The Daoist Way

To follow the tenets of Philosophical Daoism in modern society there are certain adjustments which are deemed necessary to function as an active and integrated member of society. For this reason Daoist sages of old were usually recluses, living in the mountains close to nature. In today’s modern world the Daoist seeks out the middle path and goes with the flow. He is not overly ambitious and practices a quiet non-evasive existence often residing in the bustling cities that have shaped modern life. However by practicing regular meditation and contemplation, doing Tai Chi or Yoga and choosing natural herbal remedies or Chinese traditional medicine for healthcare, it is possible to follow the Dao.

Interacting with Others

The Daoist way is soft, spontaneous, truthful and natural; it utilises whatever is available blending with the energies and myriad things. The Daoist treats others with respect for individuality and personal space, they are not confronting or bossy and they look for the congenial in every situation. If others are confronting, the Daoist will gently deflect the motion to dissolve it; in a similar way that Tai Chi Chuan uses gentle force as self defence.

Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM

Traditional Chinese medicine follows a predominantly Daoist approach, concentrating on the natural flow of energy through the meridians of the body, removing blockages and encouraging the body to heal itself with the aid of herbal medicine, acupuncture, breathing exercises and massage. Most illnesses and conditions are responsive to traditional Chinese medicine.

Gentle Exercise: Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong

Tai Chi Chuan is an ideal daily exercise which is a soft, slow moving meditation that has been practiced in China for over a thousand years. It originated from a form which was developed from watching the movements of native wildlife like the graceful actions of a crane going about his daily business. The flowing form of Tai Chi, regulates the heartbeat, gently exercises all the muscles of the body, stills the mind and stimulates lymphatic draining. Practiced daily Tai Chi will not only improve your health, it will also prolong your life.

In China and Taiwan as well as in many Chinese communities all over the world, Tai Chi is practiced in the public parks early in the morning shortly after sunrise. It is a time to reflect on the new day, enjoy the fresh air and contemplate the proposed day’s activities. Typically practitioners spend at least one hour doing their Tai Chi form each morning. Starting with a set of warm up exercises for 10 minutes, practitioners then practice the form, which comprises of a different number of flowing movements, depending on which particular form style is practiced.

Yi Jing (易經) or I Ching

Traditional Chinese Divination

The Yi Jing is based on a Daoist foundation, dating back to when Daoism was the only belief system in ancient China. Read more about this method of Chinese divination on the Yi Jing page and follow links to an instant free electronic Yi Jing experience. You can ask a question; throw the coins and then receive an interpretation. The hexagram provides an overview of the current situation and indicates influences that may easily be overlooked. This food for thought has been used for thousands of years to aid in the decision making process.