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T'ai chi | Tao | Yoga | Shamanism
What is Tao?
Tao, the Chinese word for 'way', is a volume of teachings written by the ancient Chinese sage Lao Tzu whose name means 'Old Master'. Rather than founding his teachings on the 'right' and 'wrong' ways to live, Tzu believed in the power of instinct. Rather then resist life; he believed that we should go along with it, following its natural way.
What's the big Idea?
Lao Tzu devised his philosophy over 25 centuries ago. It was essentially a guide for leaders. He believed that wise leadership could only be achieved via a wise life, and that the way to achieve this was by striving to live in harmony with nature. According to Tzu, how we live in relation to the environment around us has lasting effect and if we get the balance between the two right, we will find peace within ourselves and in our immediate environment. Central to the Tao philosophy is understanding the true nature of our characters and behaving spontaneously. It is not what is happening within and around us, he said, but the way we perceive things. Life, opined Tzu, is a process. The world and all those in it are continually changing – the Tao says follow that changing path and see change as the way ahead.
What can it do for the body?
The gentle, flowing movements of t'ai chi are related to the Taoist philosophy. Tao can be applied to an array of physical improvement practices, from martial-arts inspired methods to sexual, or Tantric, development. Practice involves moving and still meditations focused on centring the body, leading to greater body-awareness and so energising body and mind. The results include increased vitality and stamina, and a stronger immune system. Tao also uses meditation to increase focus on the power of love, both physically and spiritually, in the belief that sexual energy can release huge internal power. According to Tao, by reconciling body and spirit – and rediscovering eroticism – we achieve deeper sexual understanding and more fulfilling sex.
What can it do for the mind?
The Tao encourages us to let go of negative thoughts and to learn to feel better about ourselves. By nourishing the spirit we can have a more creative approach to life that is not restricted by or dictated to by circumstance.
Words of wisdom
'We allow basic bodily functions such as digestion to occur without 'doing' them. If we had to think about them it would be a great burden. Allow your personality to function just by itself. Don't assume the unnecessary burden of trying to manage your life – allow things simply to be what they are.' (The Complete Guide to World Mysticism, Alpha Books)
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