Each of us is familiar with the Yin-Yang black & white symbol, but did you know that its origin lies in the Tao tradition? This ancient philosophy and system of life teaches us how to live in balance with the source of everything that exists, harmonising with the nature by balancing Yin and Yang energy.
The Baoli was honoured to talk about Tao and its application in daily life to one of the top Tao masters that live today, one of the world’s top 100 spiritual leaders, Master Mantak Chia.
How did you start your spiritual journey?
My knowledge was passed on to me by my Master Yi Eng. He spent over 30 years searching for the alchemy in the temple in China. In line with the Tao tradition, he then went to the mountains to keep searching, which also took many years. Finally he came back down from the mountains and went to Hong Kong, where I met him for the first time and stared my spiritual journey under his guidance. The Second World War was just starting…
How can we all apply ancient Tao practices in our daily life?
The Taoist teaching is very relevant in modern life. It is about transforming material matter into the non-material one. For example, the liver stores stress, anger and frustration. On the other hand, it is also a home of generosity and kindness. The liver is material and what happens with it energetically can be transformed. You can’t destroy the energy, but you can transform it.
Does Tao acknowledge science at all?
The Tao system is very practical and is based on science. It is not some kind of belief; it is pure science, with the Einstein’s formula (E = mc2) underpinning it. The science recognises that everything is made up of energy, and so does the Tao Tradition. Then you have the alchemy, the transformation happening.
Why does Tao stress the importance of working with sexual energy?
The transformation of sexual energy is the key Tao practice. Sexual energy is the strongest energy we have at our disposal. It is the commanding Chi for all the cells in our body, and is our best healing energy. You can either throw it away or you can transform it. By learning how to do the latter you also learn how to multiply and activate sexual energy. Then you have an endless source of vital force in your hands.
Do you feel you have achieved all you wanted with the Tao Garden Health Resort and Universal Tao Training Centre in Thailand?
I created Tao Garden Resort as a place where people can come to and get better in all the aspects: physical, emotional, spiritual. All my energy is combined in this place, and I want to help people get rid of anything unnecessary. As for the Tao Training Centre, we have a lot of certified teachers around the world. Next step is to systematise this work globally, help the instructors grow further and help them make their teachings stronger.
What are you manifesting for the future for Universal Taoism?
My dream is that the Inner Smile and the Inner Cosmic practices become accessible to everyone and everyone uses them in their daily life. I would like for every single person to learn how to transform the negative energy and emotions into something positive. We have a lot of negative emotions in the world today, but there are simple ways to change that.
For more details on Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort and Mantak Chia’s work, visit Tao Garden