
DVD
Professor Zhang has spent nearly forty years developing his system which combines The I Ching with the primary
theories of Chinese medicine. These books contains detailed step-by-step instructions and illustrations to show
every step of the foundation sequences, and the accompanying DVD will enable even the least experienced of
students to begin to grasp this form of Qigong.
to order, call toll-free: 1-866-416-1078 or visit our website: www.singingdragon.com
New Release by Master Zhongxian Wu
Chinese
shamaniC
CosmiC orbit
Qigong
Esoteric Talismans, Mantras,
and Mudras in Healing
and Inner Cultivation
112pp • 5.5x8.5 • Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-84819-056-6
$19.95
Never before written about in the West, this fully illustrated
guide illuminates a form that offers great cumulative
benefits from regular daily practice. Master Wu
describes the practice in detail, including the meaning
and significance of the Chinese names for each movement,
with its shamanic roots, and provides the mantra,
visualization, and mudra for each as well as explaining
the therapeutic benefits and talismanic aspects.
Also by Master Zhongxian Wu
the 12 Chinese
animals
Create Harmony in
Your Daily Life through
Ancient Chinese Wisdom
192pp • 5.5x8.5 • Hardback
ISBN: 978-1-84819-031-3
$18.95
“Far beyond other sources, this
book helps you understand
your destiny as described by the 12 animal symbols of
Yijing wisdom, helping you reach your personal potential....Master
Wu writes ‘Life is Magic’... and this book
helps you understand it.”
—Steve Rhodes, editor of Qi: The Journal
of Traditional Eastern Health and Medicine
seeking the
spirit of the
book of Change
8 Days to Mastering a
Shamanic Yijing (I Ching)
Prediction System
Foreword by Daniel Reid
240pp • 7x10 • Hardback
ISBN: 978-1-84819-020-7
$29.95
hidden
DVD
immortal
lineage taiji
Qigong
The Mother Form
DVD
ISBN: 978-1-84819-040-5
$39.95
award
winner
The Empty Vessel 65