Empty Vessel Summer 2020
Journal of Taoist Philosophy & Practice
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Summer palace in Beijing, China.
The Empty Vessel — Page 2
Editor's corner Happy Summer! Hello readers! We’ve entered yet another Season with the Empty Vessel. Summer is here and the Summer Solstice has passed us into the next interval of the year. Yet another reminder that as a lot of the world sits still, Time will always move forward and bring us a new Season. I’ve tried to avoid bringing up the headlines and news of COVID-19 in our magazine, but as we enter four months into the pandemic I feel forced to talk about it. I hope all our readers are staying healthy physically and spiritually. I would like us to share ways we can cope with the uncertainty about the current times and the future. When times are precarious like these it is more important than ever to focus on things we can control and learning to let go of the things we cannot. Meditation and relaxation practices help
bring us into a calm place. I’ve tried passing my anxious moments with breathing techniques in a quiet place. When I finish, I grab the book I’ve been reading and curl up with a blanket. Please let us know what you are doing to help stay centered during this chaotic time. You may email emptyvesselmag@gmail.com, Facebook post or message us at @EmptyVesselMagazine or Instagram us at @EmptyVesselMag your suggestions. Share your ideas within our Taoist community and let us help each other manage our stress and stay on our paths. We may even print our favorites in the next edition. Be well.
Heather Hernandez Editor, Designer
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes Don’t resist them — that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. Lao Tzu
Summer 2020 — Page 3
What is Taoism? What is Taoism? Tao is referred to as The Way, as in direction, in manner, source, destination, purpose and process. In discovering and exploring Tao, the process and destination are one and the same. Lao Tzu describes a Taoist as the one who sees simplicity in the complicated, and achieves greatness in the little things. It is a simple and natural way of being in our bodies and our psyches, and sharing the Way of being with all life we come into contact with.
Taoism Origins Taoism was long established before Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching 2,500 years ago. It originated in the ancient shamanic roots of Chinese
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civilization. For many centuries Taoism was an informal way of life, a way followed by peasant, farmer, gentleman philosopher and artist. 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 bodies and mapped out the roads and paths it traveled upon.
The Way The Way is a deep reflection, learning from Nature which is considered the highest teacher. It is a belief in life, a belief in the glorious procession of each unfolding moment. The Way is a deeply spiritual life, involving retrospect, balance, emotional and spiritual independence and responsibility with awareness and
a deep connection to the Earth and all other life forms.
Taoism Today Taoism in China and the West today is often divided in two forms, Tao Jiao and Tao Jia, or religious Taoism and philosophical Taoism. Many scholars argue that there are not two distinct forms of Taoism, and in many ways they are right. There is a great intermingling of the religious form of Taoism and it various sects and the philosophical Taoism of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi). Many people who follow the Tao do not consider themselves religious people, do not go to temples and are not ordained priests. Rather these forms exist side-by-side and within each other.
Contents Summer 2020
Volume 27 Number 2
Features
Empty Vessel
Feng Shui for Harmonious Living, page 8
The Journal of Taoist Philosophy and Practice
Taoism in the Seasons, page 12 The Tao of Music: Shakuhachi, page 14 The Eight Extraordinary Vessels, page 20 Past the Temple Walls, page 26
Departments Directory / Classifieds, pages 38-39 Poetry Corner, pages 18-19 Book Reviews, pages 33-35 Like us on Facebook: @EmptyVesselMagazine, Instagram: @EmptyVesselMag and visit
www.EmptyVessel.net
Publishers Dr. Nicole Noles Collins & Christopher Collins Editorial, Design Dr. Nicole Noles Collins & Heather Hernandez Advertising Dr. Nicole Noles Collins Advertising rates are available by calling 941-380-3829 or emailing daodogpress@gmail.com. Social Media Team Dr. Nicole Noles Collins, Christopher Collins & Heather Hernandez The Empty Vessel: A Journal of Contemporary Taoism is published quarterly by DaoDog Press, 3440 Conway Blvd. Unit 1D, Port Charlotte FL 33952. Subscriptions are $27 per year (U.S. funds). International subscriptions are $33 per year (U.S. funds). ©2020 DaoDog Press, all rights reserved. Empty Vessel is not responsible for opinions or statements expressed by authors or for advertisers' claims. The Empty Vessel is dedicated to the exploration of Taoist philosophy and practice. It is open to sharing the various traditional and contemporary teachings in a nondiscriminatory manner.
Summer 2020 — Page 5
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Contributors Jia Senghe has been passionate about shakuhachi since the mid 1980s. His most recent teacher, Michael Chikuzen Gould, made it clear to him that he could begin to compose his own honkyoku pieces for shakuahchi. Today Jia instructs at his Oak Street Shakuhachi Studio in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago.
Michael Sheffield enjoys a deep relationship with nature. He is a Docent Naturalist and a published poet. He studied at the Golden Gate School of Feng Shui. Through consulting and as a Personal Life Coach, he supports people in living a life of simplicity.
David Hessler has taught high school history since 1987, and currently teaches world, Chinese, and Japanese History at Montclair Kimberley Academy. He has traveled to China a dozen times since 2007. David became a student of Master Meng Zhiling in 2013 and spent five months recently working with him while taking a Mandarin language course at Beijing Language and Culture University. Dr. John Orsborn earned a Bachelor’s in Philosophy with an emphasis on Chinese Philosophy, a Bachelor’s in Professional Health Science and a Master’s in Oriental Medicine. He has practiced Tai Chi and Qigong for over 30 years. Dr. John is a Nationally Board Certified Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine.
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Feng Shui
For Harmonious Living By Michael Sheffield
Please join me in exploring the art and science of Feng Shui, which translates as “wind and water” in Chinese. Feng Shui is based on thousands of years of observing how the subtle energy of Qi flows through the environment. This subtle energy animates and qualifies the ten thousand beings. Tao, the primal Qi, sustains the whole Universe. Qi moves like “wind” and flows like “water” in the environment. It flows through you and your environment. The goal of feng shui is to help you create harmony between you and your environment so you can thrive, enjoy family and friends, express your unique destiny and become one with Tao.
As a consultant, I do not “do” Feng Shui. What I “do” is practice Classical Form School Analysis of the Qi, assessing how it flows where you live or work. The quality of Qi already influencing your environment IS the Feng Shui. There is no such thing as good or bad Feng Shui. Rather, the Qi can be auspicious or inauspicious. Does it flow too slow, too fast? Is it too strong, too weak? Is it congested? Does it accumulate or does it leak away? Or, as in the Goldilocks story, is it just right?
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Qi analysis can be applied to everything: Mountains, landforms, watercourses, human constructions, your house, and business. Today, let’s focus on your house. The image you hold of yourself is reflected in your house. And your house reinforces who you are. Do you imagine your house as a castle, a temple or perhaps a home? A home is the sum total of the shape, orientation, rooms, objects and activities of your house. The home is where the heart is.
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It is where you eat, sleep, relax, raise a family, entertain, study and work. Your home is a living organism and has a soul. It is a place where you can resolve your fate, support your spiritual awakening, fulfill you destiny and be at one with Tao. Your home is an integral part of the natural order. And so are you. How you interact with your home is significant. Feng Shui Form Analysis considers the orientation, shape of the house, rooms, placement of windows, furniture, artwork, color and lighting. It brings all these elements into balance and harmony so that you might experience enhanced wellbeing, prosperity, improved health, family relationships and enjoy a happy life. How you interact with your home is significant. Over time you change and need to reflect these changes in your home. I suggest you evaluate your home four times a year around the Solstices and Equinoxes. What no longer supports you? What needs to be released or added? Americans often have way too much “stuff.” Simplicity is the doorway to a peaceful life and living in harmony with Tao. The Empty Vessel — Page 10
What can Feng Shui do for me? The objective of a Feng Shui consultation is to determine the quality of the Qi and suggest changes, adjustments and enhancements that will balance the yin and yang, enhance the function of each room, improve the flow between rooms and bringing harmony to your house and your life, to maximize personal growth and opportunities for you as an individual. In addition to the form analysis, there are also subtle energies that influence you and your home. One of these influences is orientation. Where you are on this Earth and under the sun matters. Where does the sun rise and where does it set? Using a technique called House Bazhai that is based on
How to evaluate your home’s Qi Here is a simple step-by-step process you can use to evaluate the chi of your home, room by room. Your home is a living being and has a soul. You can contact that soul in many ways. In this evaluation process you can become aware of the chi in each room, how each room feels and how the room might want to change. Remember this season it is summer, which is influenced by the Fire Element. The symbolic color is red. The direction is South. The heat of summer can be modified by introducing the Water Element. The symbolic color is blue. The direction is North. Bring the summer into your house with flowers, water, and decor suggesting breezes and shade. Engage your creativity.
an eight-sided bagua diagram, a consultant can determine eight subtle influences. By locating the direction in which the front door faces, the four auspicious directions and the four inauspicious directions can be determined. Adjustments and enhancements can be made by introducing color and symbolic objects. Naming is the act of invoking the soul of a person, place or home. I suggest you meditate on naming your property and home. Let the names come to you when they will. Check for auspicious dates and times at https://www.yourchineseastrology.com/ calendar/2020/. Then hold a naming ceremony and celebration with friends and family. Happy celebrations activate yang energy, which deposits positive Qi in the living space. The art of Feng shui is subtle, like the Tao, but the skill of perceiving the flow of Qi can be developed with consistent practice. In closing, may I wish you a happy home where you can thrive, enjoy family and friends, express your unique destiny and become one with Tao.
1. Sit in your favorite chair. 2. Light a candle, take three deep breaths and relax. 3. Set your intention and ask your house for responses. What might your house want to tell you? 4. Go into each room with the candle and a pad of paper. 5. Face east, then slowly turn clockwise. Sense the chi, the feeling and observe the light, colors, furniture, artwork and other objects. Begin at the front door and entrance space. 6. Be open to your impressions and what the room might want to tell you. “Listen.” 7. Write down any impressions and insights. 8. Return to your chair. 9. Relax, take three breaths and let the experience flow through you. 10. Sense the chi and the soul of your house. 11. Write down any thoughts, insights, impressions. 12. Thank your house for this intimate time together. Summer 2020 — Page 11
Taoism in the Seasons Summer is the most Yang season associated with the fire element
Joy is the emotion that rules
summer, with the sound of the season being laughter. Eat cooling foods in the Summer such as watermelon, green leafy
vegetables, tomatoes, cucumber, asparagus, seaweed and fish.
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Take care of your heart
this summer, in the season of growing we should try to
balance our mind and body.
The Late Summer is often referred to as
the Fifth Season or the Long Summer It is thought to last around a month at the end of summer and the beginning of Autumn.
The Sun is the source of all fire in the world Enjoy the Sun it gives
heat, light and life. The taste that dominates
Summer is bitter, and we end with
Late Summer leaving us with a sweet taste
The scent of Summer is burnt/acrid, while the scent of Late Summer is fragrant
Late Summer brings the Earth element and the sound of Singing, but it also brings Worry as we prepare to head into the fall season. SOURCES: ENERGYARTS.COM • WIKIPEDIA.ORG • LEARNRELIGIONS.COM• DAOISTGATE.COM
Summer 2020 — Page 13
The Tao of Music
Shakuhachi, the melody of Wood and Wind By Jia Senghe
It is impossible for me to talk about the traditional bamboo flute of Japan, the shakuhachi, without first mentioning and giving honor to the bamboo plant itself, the raw material from which this marvelous instrument is made. Bamboo is viewed as a sacred plant and gift of the gods in many parts of Asia mostly due to its vast and multiple uses and forms in all aspects of life from medicine to furniture, home and temple building, paper making, boats and water going vessels, ceremonial objects, as food source, household utensils, fabrics, weaponry and musical instruments. For the shakuhachi maker the bamboo grove is looked upon as sacred ground where the prized resource, the sacred madake bamboo for making shakuhachi can be found. Once found he might kneel or bow before cutting and taking the root stalks that he needs for his craft.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JIA SENGHE
Shakuhachi Japanese Flute player, Kyoto.
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I was indeed fortunate to spend several years engaging in the marvelous quest of finding just the right bamboo for making shakuhachi on both the West Coast and later in Hawaii. Having found and cut the right piece for the work, the process of curing the bamboo can begin. The curing process and the effort and time used in making the instrument can vary greatly depending on the type of shakuhachi the craftsman is making. Simpler more natural bore shakuhachi called jinashi might take only a few weeks or at most a couple of months to make once the bamboo is cured, while the more refined, ‘pure tone’ and expensive versions called jiari shakuhachi
“The shakuhachi is an introvertish instrument. With a modicum of materials, the player can reap a harvest of quiet pleasures. In a crowded and busy world, such simple means of refined musical recreation and tranquilization are to be coveted by any culture. Perhaps this is one of the most important secret appeals of the shakuhachi today.” William P. Malm, Japanese Music and Musical Instruments Summer 2020 — Page 15
Shakuhachi
More information
“Shakuhachi derived from the Chinese bamboo-flute. Bamboo-flute first came to Japan from China during the 7th century. [5][6] Shakuhachi looks like the Chinese instrument Xiao, but it is quite distinct from it.”
— WIKIPEDIA
can take up to 2 to 5 years to complete. Many of these refined masterfully crafted shakuhachi can easily cost several thousand dollars with those viewed as having the highest value having been passed down from master to student for many, many decades or even centuries. The playing of shakuhachi, regardless of its degree of refinement, is a spiritual tradition in Japan known for centuries as suizen or ‘blowing Zen’. The shakuhachi Zen tradition goes back to the 16th century when Buddhist monks appeared playing and expressing the teachings of the Buddha through its sounds. It is said that one tone from the shakuhachi is capable of bringing a person into the samadhi state of ‘pure equilibrium’ or spiritual awakening where subject and object merge revealing only a sublime oneness that is one’s true nature. I took up the study of shakuhachi about 15 years after I had learned to meditate. I believe that my background in ‘mindful sitting’ prepared me for the challenges of learning a difficult, complex and yet deceptively simple five-holed instrument especially upon seeing its value as a meditation tool. In Japan honkyoku, the original compositions for
Visit our website to purchase past issues and to renew your subscription The Empty Vessel — Page 16
For more information on Jia Senghe, visit www.etsy.com/shop/ZenShamanicArts www.utaguchi.com/ Zen shakuhachi have been handed down along with the instruments from master to student over many centuries. These honkyoku pieces serve as templates or foundations on which all other Japanese shakuhachi music is built and so these are the pieces that are initially studied and played in the traditional schools and by individual teachers and practitioners. But in order to fully comprehend the Zen aspect of shakuhachi it is important to understand that the true soul or spirit of shakuhachi can only be felt or recognized when the player himself realizes that the sounds he is making, regardless of school affiliations or training, is a spontaneous expression of his or her original nature that is revealed through a particular style of play or sound. At this level the player is free to abandon the given and rigid paths of schools and traditions and set out on uncharted waters into the mysterious, unstructured and awakening sounds of shakuhachi. Jia Senghe has been passionate about both playing and making shakuhachi since the mid 1980s. His most recent teacher, Michael Chikuzen Gould, an American shakuhachi master who studied in Japan for over fifteen years with renowned master Yoshinobu Toniguchi, made it clear to him that he could begin to compose his own honkyoku pieces for shakuahchi, a great honor to say the least. Today Jia instructs several students at his Oak Street Shakuhachi Studio in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago.
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From Solala Towler The Spirit of Zen: Teaching Stories on the Way to Enlightenment The Spirit of Zen is filled with stories, history and practical guidance from the masters of Zen. It is a journey through a world of paradox and insight, offering guidance on the path to enlightenment as well as the down-to-earth, living-in-the-moment path of Zen. These stories, many of which are about satori or enlightenment, are funny, outrageous and full of paradoxes and puns; they are also earthy, sometimes even scatological. Nevertheless, they contain deep teachings on the Buddhist path. These stories — profoundly illuminating as well as highly entertaining — contain the true flavour of Zen. Hardcover, 175 pages. Profusely illustrated with beautiful nature photos printed in black and silver on glossy paper. Published by Watkins, the oldest esoteric publishing house in England, founded in 1893. $12.95 plus $5 shipping. Visit www.abodetao.com (in store) or call 541.345.8854.
Tales From the Tao: The Wisdom of the Taoist Masters A new version of this popular book, first published in 2005. This new hardcover version is a companion volume to the Spirit of Zen. This accessible and enlightening collection offers stories and quotations from the most celebrated Taoist masters, including Chuang Tzu, Lieh Tzu and Lao Tzu, as well as new writing inspired by the traditional tales. Set against a stunning photographic backdrop of the mountains, waterfalls and gorges of China, these stories introduce important Taoist ideas about our most basic human experiences, including birth, death, loss, gain, simple dignity in the face of challenge, how to judge character, when to move forward, when to retreat and how to surrender to the most fundamental experience of Tao itself. Hardcover, 191 pages. Illustrated with the stunning photographs of John Cleare. Published by Watkins. $12.95 plus $5 shipping. Visit www.abodetao.com (in store) or call 541.345.8854.
541-345-8854 or www.abodetao.com Summer 2020 — Page 17
Poetry Corner Send in your poetry submissions and art to daodogpress@gmail.com. Send high-resolution images as attachments and copy in the body of the email.
By James Gredell
Tall Pines
Tall Pines Lost Clouds Dew Mist Bark Moss Dear Deer Beauty Everywhere Purple Clouds Heavenly Floating Drifting Clouds one by one
Hermits afar Hermits so near time stops slowing down this so fast beautiful Spinning World. Deep Caves Tall Chanting Mountains Art of Quietism so near so dear entering embracing the way the road the path way of no roads just natural steps and natural
Zen flute By Jia Senghe five holes and a hollow bamboo stalk a well-fashioned mouthpiece and I’m ready to ride the clouds
breaths one by one hermits just following the art of wu wei and art of breath control so simple yet so hard to do so just be try not to take life so serious poets love tea and rice wine and herbs Beauty inside and outside.
Whisper in the groves
By Jia Senghe
resting quietly in this bamboo grove I can hear the early masters whispering in the leaves
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the myriad things
By Brian Jay Yoder
Earth with hues of green and brown Life springs forth from you And you from life I am in you Sky over all we know All is within you I am laid open across you Lake with young summer herons I sense you as you sense me I fill up your depth Clouds quickening to action Your glory is in ever changing forms I continue on in you Rainfall filling my atmosphere I swim in your susurrous
Descending together
Lightning white with heat Reciting a thunderous verse We travel across miles together Night covering all but sound sending forth voluminous aches of thunder You echo within me, without me The darkness is generous and fruitful Full of sacred secrets Patiently whispered Under this balm of calm I am in you You flow in me A wave traversing in ups and downs Forwards and backward Never ending source Pregnant with the myriad things
the uncarved block By Brian Jay Yoder spread me across the blue into the black to a million points of light being becoming the uncarved block
formless nameless mindless back to the start to be nothing becoming everything always constant ever changing Summer 2020 — Page 19
The Eight Extraordinary Vessels By John Orsborn A.P., D.O.M.
According to most modern acupuncture texts, the Eight Extraordinary Vessels are so named for two main reasons. First, they do not belong to the 12 Primary channel system like the other jingluo (channels and collaterals) and they have no points of their own (exception in both cases are the Du and Ren). Secondly, they do not have an interior-exterior relationship like the Primary channels do and are not directly connected to the internal organs. Because of this, the assumption is that the Extraordinary Vessels are an offshoot of the Primary channels and add something to the main system. The Eight Extraordinary Vessels are extraordinary for precisely the opposite reason. They are different than the main channel system because they are more primitive than the 12 channels commonly studies and used in acupuncture. They make up the energetic frame work of the body and are the precursors of the main channels. “..the extraordinary vessels nevertheless maintain a degree of autonomy. They are not bound to the primary vessels in the same way as the secondary vessels.” “…each extraordinary vessel exerts its own influence on every channel to one extent or another, and no single extraordinary vessel may be conceptualized in relation to any one primary channel. In very practical terms, each exercises its regulatory effect on the entire body. They are the matrix that provides the gross structure for the rest of the channel system.” 1 The Empty Vessel — Page 20
ILLUSTRATIONS PROVIDED
Pattern referred to as the He Tu or River Diagram
Zhang Bo-Duan (ca. 983-1082), considered the founder of the southern school of Quan Zhen (Complete Reality) Daoism, viewed the Extraordinary Vessels important not only for medicine, but also for the Daoist adept. They are an integral part of Daoist alchemical practice. “The eight vessels are the root of the great way of Former Heaven and the ancestor of the Unitary Qi.” 2 The “great way of Former Heaven” refers to the PreHeaven Bagua, the Eight Divinatory Symbols comprised of the the eight trigrams attributed to the legendary emperor Fu Xi (ca. 4000 BCE), who is said to have witnessed a “dragon horse” (long ma) rise out of the Yellow River with a specific pattern on its back. This pattern is referred to as
possible combinations of three lines, solid and/ or broken, called a trigram, and this makes up the Bagua, the Eight Divinatory Symbols. The “Unitary Qi” Zhang speaks of is the Wuji, the Primordial Qi. It is the one true energy, the unrealized potential of all existence, and is the origin point of Daoist cosmology. The Extraordinary Vessels are the “ancestor” of, and directly related to, the Primordial Qi and have a connection to the Eight Divinatory symbols. Each one of the trigrams of the Bagua represents one of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels. Essential for the Daoist adept is the “opening” of the Waterwheel or River Chariot, often referred to as the Micro-Cosmic Orbit. This involves moving the yin qi up the Du and the yang qi down the Ren in a continuous cycle. As mentioned in the previous article, before the Du and Ren can be opened, according the Zhang, one must first open the Yin Qiao. Pattern referred to as the He Tu or River Diagram
“Only when the yin qiao is selected first and only once this vessel has been activated will all the other vessels open.” 3
the He Tu or River Diagram.
“Above, it penetrates the mud ball and below it reaches down to the Gushing Spring.” 4
ILLUSTRATIONS PROVIDED
The white dots are odd numbers, the black dots even numbers. This gave rise to odd numbers being yang, represented by a solid line, and even numbers being yin, represented by a broken line. Treatments done an odd number of times are tonifying while treatments done an even number of times are sedating. Two examples would be Setting the Mountain in Fire and Penetrating Heaven’s Coolness. There are eight
Summer 2020 — Page 21
the earthly yin qi. After opening the Yin Qiao one must open and activate the Wei Lu Guan (Caudal Funnel Gate), the first of the San Guan (the Three Gates), all located along the Du channel. Next the adept opens the second of the Three Gates, Jiaji Guan (Spinal Handle Gate). From here the qi ascends to the third gate, Yu Zhen Wan (Jade Pillow Gate). The yin qi then enters Niwan. Directly above Niwan is Tian Men, where the yang qi of heaven enters the body. After the yang qi of heaven joins the yin qi of earth in Niwan, the qi moves forward to open and pass through the Celestial Eye, then down the Ren as the heavenly yang qi flows down the yin aspect of the body to open the Chong at Di Hu. (This is a simplified explanation leaving out key points and locations for opening the Waterwheel. If the process is not followed carefully over time, with proper supervision, repressed psycho-emotional imbalances may be released before the individual is ready to deal with them.) ILLUSTRATIONS PROVIDED
Pattern is a different arrangement of what Fu Xi allegedly saw and is referred to as the Luo Shu or the Luo diagram.
“Only when the yin qiao is selected [for cultivation] first and only once this vessel has been activated will the other vessels open. Next, the three vessels of the Du, Ren, and Chong [should be selected for cultivation because they] are the source of creation for all the other channels and vessels.” 5
The “mudball” is Niwan, the center of the brain directly below Baihui, Du 20, the Hundred Meeting point on the vertex of the head. The “gushing spring” is Kidney 1 in the center of the arch of the foot. Zhang states Huiyin (Ren 1), the Meeting of Yin point, located in the perineum, is the opening of the Yin Qiao and makes the connection between Huiyin and Niwan. It is interesting to note that Huiyin has an alternate name in Daoist alchemy, Di Hu, Earth’s Door and Baihui has an alternate name, Tian Men, Heaven’s Gate. The yin qi of earth enters at Gushing Spring, travels up the medial aspect of the legs and joins at Di Hu where it enters the torso. The medial aspect of the legs are not only the pathway of the three yin channels (KD, SP, LV, hence the “meeting of yin”), but also a branch of the Chong (Thoroughfare) vessels, which closely follows the pathways of the Kidney and Spleen channels.
Thus the Eight Extraordinary Vessels are not merely reservoirs for the overflow of qi from the Primary channels. They are the source of the Primary channels and the energetic substructure of the body. They provide the energetic flow to the main channels as well as store the excess overflow, reciprocating the energy back and forth. As such, Zhang further states, in relation to these vessels:
Opening the Yin Qiao allows the body to be receptive of The Empty Vessel — Page 22
The Post-Heaven Bagua was also drawn with the numbers in the same order into what is known as the Nine Palaces, or the Magic Square.
“Only divine transcendents can use the yang qi to surge through and open them so they are able to attain the way.” 6 Once the Waterwheel is opened and can be activated effortlessly, the Greater Heavenly Circuit (Da Zhou Tian) can be opened. This involves opening the remaining four of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels; the Dai, the Yin Wei, Yang Wei, and Yang Qiao respectively. Opening all eight vessels facilitates the free flow of yuan qi of the universe throughout the body leading
to spiritual development as well as physical health. As to the medical applications of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, historically they were considered differently than how they are seen today. Their use was popular from the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) until the Qing dynasty (1644-1912) and the advent of Western drugs. Combining Extraordinary Vessel theory with the concepts of the 10 Celestial Stems and 12 Terrestrial Branches resulted in the development of chronoacupuncture, utilizing the Confluent points of the Extraordinary Vessels at specific times of the day. Two of the more popular techniques which have been studied in modern China are the Zhi Wu Liu Zhu, (Midnight Midday Flowing and Pooling) and the Ling Gui Ba Fa (Eightfold Method of the Sacred Turtle). The latter treatment is simple, elegant, and easy to use, and is also based on the Magic Square (see below) and its relationship to the Confluent Points. Several centuries after Fu Xi developed the He Tu, the third “Sage King” Yu, who is credited with controlling the flood waters that plagued China and was possibly the ruler of the first Chinese dynasty, the Xia (2205-1766 BCE), is said to have witnessed a “dragon turtle” (long gui) rise out of the Luo River with a specific pattern on its shell. This pattern is a different arrangement of what Fu Xi allegedly saw and is referred to as the Luo Shu or the Luo diagram. It also represented the odd or yang as white and the even or yin as black. During the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE), King Wen is said to have rearranged the Bagua into what he called the Post-Heaven arrangement, which is said to be more directly related to the energy of humans, whereas the Pre-Heaven Bagua relates to the energy of Heaven. The Post-Heaven Bagua was also drawn with the numbers in the same order into what is known as the Nine Palaces, or the Magic Square.
not only for health and longevity, but also for spiritual development. Again, this is a simplification of the use of the 8 Extraordinary Vessels, both within Daoist alchemy and medicine. A deeper explanation requires considerably more space than this article allows. Perhaps this introduction will increase interest in learning further. 1) Charles Chase and Miki Shima, 2010, Exposition on the 8 Extraordinary Vessels by Li Shi-Zhen, page 20, Seatle, Eastland Press 2) Ibid., page 110 3) Ibid. 4) Ibid. 5) Ibid. 6) Ibid.
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Each number represents a direction, a part of the body, the Zangfu (internal organs), and also the Eight Extraordinary vessel Confluent Points. Utilizing the Nine Palaces with an understanding the of the 10 Stems and 12 Branches allows one to treat the body in accordance to the primitive, yet fundamental, energetic system of the body. According to the theories of chronoacupuncture, especially the Ling Gui Ba Fa, the eight Confluent points have a strong effect on and can treat the entire body as they are the matrix upon which the entire channel system is built. And as they are the fundamental energetic matrix of the body, the Daoist adept can utilize them
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In late afternoon, I reach the last rocks broken on the ridge Parted by easy motions of weather Boulders with their formidable shadows behind me Ghost trees in their leaning into dark Nesting in fogs of an ancient world Reveal rock face of cave, an opening Regions bare-cold in the ice of the clouds Simple of dirt and broken twig Strung far from sun and horizon. Sanctuary of nature, Immortal’s place Lands of eternal silence lost to most... To comfort the heart awaiting dawn. Startled by the freedom opening before me The wise sage must be here! The sudden expression of space and time To advance or retreat? The unfurling endless shows of earth I call “Wise one, have you come this way? In gradual slopes of terraced curves Invite me to your refuge out of the cold. Ripe with mint and bamboo blossom For months I have followed you.” I descend in the direction of the western-tinted sky. The waterway moves southward On path of winding sand and slate Then flows west and out of view Through waves of sun’s retreat I might have heard something crucial thenHues of late spring settle the lowlands The breeze over the speaking rocks In restful vapors of cinnabar light. Or his voice gone soft on the river. From high to low – pools of gravity Detain debris of thunder, and wind and rain “Listen! For ages I have hoped to find you….” How many sandstorms the weathered arcs have known The rocks stir underwater How many footsteps the seasoned land. A footstep crosses the line of shadow In this intricate, invisible record And like a rabbit leaves no trace. Of eons come and gone “Wise one! I come with a true and open heart.” I live a moment within the moving world… “Then you have come the way of the clouds Fall 2019: in the seasons, of Daoist Is this theTaoism elixir then, the qi ofManuals now? for as a Form of Communication, and Origin have followed Lively Inspiration, Qigong: A journey Religion, The Heshang Gong Commentary Chemistries of atomic rain convening twilight the wind Summer 2019: American Gate Lin- onofLao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, Thefixed Shaman and Nameless things joiningDragon the veil pardoned time... of no eage, The Qi of Paper and Ink, The Dao of Conthe Taoist I am certain the old sage must have come this way… direction.” gee, TaoheOflives Walloo, Poetry Kidneys: I amThe told where theCorner river debuts runs… Fall 2016: Supporting the “Ah, it mustTreasure be you! Winter / Spring 2019: I Ching and the 8 House of Jing, Chi Nei Tsang: Cosmology and End of day haze stalls over the land Ghost or dream… Immortals, A Curious Opportunity, An Inthe Wheel of Life, Secrets of the Tao Te Ching, A cocoon loosens its silken thread in slow unwinding But I know troduction to NSEV lineage,the Balance the Wheel: Adirection! Top DownIPerspecOver the sun’s departure halo’sWith stilled Reinventing fiber have aWarm Brush,enough, Chinese New Year of the Earth Pig, tive on the Five Elements strong enough to warm the sand golden traveled east to Microcosmic Core Circulation,Empty Vessel Summer 2016: Chuang Tzu: Under a graying sky. west.The ” Inner ChapChina Tour 2018 recap ters The Way of Essential Virtue, Delicate path surreal in its glow “Then youInterview have Fall 2018: History and Origins of American with Daoist Priest Wu Dang Chen, Dao Yin: Touched by travelers then and now, in life or dream flown the void Dragon Lineage, On theof Shoulders of Gi-birdThe Mystery of Health Where the sky birds I followGate track and glyph wandering and human. ants, Harmony of Herbs: Bidens Alba, Working Spring 2016: SOLD OUT! I watch. I wait. fly.” Consciously and Living Spiritually Winter 2016: 2016 Fire“I Monkey Year, gone Shapeas have only Summer 2018: Lessons of the Dao, The Spirit Your Destiny, Interview with Lonny Jarrett, Abandoned by light’s retreat, high of Intention, Likenight Flower Unfolding The Five Shen Stirred by the carrying wind as the hills behind Spring 2018: Thoughts For Spring, Spiritual The Only the deepest, strongest tracks remain Fall 2015: Internal Elixir me.Cultivation, ” Individualism in China, Qigong Mysteries, Watercourse Way, The Mind Inside Tai Chi, To lift some record of day over the bridge into night. “Then you have The Tao of Now of Chinesethe Thought Footprints in the sand – heir to change… Rediscovering the Rootstraveled way of rary Western Psychology Winter 2018: Winter Cultivation, Earth Dog Summer 2015: Five Fold Essence Who will know the direction the old sage travels? balance of Tea, Spring 2014: Ren Tian Zhi Dao: The Way of Year, Taoist Quantum Qi,meditation The Story–ofhis the Tao Tefree Ching, Functionsfor of the WhoJiaye willthe meet himCaveman, on his wandering of question hilland knows theInterview mountain Man Nature, with Dr. Bernard A Journey to China and Tibet Essence, Breath and Spirit, Interview with “random walk?” and the mountain, balance. ” True Spiritual Help Shannon, Fall Tao: Some Important Master Yang Hai Who2017: willEntering sense histhebirth, his death, his place in the lapse “But I do have questions. Winter 2014: Year of the Wood Horse, Nei Benefits from Consistent Practice of T’ a i-Chi Spring 2015: Being Daoist, Theare Wayyou? of Wu between day and night? Where Teach me.Sitting Which way is theDance right of way?” Dan Meditation, the Five Chuan, Qigong, Meditation; Sharing Taiji Wei, Riding the Phoenix“As to Peng Lai, Daoism I look for him. I&listen. the winged ones go – intoForces nightfall.” Moving Qigong Addicts; A overhead Teacher in the West, A Conversation Between a Taoist Where The crywith andRecovering call of winged ones “That is no answer. are you going? Fall 2013: The Watercourse Way, Tea Time of Natural Spiritual Truth: Empty Vessel and A Buddhist A ghostly flock flying with the clouds Teach me on the way.With ” Old Po, Women’s Powers in Popular Interview Hua-Ching Ni; Internal Elixir Winter 2015: n/a Shadowswith in search of night’s retreat The breeze inhales the river’s surface Daoism Meditation: Basic Breathing Methods; 2014: Broadening Our Views ofripples Reality, in Summer A faint flutter of wings in the closingThe of theFall veilTrembling shards of2013: lightn/a Value of Worthlessness The Wisdom of Refining Breath to Transmute It Intostorm Spirit, SPEBy small light I followand surviving tracks Cosmic rainingSpring stars 2013: Food Cures and Diets, The Foolishness CIAL TEA ISSUE: The Alchemy Awareness I depart the path of wind’s resistance Caughtofby willows under heaven. Spiritual Warrior, Daoist Nature Meditation Summer 2017: n/a in tea, The Last Cup: The Ten Lost Tea-Brewing Lines of willow softening my way “Have you followed the way2013: of theYear river, Winter of Taoist? the Water Snake, Art Spring 2017: Immortal Sistershypnotic Conference, LASTfor ONE! Feathered leaves sweeping — Pictures, The Way of Tea.Wait me$8or I will be ” of Tai Chi, Lao Zi – The Hidden andlost. Practice Healing with Tai Chi, Attaining Summer 2014: The Poetry of Passion, Under aChronic starryPain dome Knowing that IThe have Dragon, failed toTaoist see him Sexual Meditation Spiritual Fortitude Daoist Arts of Wudang Mountain, Zhuangzi’ s Fall 2012: A winding river guides my way To find what lies beyond the turn Big Dipper Meditation, The Dragon Winter 2017 song. Fire Phoenix Year, Illness Perfect Happiness in theILight of ContempoSings its2017: silvered wonder if the courseTurtle, goes Eliminating anywhere Pitfalls in Qigong Practice,
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Feng Shui Guidelines to Energy Flow Analysis, Embracing the One: Daoist Meditation Summer 2012: The Three Treasures and the Golden Embryo; Shen, Hun and Po in Chinese Medicine, Dimensional learning Perspective Spring 2012: Free and Easy Wandering: A Western Daoist Manifesto, The Tai Chi Sword and Spiritual Swordsmanship, Stress, Illness & the Daoist Antidote, Introduction To classical Feng Shui Winter 2012: Year of the Water Dragon, Immortality and the 14 words of Lao Zi, The Tao of Joy Every Day, The World of Chinese Medicine, Qi Medicine and the Purpose of Cultivation – an interview with Master Zhongxian Wu Fall 2011: n/a Summer 2011: n/a Spring 2011: Daoism in America: A Conversation with Xuan Yun (Mysterious Cloud), Return to Stillness is the Motion of Tao, Put the Heart Back Into Love, SPECIAL SECTION: BiGu – Avoiding Food and Eating Qi, Lao Tzu’s Journey Winter 2011: Chinese Astrology and Inner Cultivation; Wu Wei: The Daoist Art of Happiness; Taoists, Doctors and Shamans – Part 2; Yi: Practice and Incubation of the Sage; A Taoist Master’s Search for His Chinese Ancestry – Part 4 Fall 2010: Chuang Tzu: The Way of Nourishing Life; Nudan Practice and the Modern Woman;
Taoists, Doctors and Shamans – Part 1; Nourishing Woman; A Taoist Master’s Search For His Chinese Ancestry – Part 3 Summer 2010: Bagua: Why Practice This Old and Obscure Art?, Mystical Wudang Mountains, Guidelines for Setting Up A Daoist Altar, A Taoist Master’s Search for His Chinese Ancestry – Part 1 Spring 2010: n/a Winter 2010: A Taoist Master’s Search For His Chinese Ancestry – Part 2, Daosim in the Korean Mountains, The Daoist System of Laozi
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Past the Tem
Photographs from Bai Yun Guan By DAVID HESSLER
Chujia 出家, the act by which one leaves family behind and formally enters a monastery, has been a tradition for Taoist and Buddhist monks in China since approximately 1200 CE. The Patriarch Wang Chongyang (founder of the Quanzhen Branch of Daoism) established this practice in the 13th century. Since then “leaving the family and home,” (Herrou, A World of Their Own: Daoist Monks and Their Community in Contemporary China, page 136) has become a fundamental characteristic of Quanzhen Daoist monastic practices. Besides chujia, a person interested in following the path of a Quanzhen monk must learn and accept over a thousand rules of behavior. Additionally, most Daoist practices are passed on from master to student and never shared with the outside world. There’s a saying within the Daoist community which explains this thinking, “The Dao cannot be present when six ears are in the room.” Visiting a Daoist temple in China provides a snapshot of the monastic life. Tourists see monks performing rituals in temples, wearing the traditional clothing, even laughing with each other in casual conversation. However, true insight into this life eludes most outsiders. In August of 2019, I began a five-month residency in Beijing as part of a sabbatical from teaching highschool history. I enrolled in a semester-long intensive Mandarin language class at Beijing Language and The Empty Vessel — Page 26
The main gate entrance into Bai Yun Guan
mple Walls:
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DAVID HESSLER
Summer 2020 — Page 27
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DAVID HESSLER
Special ritual ceremony. Private citizens often make donations to bless marriages, to ask for children or for good health.
Culture University. Rather than live on campus, I chose to rent an apartment in a local neighborhood and tenminute-walk from Bai Yun Guan (White Cloud Temple) 白云观. Since the 13th century, White Cloud Temple had been the center of Quanzhen Daoism in China. At present, it houses one of the largest population of monks (approximately 60) in all of China. Living in Beijing, so close to Bai Yun Guan, meant I had the luxury of stopping by on an informal basis. After the first month, my visits to Bai Yun Guan became less of a curiosity to the monks and workers residing there. That’s when some doors began to open to other aspects of life at the monastery. I was given an introduction to Master Zhong who teaches martial arts at the Taoist College, located on the grounds of White Cloud Temple. He agreed to teach me the Yuanshi 元始 (Genesis) form of tai chi. Because he had temple obligations during the day, Master Zhong and I met for classes two evenings a week. After several weeks, it became clear that he was amenable to meet for class basically any time I was available. I would often walk to the temple on Saturdays and Sundays. By late fall, I saw Master Zhong four to five times a week. He would often invite me for lunch after practice. The Empty Vessel — Page 28
Master Meng and David Hessler, January, 2020
Sitting and eating with the monks felt quite special even in the midst of the meal. Something as simple as eating with these adherents helped me better understand the life of Chujia, 出家. In November, I felt comfortable enough to start taking photos of the monks and worshipers who came to the temple. Two things gave me some measure of acceptance amongst the residents as a “Lay Taoist”. First was my friendship with Master Zhong, as well as my status as an official student of a senior monk at the Chinese Daoist Association. Second
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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DAVID HESSLER
Master Zhong supervising his students’ stick training on a Saturday afternoon.
Male lion statue offering protection at the main gate entrance.
was the regularity with which I took photographs on my frequent visits to the temple meant my actions didn’t catch anybody off guard. The following photos reflect my time spent experiencing life within the Temple walls. Amazingly, in the midst of loud and modern Beijing, Bai Yun Guan is home to a vibrant community populated by practitioners living in accordance with precepts laid down eight hundred years ago. The images show priests practicing martial arts, telling fortunes at festivals, offering prayers, relaxing and more.
One of the priests who live at the temple.
The Empty Vessel — Page 30
Since my return to the States in January, I realize upon looking over these photos what special insights into this way of life I was granted. I want to thank the monks at Bai Yun Guan for their acceptance and generosity of
Visitors to Bai Yun Guan often offer three sticks of incense at the many halls as a sign of devotion.
Summer 2020 — Page 31
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DAVID HESSLER
Master Zhong demonstrating stick techniques in one of the temple side courtyards.
spirit. They helped me understand the path I myself was trying to follow. Incidentally, on Jan. 25, of this year, the temple gates were closed to the public. On Jan. 26, the entire Bai Yun Guan Street was also closed off and priests were forbidden from leaving the temple grounds. As of May 28, the temple was still closed. There have been no reported cases of Coronavirus. Master Zhong and my other friends living within the Temple report that they have lots of time for personal cultivation and are quite happy. David Hessler has taught history at private high schools since 1987. He currently teaches world history, Chinese History and Japanese History at Montclair Kimberley Academy in Montclair, New Jersey. He’s taught at this school since 1994. David has traveled to China a dozen times since 2007. In 2013 he attended a two-week seminar for foreign students of Daoism sponsored by the Chinese Daoist Association. It was at this seminar that David formally became a student of Master Meng Zhiling (current Vice President of the Daoist Association and head of the Chinese Daoist College). David presented a paper entitled, “Teaching With Dao” at the the Third International Daoist Forum in 2014, Jianxi province. On sabbatical for the 2019-2020 school year, David spent five months working with Master Meng while also taking a Mandarin language intensive course at Beijing Language and Culture University. David invited Master Meng to New York City in 2016 and 2018 for the purposes of teaching seminars on Daoism. He plans to bring Master Meng back in the summer of 2021 to teach about Laozi or Chuangzi. The Empty Vessel — Page 32
One of the many feral cats who live at Bai Yun Guan. This is the back courtyard where I regularly practiced Tai Chi Chuan.
Book Review The Zhong-Lü System of Internal Alchemy AUTHOR: Livia Kohn This exciting new work translates two 12th-century texts associated with the legendary immortals Zhongli Quan and Lü Dongbin, founders of the Zhong Lü tradition of internal alchemy. First, the Zhong-Lü chuandao ji, in dialogue format, outlines the cosmological parameters of the practice, then describes various methods of attainment. Second, the Lingbao bifa, assembling various revealed sources and commentaries, presents similar concepts and adds more specific practices. In addition to the translations, The Zhong-Lü System provides a discussion in five chapters: Historical Unfolding, The Workings of the Universe, The Human Condition, Stages and Processes, and Key Practices. It makes both the underlying cosmology and the practical transformation accessible and understandable in plain, straightforward language. Beyond providing an in-depth understanding for modern practitioners, the work is essential for anyone concerned with Daoist history, cosmology, and internal alchemy. $35.95 • 270 Pages • May 2020 • ISBN 978-1-931483-44-5 •www.threepinespress.com
The Empty Vessel is now accepting
poetry submissions! Send entries to DaoDogPress@gmail.com We will notify by email if your poem is chosen. Summer 2020 — Page 33
DVD Review
Chen Tai Chi First Form: 74 Postures AUTHOR: Chenhan Yang “First Form, Lao Jia Yi Lu, is the first form learned in Chen Tai Chi (or “First Road”, Yi Lu).” Chen-style tai chi can be traced back to the 1400’s in an unbroken lineage and has become one of the most popular internal martial arts in the world. In this program, Master Chenhan Yang teaches you the first form, the standard 74-posture “Old Frame” (Lao Jia) Chen style, also known as the “First Road” (Yi Lu). Master Chenhan demonstrates the form multiple times, guiding you with step-by-step instructions and explaining the purpose of each movement. The postures of traditional Chen-style tai chi still possess their martial arts roots, but they are often practiced slowly as a form of gentle whole-body moving meditation. 1. Learn the form step by step, and understand the purpose of each movement. 2. Enjoy low-impact whole-body exercise, good for all fitness levels. 3. Master the popular 74-posture First Form for demonstrations and tournaments. Tai chi can increase your circulation, resulting in improved vitality and longevity, and it can develop your mind’s alertness, awareness, and concentration. Most importantly, as you practice, pay attention to the feeling within the movements, so you may appreciate the profound essence of tai chi chuan. About the Author: Tai chi master Chenhan Yang began his training as a teenager and became a The Empty Vessel — Page 34
disciple of Grandmaster Liang, Shou-Yu after moving from Taiwan to Canada. Chenhan has taught and competed around the world and holds many gold medals. He has been featured in several martial arts books and videos. Chenhan is the president of the Shou-Yu Institute. He teaches and lives with his family in Vancouver, Canada. Title: Chen Tai Chi First Form: 74 Postures • Author: Chehan Yang • ISBN: 978-1-59439-759-2 • Category: Tai Chi/Martial Arts • Pub Date: April 2020 • Publisher: YMAA Publication Center, Inc. • Price: $29.95, 1 Disc • DVD: 184 Minutes, Color/NTSC, All Regions
DVD Review Chen Tai Chi: Cannon Fist (43-posture Er Lu) AUTHOR: Chenhan Yang Tai chi will increase your circulation, resulting in improved vitality and longevity, and it will develop your mind’s alertness, awareness, and concentration. Most importantly, as you practice, pay attention to the feeling within the movements, so you may appreciate the profound essence of tai chi chuan. Cannon Fist, Pao Chui, is the second form learned in Chen Tai Chi (or “Second Road”, Lao Jia Er Lu, 炮捶 俗称二路). Learn Tai Chi Step by Step with Master Chenhan Chen-style tai chi can be traced back to the 1400s in an unbroken lineage and has become one of the most popular internal martial arts in the world. In this program, Master Chenhan Yang teaches you the standard 43-posture “Old Frame” (Lao Jia) second form of traditional Chen style, known as Cannon Fist (Pao Chui). Master Chenhan demonstrates the form multiple times, guiding you with step-by-step instructions and explaining the purpose of each movement. The postures of traditional Chen-style tai chi still possess their martial arts roots, but they are often practiced slowly as a form of gentle whole-body moving meditation. Learn the form step by step, and understand the purpose of each movement. Enjoy low-impact whole-body exercise, good for all fitness levels. Master the powerful Cannon Fist 43-posture form for demonstrations and tournaments. “Most importantly, as you practice, pay attention to the feeling within the movements, so you may appreciate the profound essence of tai chi chuan,” said Chenhan Yang.
About the Author: Tai chi master Chenhan Yang began his training as a teenager and became a disciple of Grandmaster Liang, Shou-Yu after moving from Taiwan to Canada. Chenhan has taught and competed around the world and holds many gold medals. He has been featured in several martial arts books and videos. Chenhan is the president of the Shou-Yu Institute. He teaches and lives with his family in Vancuver, Canada. Title: Chen Tai Chi Cannon First: (43 Postures Er Lu) • Author: Chehan Yang • ISBN: 978-1-59439-760-8 • Category: Tai Chi/Martial Arts • Pub Date: April 2020 • Publisher: YMAA Publication Center, Inc. • Price: $29.95, 1 Disc • DVD: 129 Minutes, Color/NTSC, All Regions
Summer 2020 — Page 35
Temple of the Celestial Cloud Esoteric Daoist Mysticism
The following books have been written by Professor Jerry Alan Johnson and contain translated texts from ancient Zhen Yi Daoist Mystisicm and are introduced for the first time in English.
Daoist Exorcism. Contains the History of Exorcism, The Three Realms of Daoist Magic, Interac-
tions with the Spirit World, 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, Types of Hauntings, Communicating with Ghosts, Encounters With Spirits, Historic Classification of Spirits and Immortals, Seductive Spirits, Animal Spirits, Plant Spirits, Nature Spirits, Spirits of the Elemental Realms, Spirit Snakes and Spider Spirits, Sensations Attributed to the Presence of Spirit Entities, How and Why Negative Spirit Entities Attack, Self-Defense Against Spirit Entities, Protecting Children, Closing the Ghost Gate to Protect against Ghosts and Spirits, Encounters With Demonic and Evil Spirits, Demonology, Levels of Demonic Influence, Demonic Manifestation, Demonology According to Christian Mysticism, Historical Facts, Demonic Attacks, Encounters with Demon or Spirit Possessed Individuals, Demon or Spirit Oppression and more. $175
Daoist Alchemy: Nei Gong. Secret teachings of esoteric Daoist Alchemy written by a Senior
Daoist Abbot for his “Wen (Healer/Scholar) - Wu (Martial)” disciples. This historic instruction book includes an introduction to Ancient Chinese Alchemy, Spiritual Transformation, The Metaphysical Realm, Returning to the Original Nature, External Alchemy and Daoist Lower Magic, Internal Alchemy and Daoist Middle Magic, Esoteric Alchemy and Daoist High Magic, Magic and Immortality, The Natural Forces of the Three Powers, Nine Treasures and Daoist Alchemy, Understanding Energy (Qi), The Five Realms of Energy, Energetic Formation of the Universe, The Five Pure Lights, The Yellow River Chart (Hetu), The Luo River Graph, Three Martial, Medical, and Magical Schools of Daoist Neigong Training, and more. $200
The Empty Vessel — Page 36
Daoist Incantations. Imprinting with Incantations, Enchantment, Trance Induction, Daoist Magical Hand Seal Training, Types of Hand Seals, Specific Functions of the Hand Seals, Hand Seals Used For Worship, Summoning, Protection, Obstruction, Attacking, Binding, Imprisoning, and Sealing, Mao Shan Hand Seals Used for Healing or Protection, History of Daoist Star Stepping, Using Star Stepping with Hand Seals, Incantations and Magic Seals, Summoning the Spirits of the Dead, Summoning Celestial Immortals, and more. $85
Daoist Magic Tools. This particular training manual provides information originating from the
Taiqing (Great Clarity) Daoist tradition, and includes secret methods of writing magical talismans and speaking sacred Words of Power via Breath Incantations. This particular Taiqing Daoist Manual provides for four special categories of magical talismans, as well as their specific stroke orders, and their essential activation incantations. Included in this special training manual are: The special categories of magical talismans traditionally used for the “Suppression of Demon Spirits” and for “Blessing the Home;” which are to be posted up on the wall or main pillar of the house like a “Public Notice.” These special Taiqing Talismans must both be written with Black Pine Soot Ink and Cinnabar on Yellow Talisman Paper. The special categories of magical talismans traditionally used for “Summoning Spirits” and for “Treating Diseases.” These special Taiqing Talismans must be written with Red Cinnabar Ink on standard Yellow Talisman Paper. These four special categories of Taiqing Talismans are extremely important, and essential for all Daoist disciples to study; therefore this special instruction manual is presented here as an essential companion to the Daoist Magical Talismans textbook. $175
To order these books, send check along with $10 postage for each one to: Empty Vessel, 3440 Conway Blvd. Unit 1D, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 or via PayPal at daodogpress@gmail.com.
Book Title: Cost: Book Title: Cost: Book Title: Cost: Book Title: Cost: Name Address City State: ________ Zip: ____________ Phone: __________________________ Email: _________________________________ Summer 2020 — Page 37
Directory & Classifieds Taoist Podcast: What’s This Tao All About?
A lighthearted look at Taoism & life covering Daoist topics, listener questions and the Tao Te Ching. Guided meditations are available. With Dr. Carl Totton & journalist Tod Perry. Listen on iTunes or at www. whasthistao.com.
Taoist Institute offers classes in Qigong, Tai Chi
Chuan and Shaolin & Taoist kung fu. Servvicies offered in Healing with Qi, Reiki, couseling & psychotherapy. Taoist ceremonies (weddings, funerals) are also available. Dr. Carl Totton, Director, 10630 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. 818-760-4219, website: www.taoistinstitute.com, psychological services: www. drcarltotton.com.
Qigong & Daoist Training Center: American Dragon Gate Lineage. 200-Hour Qigong certification course for beginner to advanced. LocalDistance learning options. Daoist priest 3-year training and ordination for serious followers of the Dao. Annual Qigong and Daoist meditation retreats in northern California. Shifu Michael Rinaldini (Lichangdao), 22nd generation Longmen Priest. Qigongdragon.com
Qigong Meditations CD (with music). Three
guided meditations – Three Level Relaxation, Organ Balancing Meditation, Expansion Breathing Meditation – by Solala Towler. $10 plus $3 shipping. Abode of the Eternal Tao, 1991 Garfield St. Eugene, OR 97404. www. abodetao.com.
Kirtan Qigong CD. Three slow, relaxing bhajans
(Sanskrit chanting) with Solala Towler and friends. Perfect for slow movement. $10 plus $3 shipping. Abode of the Eternal Tao, 1991 Garfield St. Eugene, OR 97404. www.abodetao.com.
••• 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. Qigong, sustainable gardening, meditation for self cultivation. Chinese herbs, daoist healing to harmonize chronic disorders. PO Box 9224, Moscow, Idaho 83843-1724. 208-285-0123. Celebrating 23 years of service.
Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts in Asheville, North Carolina. Accredited Masters program in Oriental medicine; steeped in the spirit of Daoism and teachings by Jeffrey Yuen, a world-renowned leader in Classical Chinese Medicine. Preparing students to enter the profession as skilled acupuncture clinicians. www.daoisttraditions.edu. admissions@daoisttraditions.edu. 828-225-3993.
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
Directory listings: $25 for first 30 words, $1 per word thereafter, 15 word minimum. The Empty Vessel — Page 38
Directory & Classifieds 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. Classes open to everyone.
Taoist Studies, Energy Medicine, Chi Nei Tsang, Pelvic Health. Qigong and Meditation. Retreats. NCBTMB approved. 505-670-3538. www.whitecloudinstitute.com.
certification training curricula. Retreats and weekly transformational Qigong Lifestyle and Qigong Movement classes for all health objectives and self care. Medical qigong treatment, and Qigong Lifestyle and Chi Nutrition coaching appointments. Consulting and training for enhanced productivity and balance customized for organizations. Founder/Director: Debra Lin Allen. 4155 East Jewell Ave., Suite 105, Denver, CO 80222. 720-427-0406. DebraLin.ChiWellness@gmail. com / www.ChiWellness.net.
Taoist Arts Center. Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Taoist Med-
itation. 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.
FENG SHUI
Chi Wellness, The Center of Qigong. 3-year
and improve the flow of energy in your house. Cost: $198. Email vitalichi@yahoo.com for details.com.
Medical Qigong Practitioner and Qigong Instructor
Black Hat Feng Shui Consultations via Zoom with Nicole Collins. Address energy imbalances
Directory listings: $25 for first 30 words, $1 per word thereafter, 15 word minimum.
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