EMPTY VESSEL: Journal of Taoist Philosophy and Practice SUMMER 2019

Empty Vessel Summer 2019

The Journal of Taoist Philosophy & Practice

$5.95 U.S. $6.95 Canada

IN THIS ISSUE American Dragon Gate Lineage • The Qi of Paper and Ink

Editor's corner ,Check out our y website www.EmptyVessel.net Hello readers!

A

nother season passes and another edition of your favorite Taoism magazine is finally here!

I hope that you like some of the changes we made; we are trying to tweak some things to make it even more reader-friendly.

We have been working hard to expand The Empty Vessel to reach more people and improve our service to the Taoist community. We have recently launched our NEW website at www.

EmptyVessel.net and we hope that you have a chance to check it out and give us feedback! Feel free to share it with others in our Taoist community.

We would also like to know what our readers would like to see in The Empty Vessel magazine. Please send an email to DaoDogPress@gmail.com or find us on Facebook and let us know what you like, dislike or any ideas you might have!

— Heather Hernandez Editor Xin Dao Tea Tea from the heart...

High quality, reasonably priced teas from China To inquire about our teas please contact us at: solala@abodetao.com/541.345.8854 or go to www.abodetao.com (in store)

The Empty Vessel — Page 2

Publisher's corner

I

t’s almost a year since we began talking to Solala and making plans to purchase The Empty Vessel! We’re still in the learning process, but it seems like we are adapting to the cycle of the magazine a little more each day. Chris and I are very grateful that you have chosen to continue the journey with us and we look forward to curating a mix of Taoist content to help you discover different aspects of this philosophy.

Take a moment to help Solala Hopefully, Solala will have had a successful surgery for prostate cancer by the time you read this. Check out the Gofundme ad in this issue if you’re interested in helping Solala in his journey to healing. He’s

been an amazing curator and publisher of The Empty Vessel for 25 years, so please take a moment to send some positive energy his way.

What I’m reading this quarter The T’ung Shu Almanac 2019 has a breakdown of lucky, average and unlucky times of the day, sign and element of the day, and a short synopsis of auspicious and inauspicious activities for the day. It also includes tidbits of Taoist mythology and occasional proverbs.

It’s quick, light reading that will keep you in tune with the universe and harmonize your life. I definitely plan on buying this again next year.

— Nicole

T’ung Shu Almanac 2019 $12.99 • ISBN 172316352X https://www.amazon.com/ Tung-Shu-Almanac-2019/ dp/172316352X Summer 2019 — 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 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

‘ Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.’

— Lao Tzu

The Empty Vessel — Page 4

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 Jio 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 2019

Volume 26 Number 2

Features The Dao of Congee ........ 11 The Qi of Paper and Ink........ 12

The Empty Vessel The Journal of Taoist Philosophy and Practice

American Dragon Gate Lineage .................. 22 The Tao of Walloo .......... 26 Ethics and Kindness in the Dao De Jing ...30

Departments Directory / Classifieds ........ 34 Event Calendar .................... 35 Poetry Corner .............. 16-19 Book Reviews .............. 27-29, 33

Like us on Facebook @EmptyVesselMagazine Or visit

www.EmptyVessel.net

Publishers Dr. Nicole Noles Collins & Christopher Collins Editorial, Design, Advertising Dr. Nicole Noles Collins & Heather Hernandez Facebook 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 $22 per year (U.S. funds).

International subscriptions are $27 per year (U.S. funds). ©2018 DaoDog Press, 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 calling The Empty Vessel /Vitalichi Acupuncture at 941-979-9793 or emailing daodogpress@gmail.com.

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. We at The Empty Vessel believe that it is in using these practices and attitudes of the ancient achieved ones that we can best benefit from them and in doing so, be able to affect change in the world around us.

Summer 2019 — Page 5

Embarking Upon the Way: A Course on Taoism

by Solala Towler

5 CDs One DVD 130-page book (on disk) Take a journey into the philosophy and practices of Taoism with master teacher Solala Towler.

Over five hours of audio and two hours of video along with a 130-page book (on disk).

The eight main principles of Taoism and instruction on Taoist Meditation.

Seven guided meditations and more.

Hard copy on disks: $79 (with free shipping) http://abodetao.com/store/#!/ Embarking-Upon-the-Way-A-Course-inTaoism/p/94364000/category=28462308 Hard Copy on flash drive: $79 (with free shipping) https://my.ecwid.com/ store/1783331#product:mode=new Digital version: $59 http://abodetao.com/store/#!/Embarking-Upon-the-Way-A-Course-in-TaoismDIGITAL-DOWNLOAD/p/103406332/ category=28462308 The Abode of the Eternal Tao 1991 Garfield St. Eugene OR 97405 The Empty Vessel — Page 6

130-page book covering all the main principles and history of Taoism plus Chinese medicine, meditation, the Way of Tea and Tao and the Great Mother.

DVD: Instruction on Dao-In (Taoist Yoga), Grounding and Rooting Qigong, Spiraling Dragon Qigong, video from China and more!

Order now and receive a 25-minute bonus video (Introduction to Taoism) for free!

Go online to www.abodetao.com

or call 541-345-8854

Contributors Sandie Osborne has been interested in Chinese culture since, the age 12.

She lived in Hawaii for 31 years, and has traveled widely in China and Hong Kong. She has practiced Chinese brush-painting.

Dan G. Reid taught himself how to read Classical Chinese receiving acclaim by notable scholars such as Red Pine and Dr. Michael Saso. Dan also studied and practices sitting meditation, Qigong, internal martial arts, is a multi-instrumentalist poet, Chinese sports medicine to become a Registered Massage Therapist using ancient Chinese modalities.

Shifu Michael Rinaldini is a certified Qigong teachers in Sebastopol, California, and has written books on Qigong and Daoist Cultivation.

Solala Towler founded the Abode of the Eternal Tao in Eugene, Oregon in 1993. He also created The Empty Vessel magazine, which he published quarterly for 25 years until 2018.

Solala has had 12 books published on the Taoist arts, and offer tours to China, I Ching readings and courses in Taoism. He can be reached at solala@abodetao.com/www. abodetao.com.

•••

Poetry Contributors

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DaoDog Press 3440 Conway Blvd. Unit 1D Port Charlotte FL 33952

— Mike Krogman — Nicole Noles Collins — Jim Birt Summer 2019 — Page 7

Practicing the Tao Te Ching: 81 Steps On the Way "Solala Towler’s approach to the Tao Te Ching reveals the quintessence of the study. Taoism relies upon practice, the cultivation of innate nature, and the preservation of life force. Under his guidance, anyone can deepen their practice as well as digest the core meaning of this classic.”

­­­ - HU XUEZHI author of Revealing the Tao Te Ching "A well-written and eminently useful guide to putting the teachings of Taoism’s greatest sage into one’s daily life and practice. So simple, even Lao Tzu would understand it."

- RED PINE author of Lao-tzu’s Taoteching "Ingenious. Towler turns this classic of mystical Tao philosophy into a boots-on-the ground manual for spiritual practice. A worthy addition to any Qi-cultivator’s library."

- MICHAEL WINN founder of healingtao.com Most people think of the Tao Te Ching as a book on philosophy or a treatise on leadership. Yet there is a little-known treasure hidden within the familiar passages of Lao Tzu’s work: step-by-step practical guidance for the spiritual journey. With Practicing the Tao Te Ching, renowned teacher Solala Towler reveals a new facet to this spiritual classic, offering accessible instructions paired with each of the 81 verses of the Tao Te Ching. “Tao is a way of deep reflection and learning from nature, considered the highest teacher,” writes Towler.

The book guides you through meditations, movement and breathing practices, subtle energy exercises, and inner reflections—all to help you to embody Taoist wisdom in every aspect of your life. Paperback, 306 pages, $16.95

https://abodetao.com/store/#!/ Practicing-the-Tao-Te-Ching-81-Steps-On-the-Way/p/64656005 The Empty Vessel — Page 8

or call 541-345-8854

Summer 2019 — Page 9

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 The Empty Vessel — Page 10

The Dao of Congee

By Christopher Collins I first heard of congee through Michael Rinaldini’s wonderful book “A Daoist Practice Journal: Come Laugh with Me.” His books have detailed advice on many foods and how they can be used as medicine. It was about 4 years later when I started dating the lady who is now my wife, who is a doctor of Oriental Medicine, made some congee for me with herbs to address a specific health condition. I’ve been hooked ever since — on her as well as the congee!

Congee would be called porridge by westerners. It is basically a

grain cooked in water or milk.

By changing the ingredients, it can be used to augment health or treat patients with specific health conditions.

My favorite congee recipe: • Cooked rice • Unsweetened almond milk (enough to make it a little soupy) • Cinnamon (warming, pain relieving) • Blueberries (antioxidant, nourishes eyes) • Coconut sugar (lower glycemic than other sugars)

Congee makes a wonderful breakfast and is tasty enough to ward off dessert cravings.

Summer 2019 — Page 11

The Qi of Paper and Ink

By Sandie Osborne Part 2: A look at the rest of the four treasures of the study: paper, ink and inkstone. Without these treasures, the brush would be just waving in the air.

If our body when practicing qigong or taiji is like the treasured brush, paper is like the ground we take a stance on, where we leave our footsteps. Ink is like emitted qi, stored in the ground or within a paper painting. Rock faces for carving and cave walls for marking with natural pigments were the first ground available to artists (and they have achieved considerable longevity). Bamboo slivers or “slips” were used for writing before paper, and perhaps have more in common with papyrus, a functional writing material made from the stems of the papyrus plant, dating from Bronze Age Egypt.

Unlike papyrus and bamboo, paper, one of the inventions of the Han Dynasty, is made from a soupy pulp of plant fibers. Paper did much to spread literacy and art (to say nothing of commerce, politics, and religion). In use it must have been as revolutionary as plastic is to us (though more environmentally sound). I wonder if there was ever a choice to ancient Chinese: bamboo or paper, like paper or plastic.

Paper is ubiquitous in our everyday life. It drifts through our daily existence and, like the ground we walk on, we may not notice The Empty Vessel — Page 12

the different types and purposes.

How different it is to walk on an asphalt sidewalk or a soft path in a forest, a hard lead pencil on bond paper or a fountain pen on laid linen. Printers and artists know paper as an ingredient to their work, but for most of us, paper is just a product to be used, rarely appreciated for itself. Paper wraps our packages, and wipes

our runny noses; we jot shopping lists on the back of torn-off calendar pages, and we might cover a wall with it. I once stayed in a peasant cottage in China in 1988 and was amused to see the pages of a book papering the walls and ceiling, an attractive treatment really. They were ripped from The Little Red Book, Quotations of Chairman Mao. I live in a former

paper-producing town (where the old mills are now industrial ruins and the air smells sweet, not foul as it did not too long ago).

Sometimes I wander along a bluff above those old mills on the river and wonder about the paper — where is any of it now?

The traditional craft of papermaking extends throughout Asia, where paper turns up in ritual and practical ways in China,

Japan, Korea and elsewhere. A paper-covered window with the shadow of a tree branch outside is like an ink painting. Paper is burned in funeral rites. Origami is a sculptural use of paper.

So with the moving brush (yang), the still paper (yin) is an equally fundamental material requirement for bringing forth a painting or calligraphy which will have its own longevity and

perhaps, immortality. Many types of Asian paper are available, with different degrees of absorbency, a peculiar characteristic managed and exploited in Chinese painting. Western watercolor papers do not behave the same way. But, in the spirit of Dao, feel free to experiment with anything that is sufficiently absorbent and responsive to the ink; you can practice on newsprint or even old carpet (or even with a mop and Summer 2019 — Page 13

muddy water on your sidewalk, a novel practice I have seen in China). I have tried small character calligraphy with modern flexible felt tip Chinese calligraphy pens on cigarette papers, and with big brushes on brown paper bags. I once used an old ream of laid linen Weyerhauser letterhead stock for calligraphy practice (oddly, of the character for practice. I can measure my practice by the ream!) The results of the experiments were not bad in the way the paper received the characters. (If there is a flaw in the characters it is in the one who attempts to deliver them, that is, myself). I have some nice Nepali paper that I am not quite ready to sacrifice to calligraphy. It seems a little rough and heavy for the Chinese brush, but an experiment is due.

You can order “rice paper” of all types online. Rice paper is not made of cooked rice; the term refers to any of a number of sheets made from plant-based fibers. (Although there is an ‘oatmeal paper’ made of oats, associated with Korea.)

Xuan paper, the most desirable for painting, is generally made of mulberry; other papers may be composed of cotton, hemp, bamboo, and even rice straw.

Paper may be produced in single or double weight sheets, lightly coated with alum (which reduces absorbency for some painting styles), enhanced with gold flecks or flower petals for celebratory purposes. On-line, in a Chinatown shop, or in large art shops you The Empty Vessel — Page 14

can find easy-to-measure rolls of white rice paper, coated on one side. Larger flat sheets must be trimmed to the size you want, with a sharp blade, or you can run a bead of water with your brush along where you want the wet seam to separate. You can carefully pull it apart, leaving a rough edge, like a deckle to trim later. You can buy prepared fans and fan-shaped paper. And, while it does not fall into the category of paper, silk can also be used as a painting surface. Each paper responds in its own way to ink and color, and practiced artistic skill. It is like walking on different

ground, different paths.

Brush painting is generally done on a flat table, not an easel, although for some calligraphy performances and teaching instances you may see a vertical easel in use. On an easel, the ink might run, which may not be desirable. On the table, paper is lightly held in place with interesting paperweights, on a fine blanket or sheet of felt to keep absorbency under control, and preventing the wet paper from sticking to your table.

Now you stand before a blank

piece of paper, as in wuji.

The emptiness confronts you, and you can meditate for a bit or jump right into your work. Many painters report the benefit of qigong or taiji before they begin a project. I like to stand or use a high stool while I paint. I try not to hunch over my table, but adopt a straight spine, like in meditation or qigong, allowing the arm to move freely.

At the very least, you can have a meditative moment while grinding ink, something like putting energy into the lower dantian.

Avoid holding an uncomfortable position, like straight out and up in front of an easel, for too long. Be flexible and relaxed, as responsive as your brush is.

The gentle, slow, deliberate grinding of an inkstick on a stone slab is traditionally a meditative or ritualistic way to begin any painting project. Using an elegant or practical inkstone is a nod to tradition, a little like a fountain pen in this world of roller/gel/felt discardable writing implements.

The way to move the inkstick on the inkstone is part of the ritual.

(Clockwise, slowly.) But it may be time consuming: in some imperial Chinese dramas you may see an assistant as ink grinder to a busy official, or a student preparing ink for a teacher. If you choose not to grind your ink, good quality bottled ink is readily available that can be used alone or thickened with the ink stick. Bottled ink is preferred by many because really fine ink sticks are hard to come by. If you have one, treasure it. They can last a long time. Ink sticks are also often designed as pieces of art. Stone and stick, with brush and paper, become the beloved treasures and respected

ritual objects in the painting and calligraphy studio.

But for most of us, what is practical is what we do. In any case, you will have a bit of prepared ink in the inkstone or a white porcelain dish. You can dilute ink in a flat dish with partitions to achieve the shui mo standard of five to seven “colors” or dilutions of ink, ranging from “burnt black, dark, heavy, shallow and light.” It is a skill for the artist to control the density of the prepared ink in a way that produces consistent results.

In addition to black ink, colors are used in brush painting, made with mineral or plant pigments.

Functionally, these give a different result in transparency. The colors of the Chinese pigments, available as chips or powder, are classic, but perhaps troublesome to maintain. (I had an indigo that attracted mold). Chinese and Japanese tube watercolors are available, and most western tube brands work just fine. Japanese dish watercolors are vibrant and easy to maintain (where a rarely

used tube may dry out). I find dry pans of color more difficult to work with if blending a color. I prefer to put a dab of pigment on my porcelain tray and mix there.

I like the Japanese Holbein tubes; they are pricey, but last a long time. To start in any color painting, in addition to your ink, you will only need an indigo, a yellow, and a red. They can be blended with the brush in a flat white dish with water to achieve nearly any color. A tube or jar of white gouache is also useful for some effects, and for making pastel colors, but most gouache colors are best used for something else where more overall opacity is desired. You might also find some amusing metallic or fluorescent watercolors just for fun.

Are you ready to paint now? Bamboo is an excellent start.

So far we have been considering tools (the Four Treasures of the Study) and the energy of the practice. Next time we will talk about some basic brush strokes and composition, and techniques so you can make a painting.

Summer 2019 — Page 15

Poetry Corner Welcome to our new Poetry Corner! Our intention is to share the creativity of our readers as they explore their connections to the Tao. 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.

Courage to Create Art and poetry

By Mike Krogman

It takes courage to clear a space Fill the water, arrange the pallet.

It takes heart to touch brush to paper.

Trust a color, steady your hands.

I think its brave to start the line Ride the curve Remember to breathe I think its quite daring as humans, To create something outside of ourselves.

It is truly valiant to start.

The Empty Vessel — Page 16

The Tao of Neuropsychology

By Nicole Noles Collins

a dance of electrical impulses intertwining the nervous system and cognitive ability eclectic choreography of science and philosophy a ceaseless performance without an audience of structure and function, yin and yang in the microcosmic orbit on the macrocosmic stage the sage observes, the fool measures one interruption, and the dance unwinds then basic steps become a fumble yin and yang fight, not flow

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Nicole Noles Collins Acupuncture Physician Licensed Massage Therapist

941-979-9793

3440 Conway Blvd. Unit 1D Port Charlotte, FL 33952 pcacupuncture.abmp.com AP3128

MA35332

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Summer 2019 — Page 17

Taiji and a peculiar hunger

By Jim Birt The taiji way is not easy.

Ask the millions who started and stopped.

It takes a peculiar hunger and a willingness to begin again and again.

You will learn, forget, and learn anew.

You never knew how many rough edges you embody.

But practice polishes you, like a stream polishes the pebble.

Time and effort – not shortcuts – are the way.

Grasping the bird’s tail I seek stillness in motion.

There it is – not hidden at all, just waiting for a time of ripening.

Tai chi form, you stay the same yet never become stagnant.

Because the center is the center the powers of all the directions remain certain, but never frozen.

Turn from the stillpoint.

Watch spring become summer, summer, autumn, autumn, winter.

Who would doubt another spring?

Roots reach deep and far; heaven suspends.

In between, so many transformations: Crane cools its wings, white snake spits out tongue, golden rooster stands on one leg.

In this play, ride the form to no fixed destination.

Light and shadow play across the terrain of my fingers and palms as I wave hands like clouds: two passing worlds, one center.

arising from an ocean of stillness.

There they are!

Distinct and gemlike, simultaneously transient ancient forms passing through my fingertips.

A tiger’s mouth on the left, a crane’s beak on the right – both manifest like waves

Like the cosmos we begin from singularity.

Yin and yang separate

The Empty Vessel — Page 18

and momentum births manifestation: a blossoming of multiplicity.

Every one has a center, fluid, not fixed – maybe near, maybe far depending on the mind of the mover.

The shifts and turns are simple and subtle, from beginning to end.

Each repetition is a step closer to horizons uniquely awaiting you.

Will this day bring the one no other traveler has seen?

The Grand Ultimate reveals the full spectrum source of all transformations.

Emerging from stillness and returning balancing yin and yang.

Embody these simplicities for a full, rich life.

Sweep a lotus low and high.

Turnings spiral out from a single point of no dimensions.

In such moments we are galaxies!

A Great Stillness abides to the left and right, front and back, above, below.

Too much effort disturbs it.

Too little is pointless.

This calls for a delicate touch, like handling the wings of a butterfly, or the memory of a dream.

Inside a vast circle where nothing is left out moves the great Elixir.

Too elusive for measurement – a particle today, tomorrow, a wave.

In between, permutations beyond numbering.

Plumb its depths with playfulness.

Seek its expanse with curiosity.

Summer 2019 — Page 19

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

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 The Empty Vessel — Page 20

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

Daoist Transformation Magic. Transformation Skills of Daoist Sorcery, Two Types of Magical Transformation Skill, The Magical Transformation of Man, Observing the Present Meditation, Psychometry, Clairaudience, Transferring Thoughts, Clairvoyance, Perceiving a Person’s Destiny, Seeing Spirits and Having Visions, Dream Magic, Dream Magic Training, Herbs Used To Induce Lucid Dreaming, Mind Magic, Illusionary Magic, Invisibility, Three Types of Invisibility Skills, Suspended Animation, Walking Through Walls, Soul Travel, Teleportation, Bilocation, Shape-Shifting Magic, Methods of Shape-Shifting, The Magical Transformation of External Things, Defense Magic, Healing Magic, Sex Magic, Materialization, Weather Magic, Divination Magic, Corpse Magic, Transferring a Soul, Stealing the Soul of a Coma Victim, Rituals Used In Corpse Magic In Order to Obtain a Spirit Helper, Energy, Spirit, and Soul Projection, Qi and Thought Projection, Shadow Magic Training,Three Types of Soul Projection, Five Phases of Soul Travel, Soul Projection Training, Imagination Techniques, Respiration Techniques, Mantra Sound Techniques, Advanced Soul Projection and Shape-Shifting Techniques, Communicating in the Spirit World. $85

To order these books, send check along with $10 postage for each one to: DaoDog Press, 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:

Name Address City State Zip Summer 2019 — Page 21

American Dragon Gate Lineage

By Shifu Michael Rinaldini

Part 2: The practices of the lineage members.

In a previous issue of The Empty Vessel, my article on the origins and history of the American Dragon Gate Lineage (ADGL) mentions some of the practices of the ADGL. These practices include the daily reciting of scriptures and going on solitary retreats. The other practice of the ADGL is Daoist meditation.

As a whole, these three practices are referred to as The Three Lineage Treasures of The ADGL: Meditation, Scripture Reciting, and Solitary Retreats. The rest of this article will examine each of these treasures in detail.

The Daily Reciting of Scriptures To begin, the entire training period for members who wish to eventually become ordained priests is called the 1,000 Day Training. During the 1,000 days, there are numerous areas of study. These include general studies in the history of Daoism, with specific history studies on the Quanzhen (Complete Perfection Sect of Daoism) tradition. Two of the key texts that members study are The Teachings and Practices Of The Early Quanzhen Taoist Masters, and Daoism, Meditation, And The Wonders of Serenity, both from Daoist scholar Stephen Eskildsen.

However, the one practice The Empty Vessel — Page 22

that ties everything together is the daily practice of reciting scriptures and invocations from a collection of Daoist texts known as the Gongke. The ADGL Gongke is a modification of the Daoist Morning and Evening Services of the Quanzhen Order that is recited daily in Daoist temples and monasteries throughout China. For 1,000 consecutive days, the ADGL priests-in-training recite texts from this collection. Upon

beginning the training, members are given the general guidelines for this daily practice.

The ADGL Gongke: Rules and Guidelines Imagine yourself going away to a remote hermitage where you and an old novice master will practice together for the next 1,000 days.

At the end of this period, some-

one will arrive in a jeep and bring you back to your home.

You recite from the Gongke everyday. There is no required amount of time you devote to reciting daily. It can be a few minutes if that is all the time you have, or it can be 15 minutes or longer. It is a good practice to devote more time to it on special days, like weekends, holidays, personal retreat days, and so on. Keep in mind that this is not the time for intellectual study; rather it is a sacred time to unite with the Daoist immortals

and the ultimate Dao. When you want to study the content of the scriptures, you do that at other times. Think of it as going into the Daoist temple, chanting with other monks, and then leaving the temple. End of service.

How strict do you have to be in this daily practice? Very.

Compared to the ancient Daoists or the followers of Wang Chongyang (Founder of Quanzhen Daoism), we as modern day practitioners are pretty weak in our spiritual

efforts. So the rule is this: As long as you remember that you have to do your daily recitation, you are obligated to do it. The general rule is to have a special place where you practice/recite every day.

The Texts The study and recitation of Daoist scriptures and invocations are an integral aspect of ADGL beliefs and practices. Our scriptures include the Daode jing, and others, like the Qingjing jing, Yinfu jing, Mind Seal Classic, Summer 2019 — Page 23

Neiye or Inward Training, Zuowang lun, Faith Mind Sutra, and Cultivation Poems and Discourses by Wang Zhe (Wang Chongyang) on Clarity and Purity, and more. Some of the invocations are Purifying the Spirit, Purifying the Mouth, Purifying the Body, Purifying Heaven and Earth, and other invocations. Sometimes I get enquiries on how a person can get a copy of these invocations.

For one, I am seeing Daoist invocations showing up on Facebook. For a more reliable source I recommend a translation

by Christina J. Barea, the Scriptures for the Morning & Evening Rites of the Orthodox Oneness.

The second treasure of the ADGL is the practice of Zuowang meditation. Zuowang is frequently translated as “sitting and forgetting.” Daoist scholar Livia Kohn translates Zuowang as “sitting in oblivion.” In either translation, the focus is on a deep meditative state whereby the mind undergoes a complete transformation of everyday experience, arriving at an ultimate unity with the Dao. ADGL members practice this form of meditation on a regular basis, and intensify their meditation efforts during certain intensive retreats.

Sometimes I get inquiries on what are our other practices of Daoist cultivation, beyond Zuowang, reciting scriptures, and intensive retreat practices. I usually respond by saying “Isn’t unification with the Dao enough?” I gently say, as not to offend their ego that perhaps they have not comprehended the depths of the Zuowang experience. It is said in the Daoist scriptures that the path is a long journey and it takes constant practice. Some ancient masters say to practice whethThe Empty Vessel — Page 24

er sitting, lying down, walking and even when sleeping. That’s intense practice, and not for the casual practitioner who thinks all they have to do is some energy work and stand stationary for 15 minutes, and read the Daode Jing. One of our practices, for instance, is a 24-hour meditation where the adept does nothing but sit in forgetting, recite scriptures, and practice brief Qigong circle walking. No breaks. No naps. No outside distractions. Let me go back to a fuller explanation of the Zuowang experience.

throughout most of my adult life.

I’ve written about my passions for the monastic life, and sometimes the hermit life in my earlier writings, mainly my first book, A Daoist Practice Journal: Come Laugh with Me. I’ve carried this passion forward in the training of Daoist priests in the form of annual group retreats, as well as solitary retreats. During different phases of the ADGL training, priests-in-training go on their own solitary retreats. They are usually short 2-3 day retreats at different settings. The places of retreats can be at Catholic In Zuowang practice, the aim is contemplative monasteries, or to perform a very simple focus on at non-denominational retreat the breath and the heart-mind. centers, or Zen or yoga centers.

The emptier the heart-mind is, the And sometimes a member may more purified the heart becomes. simply rent a vacation cabin in And the method is simple. Sit in the mountains or on a beach, and silence and focus the mind on spend a few days alone. the movement of the breath. Our main Daoist scripture for mediWhile on retreat, members set tation guidance is the Zuowang up their own schedule for their Lun, written by eighth-century practices. They will incorporate Daoist Master Sima Chengzhen. the other two treasures, that is, In reading this scripture you times when they will recite from encounter numerous references the gongke, and their sitting to forgetting all distracting forms meditation times. They will also of the mind and body until you schedule times for their qigong, tai arrive at a place of absolute stillchi practices or other martial arts ness. I was lucky to participate in practice time. I always encourage a Daoist training a few years ago members to not be so rigid in by one of the China Daoist Assotheir scheduling. Leave time for ciation’s senior priests. At some just being quiet in nature, and point in the training, I realized listening to all the natural sounds that the master was beginning around them. It is interesting to talk about Zuowang meditathat we seek out these isolated tion. He said the key thing is to places away from the noises and withdraw all your senses: seeing, distractions of the cities, but when hearing, smells, taste, touch and we get out in nature, we find it is rest in a pure state of stillness. full of its own noises.

So when I encounter someone asking what else do we practice, I And then there is the desert think to myself, go deep into your of the retreat. Many traditions inner silence, clarity, and stillness of contemplative prayer or and you’ll find the essence of meditation speak of the dark night Daoist practice. of the soul where the solitary practitioner is confronted with The third treasure is to spend their own reality. There is nowhere time in solitary retreat. I have to hide while on a solitary retreat, been going on solitary retreats that is, if done properly. All of

your weaknesses, fears, anxieties, worries, and attachments will eventually come to the surface.

This is called, knowing your self.

One of our favorite Daoist guides calls these our “walking sticks.”

These are the subtle spiritual attachments, like filling our mind up with all kinds of theories, principles, or expectations. And some of these attachments are of a grand nature, like the attachment to get enlightened, or perhaps, more modestly to become a calmer person. Nonetheless, they are all walking sticks that have to be forgotten, otherwise there is no genuine realization.

From my earlier hermit and monastic days, I learned that the place of special significance is our own room, the monastic cell.

The scriptures are also full of this advice, go to your cell, sit and be still, and allow the Dao to return

to you. We thus, go to the “cell” to experience our true self, wiped clean of obstacles. And we allow solitude to teach us things that we don’t always want to hear. In the ADGL training, the solitary training is where we sometimes lose candidates. A long time ago there was a member who was very bright in Chinese medicine and Daoist philosophy, but he never wanted to go on solitary retreats.

He eventually withdrew from the training, perhaps fearing his own empty self. However, the majority of the priests-in-training passes through the trials of the solitary retreat, and come out the other end full of wonder and respect for the Three Treasures of the ADGL.

Conclusion For present day Daoists of the American Dragon Gate Lineage,

the ultimate concern is to return to the Source, which is the Dao. It is a path of emptying the self of distractions through spiritual disciplines leading to the direct experience of one’s true nature, which is identical to the essential nature of the Dao. The path is long, and requires constant practice. The following paragraph from the ADGL Platform Statement sums it all up.

“Entry through the Dragon Gate is like the ancient Daoist Quanzhen story about the gorge called the Dragon Gate gorge. It is said that if a carp could swim through this gorge, it would come out the other side as a dragon. This is what we have to do in our practices as Daoists, swim through the illusions of life and connect with the heavenly aspect of our being, symbolized by the dragon, the primordial Source of the Dao.” Summer 2019 — Page 25

The Tao of Walloo

By Asha Hawkesworth

Not long after I moved to Oregon, I was driving to the coast along Highway 26, and I noticed a sign that said something like, “The Largest Tree in Oregon.” Curious, I turned off toward the tree.

I didn’t have to drive far to see an enormous sitka spruce, surrounded by a little fence, with a sign designating it an Oregon Heritage Tree. It was 206 feet tall, 56 feet in circumference, and 750 years old—meaning that it had sprouted a few years after the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. I marveled at this beautiful giant and wondered at what it must have seen in its life. And with that thought, Walloo was born.

A tree so large and so old must have been a witness to so much, I thought. And what an advantage to live such a long time, and to gain so much wisdom.

When I sat down to write Walloo’s story, I imagined it enjoying the pleasures of spring and birds nesting in its branches.

I imagined that it endured the pains of fire, death, and destruction. And I imagined that it always asked, “Why? Why is this happening? What can I do?”

What I learn from the Tao is that such questions are not to be answered. Such things simply are. Life has its own rhythms, and the why of it is unknown.

“The reed that bends in the wind does not break,” I always tell myself, paraphrasing Confucius.

The Empty Vessel — Page 26

Wisdom is seeing that you are not separate from the current of Life, and that you must follow where it leads.

My Walloo comes to this wisdom with time. It comes to understand that joys and griefs come and go, and that acceptance gets us further than fighting it in despair. For Walloo, the moment of acceptance is also when the miracle occurs, and it is able to share its wisdom with an enlightened child.

I first saw the Klootchy Creek Sitka, as it was known, in 2003.

In 2004 I gave birth to Walloo, who impressed its wisdom on

me. Sadly, the original tree was injured by a wind storm in 2006.

Another wind storm in 2011 further injured it, requiring the Parks service to cut much of its height away, due to safety concerns. Today, only the stump remains, a reminder that even the old and the wise have an end, which is also a beginning in the never-ending flow of the Tao.

Title: “Walloo: The Oldest Tree” Author: Asha Hawkesworth

Book Review

“Walloo: The Oldest Tree”

By Asha Hawkesworth New Haven Publishing

This children’s story about the life of a tree, with its joys and sorrows, was inspired by the Klootchy Creek Sitka near the Oregon coast. Walloo is nearly 800 years old and has attained more wisdom than numerous human lifetimes, which it yearns to share with us in this Taoist tale. Will you hear what it has learned about Life?

What is life like for a tree? When you’re the oldest tree in the forest, you have seen a lot—and learned a lot. Walloo is the tallest tree in the forest, and it has experienced many joys and many dangers, from nurturing young wrens in its branches, to fire and the reckless destruction of the forest by man. The wise old tree appeals to its friends the West Wind, the Mountain, and Life for help during hard times, but they do not reply. Eventually, it will take a young girl to hear the tree and understand its message. As a result, Walloo becomes revered and discovers what Life is really about.

Asha Hawkesworth is a writer, painter, gardener, and

mother whose primary interests are her family, the natural world and its preservation, human rights, and peaceful coexistence. She was profoundly influenced by “The Lorax,” and “All in the Family” as she grew up as an Army brat. She now lives in beautiful Gresham, Oregon with her wife, two children, cats, and a pug named Roxoo.

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 2019 — Page 27

Book Reviews

LAO TZU’S TAO TE CHING: Psychotherapeutic Commentaries AUTHOR: Raymond Bart Vespe The Tao Te Ching is a principal text of the ancient Spiritual tradition of Chinese Taoism. It is a compilation of wisdom sayings attributed to Lao Tzu, the old boy/ philosopher/Master, recorded over 2,000 years ago and which has since undergone hundreds of translations, commentaries and adaptations. Tao Te Ching maxims are wise counsel given by sages to feudal rulers on how to harmoniously order their states and peacefully govern their peoples at a time in Chinese history of pervasive socio-political conflict and upheaval. The wisdom sayings have become universally meaningful and perennially relevant guidelines for successful leadership as well as for optimal living.

The present work is an original rendering of the 81 Tao Te Ching passages wherein identifying with the essential Reality of Tao and its dynamic-kinetic energetic characteristics, qualities and activities are considered to constitute the unique individuality, true integrity, innate wisdom and potent virtuosity of our inner human nature. The psychotherapeutically-oriented commentaries given for each of the passages are not only useful for professionals engaged in the attending relationship/process of psychotherapy but also for anyone interested in living a more Spiritually awakened, natural, contented and enjoyable human life.

SUBJECT: Chinese Taoism/Tao Te Ching/Psychotherapy • COST: 978-1-58790367-0 (paperback)/ $19.95 • 978-1-58790-368-7 (e-book)/$9.95 PAGES: 288 Pages/ paperback

CHUANG TZU’S NEI P’IEN: Psychotherapeutic Commentaries A Wayfaring Counselor’s Rendering Of The Seven Interior Records AUTHOR: Raymond Bart Vespe The Chuang Tzu is a principal text of the ancient spiritual tradition of Chinese Taoism. It is a collection of illustrative tales in thirty-three chapters recorded over 2,000 years ago and which has since undergone hundreds of translations, commentaries and adaptations. The first seven Inner Chapters/Nei P’ien of The Chuang Tzu text are attributed to Chuang Chou/Tzu, the serene/ubiquitous/Master, and are rendered here as the Interior Records. Nei P’ien tales are lively portrayals of how individual beings manage to find their truth, freedom and happiness at a time in Chinese history of rampant bloody internecine warfare between rulers of separate states vying for hegemony.

The present work is an original rendering of the tales in the Seven Interior Records/Nei Pien. The psychotherapeutically-oriented commentaries given for each of the tales are not only useful for professionals practicing psychotherapy, but also for anyone interested in truly and soulfully living a more spiritually awakened, natural, free and happy human life.

SUBJECT: Chinese Taoism / Chuang Tzu/Psychotherapy • COST: 978-1-58790-378-6 (paperback)/$19.95 • 978-1-58790-379-3 (e-book)/$9.95 • PAGES: 274 Pages/paperback

The Empty Vessel — Page 28

Book Review

Daoist Internal Mastery

By Wang Liping Three Pines Press Softcover, 419 pages Review by Solala Tower

This is an exciting new book by the famous Daoist teacher Wang Liping, who was profiled in the book Opening the Dragon Gate. In that book we learned about his training under three very traditional and even eccentric Daoist masters. This is the first book of his own that has been translated into English and is full of deep level qigong and meditation practices, many of which are appearing for the first time in English.

There are so many practices and guidance on qigong that anyone, from a beginner to a long term practitioner will find something that will be helpful to their cultivation practice.

The first chapter gives us some history of Daoism in China. This is followed by chapters on internal structure and various cultivation systems. There are chapters on Energy Balancing, Attracting Immortality, Alignment of the Five Phases, as well as Cultivation Methods of the

Taiyi jinhua zongzhi (known in the West as The Secret of the Golden Flower).

Every practice is shown in great detail and range from very simple to advanced. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a serious practitioner of qigong and Daoist meditation. There is such a wealth of information here that one can take years to go through all the practices.

Qigong & Daoist Training Center Sebastopol, California

Shifu Michael Rinaldini

CircleWalking,ChineseFood Local-Distance study Therapy, Prescriptions options.

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Book Excerpt Ethics and Kindness in the Dao De Jing (added to 2nd edition) A tendency to deny that the Dao De Jing has any ethical framework, or teachings of kindness towards others, has persisted in both the East and the West. This is likely due to longstanding competitions between Buddhists, Confucians, and Daoists, with the added influence of Christian missionaries – often unwitting participants in Western imperialism and cultural colonization – all of whom seized on their misunderstanding of a few chapters that appear to scoff at common ethics. A simple contextualization within the Dao De Jing itself shows that these chapters, in fact, warn of fabricated demonstrations of virtue which arises when individuals lose their inner harmony and groups lose their collective harmony, generally as a result of avarice and envy (see chapter 3).

Rather than simply offering a checklist of moral prescriptions, Lao Zi attempts to provide a guide to inner harmony, knowing that when people attain this harmony and contentment they will naturally seek to live out this inner harmony with others, in peace.

Rather than list thousands of “correct” behaviours for every situation, Lao Zi sought to instill that from which all good behaviours arise, working from within the individual to extend out to society.

Using external authority, law, praise and shame to coerce internally disharmonious people into harmonious behaviour does not solve the root of the problem, but only encourages people to act out of a desire for reward or a fear of punishment. This strategy is unreliable and unsustainable, as the behaviours it encourages will disappear with the rewards and punishments.

The Empty Vessel — Page 30

Excerpt from: Reid, Dan G., translation and commentary. The Heshang Gong Commentary on Lao Z’s Dao De Jing. Montreal: Center Ring Publishing, 2015, 2019.

If I were steadfast in understanding I would simply walk the Great Path Having only one rightful fear The Great Way is like cleared land Yet the people love narrow tracks (Dao De Jing, chapter 53) The difficulty is not that people are unable to distinguish right from wrong, but that their desires, envy, and conceit cause them to lose contentment, to contend with one another, and to prove their superiority. Thus, Lao Zi demonstrated these tendencies while showing the path to contentment, to self-sufficiency, where such

behaviours would dissolve as people return to their inborn virtues and their inborn desire to live in harmony with nature and other human beings.

To break down Lao Zi’s teachings into a checklist of prescribed morals would be to miss his point entirely – that morality cannot be prescribed, that people should return to their inborn virtue, and that the virtuous should not try to force others by telling them what to do. Thus, writing a list of “do’s and do not’s” would be antithetical to his teachings on virtue. However, having noted a common claim that Lao Zi made no distinctions between good behaviour and bad behaviour, the following examples of such distinctions, found in chapters of the Dao De Jing, may serve to allay such claims. While many chapters show no concern for any such distinctions, those which do generally echo the guidance found in the following chapters, which may be summarized as:

Ch.2: Do not be conceited or envious. Do not try to show that you’re better than others.

Ch.3: Do not stir up trouble between people.

Ch. 5: Do not be partial in judgement.

Ch. 7: Put others first. Do not be selfish.

Ch. 8: Do your best and benefit others.

Ch. 9: Do not be greedy.

Ch. 17: Do not benefit others only for recognition.

Ch. 18: Adhere to the above guidance so that harmony and peacefulness do not break down, for this breakdown necessitates fabricated acts of virtue in order

to avoid total chaos.

Ch. 19: Do not act “holier than thou.”

Ch. 20: Do not get so caught up in life that you lose your connection with the Source.

possess them Sets them in motion but does not expect of them Extends their lives without ruling and controlling This is called Fathomless Virtue

Another common tendency is to deny any reading of kindness in Lao Zi’s teachings, or otherwise claim that the perception of kindness in his teachings is merely an implantation of Christian values. This too may be a product of propaganda, likely from both Christian missionaries and the centuries old competition between Buddhists and Daoists. What is most ironic about this assertion is that it so often carries an expressed disdain for Christian imperialism, blaming this imperialism for a perceived projection of Christian values into Daoist literature. These allegations of Christian cultural colonialism, however, curiously overlook the monopoly they concede to Christianity on teachings of love, mercy, kindness, charity, and civility.

This only perpetuates the very propaganda that allowed Christian imperialism to turn so many people against their native traditions and cultures despite such blatant evidence of these virtues in their own cultural practices. Teachings of kindness are, in fact, pervasive in the writings of Lao Zi. For example, in his description of Dao’s Virtue (De) from chapter 51:

The selflessness of De also proves to be an ideal for the Sage. In chapter 7, for example, Lao Zi states:

Dao actuates them Virtue takes care of them, extends their lifespans Teaches them, completes them Tests them, raises them And brings them back (to their pure natures) Actuates them but does not

Therefore, sages leave themselves behind And they end up in front They do not cater to themselves Yet they persist Is it not because they are without selfishness and wickedness That they are able to fulfill themselves?

This virtue of selfless beneficence, and disregard for reciprocity, can be seen throughout the Dao De Jing.

Surely, Daoists may deny that this kindness is connected to morals, in the common sense, because it is simply an expression of inborn nature. This integral nuance, however, does not change the ultimate reception and benefit of this behaviour as kindness, love, and charity – a beneficence without expectation of reciprocity. Further, English is not the only language with overlays of nuance in these terms. Just as kindness, charity, love, mercy, and civility all fractionally imply each other, so do ci (kindness, compassion), ai (love, care), and ren (benevolence, civility) fractionally imply each other. So, while Lao Zi’s teachings arguably transcend ethical rules, one would be completely amiss to overlook his admonishments for kindness, care, and compassion in personifying Fathomless (Mysterious) Virtue – Xuan De. Summer 2019 — Page 31

“ Manifest plainness, Embrace simplicity, Reduce selfishness, Have few desires.”

The Empty Vessel — Page 32

— Lao Tzu

A Journey into Daoist China with Solala Towler Hangzhou • Wuyi Mountains • Chengdu • Qingcheng Mountain October 12-27 2019

Please join us this October as we explore Daoist China...we will begin our journey in Hangzhou where we will go boating upon the famous West Lake, visit the temple of the famous Daoist alchemist Ge Hong and drink tea at some of the traditional teahouses there...then we will take a fast train to the beautiful Wuyi Mountains in southern China, a World Heritage Site and home of the famous Wuyi oolong tea...we will ride down the river on rafts, visit ancient Daoist temples and drink lots of local tea... from there we fly to Chengdu where we will eat hot pot and visit the pandas...we will also be staying on Qingcheng Shan, where we will study the local taiji with a master there, as well as witness the daily Daoist ceremonies in the nearby temple...one day we will hike to the top of the mountain for a special tea ceremony with Daoist priests...then we will spend a few days in retreat at a quiet temple at the back of the mountain before we leave for Mei Guo (Beautiful Country) and home...

All along the way we will practice Wuji (Primordial) Qigong each morning, have Dao talks each afternoon on the principles and practices of Daoism, have group meditation each evening and take part in many rich and soulful gongfu tea ceremonies...

We will be visiting very few tourist places other than the famous Panda Reserve outside Chengdu...instead this trip will be an opportunity to go deeply into Daoist practices...each day, each moment, each step on our journey will be an opportunity to engage with the ancient teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi and make them a part of our own life journey...

Cost for this 16-day trip $5800 all inclusive double occupancy $6500 single occupancy What’s included • Roundtrip airfare from U.S. to China and back • All train, bus and airfare within China • All hotels, meals, classes • Local and national guides and translation • Excursions and sightseeing • All tips and gratuities For further information and to register call 541.345.8854, or write to solala@abodetao.com.

Visit our website at www.abodetao.com

Solala Towler has been teaching qigong and the Daoist arts for over 28 years. He was publisher of The Empty Vessel magazine for 25 years and has had 12 books on the Daoist arts published, including The Inner Chapters of Chuang Tzu (Watkins) and Practicing the Tao Te Ching: 81 Steps On the Way (Sounds True).

He has recorded 4 cd’s of meditation music and is a founding board member and past president of the National Qigong Association. He has been traveling to China since 1993.

We will be working with Dana Xu (Xu Shu Xin), a delightful and experienced guide. She will travel with us for the whole trip and be our guide, translator and confidante in the Middle Kingdom.

China as a spiritual journey and life changing experience!

Summer 2019 — Page 33

Missing a past edition of your favorite Taoist magazine?

Winter 2018 / Spring 2019: I Ching and the 8 Immortals, A Curious Opportunity, An Introduction to NSEV lineage, Balance With a Brush, Chinese New Year of the Earth Pig, Microcosmic Core Circulation,Empty Vessel China Tour 2018 recap Fall 2018: History and Origins of American Dragon Gate Lineage, On the Shoulders of Giants, Harmony of Herbs: Bidens Alba, Working Consciously and Living Spiritually

$5.95 each (unless noted) 4 issues for $22 For a complete list of back issues email

Summer 2018: Lessons of the Dao, The Spirit of Intention, Like Flower Unfolding Spring 2018: Thoughts For Spring, Spiritual Individualism in China, Qigong Mysteries, The Tao of Now Winter 2018: Winter Cultivation, Earth Dog Year, Jiaye the Taoist Caveman, Quantum Qi, A Journey to China and Tibet Fall 2017: Entering the Tao: Some Important Benefits from Consistent Practice of T’ai-Chi Chuan, Qigong, & Meditation; Sharing Taiji Qigong with Recovering Addicts; A Teacher of Natural Spiritual Truth: Empty Vessel Interview with Hua-Ching Ni; Internal Elixir Meditation: Basic Breathing Methods; Value of Worthlessness and The Wisdom of Foolishness Summer 2017: SOLD OUT! Spring 2017: Immortal Sisters Conference, Healing Chronic Pain with Tai Chi, Attaining Spiritual Fortitude Winter 2017: 2017 Fire Phoenix Year, Illness as a Form of Communication, Origin of Daoist Religion, The Heshang Gong Commentary on Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, The Shaman and the Taoist Fall 2016: Supporting the KidThe Empty Vessel — Page 34

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of Reality, Refining Breath to Transmute It Into Spirit, SPECIAL TEA ISSUE: Alchemy of Awareness in tea, The Last Cup: The Ten Lost Tea-Brewing Pictures, The Way of Tea. $8

Summer 2016: Chuang Tzu: The Inner Chapters The Way of Essential Virtue, Interview with Daoist Priest Wu Dang Chen, Dao Yin: The Mystery of Health

Summer 2014: The Poetry of Passion, The Daoist Arts of Wudang Mountain, Zhuangzi’s Perfect Happiness in the Light of Contemporary Western Psychology

Spring 2016: SOLD OUT! Winter 2016: 2016 Fire Monkey Year, Shape Your Destiny, Interview with Lonny Jarrett, The Five Shen Fall 2015: Internal Elixir Cultivation, The Watercourse Way, The Mind Inside Tai Chi, Rediscovering the Roots of Chinese Thought Summer 2015: Five Fold Essence of Tea, The Story of the Tao Te Ching, Functions of Essence, Breath and Spirit, Interview with Master Yang Hai Spring 2015: Being Daoist, The Way of Wu Wei, Riding the Phoenix to Peng Lai, Daoism in the West, A Conversation Between a Taoist and A Buddhist Winter 2015: SOLD OUT! Fall 2014: Broadening Our Views

Spring 2014: Ren Tian Zhi Dao: The Way of Man and Nature, Interview with Dr. Bernard Shannon, True Spiritual Help Winter 2014: Year of the Wood Horse, Nei Dan Sitting Meditation, Dance of the Five Moving Forces Fall 2013: The Watercourse Way, Tea Time With Old Po, Women’s Powers in Popular Daoism Summer 2013: SOLD OUT! Spring 2013: Food Cures and Diets, The Spiritual Warrior, Daoist Nature Meditation Winter 2013: Year of the Water Snake, Art and Practice of Tai Chi, Lao Zi – The Hidden Dragon, Taoist Sexual Meditation Fall 2012: Big Dipper Medita-

tion, The Dragon Turtle, Eliminating Pitfalls in Qigong Practice, 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

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 ChiSpring 2012: Free and Easy Wan- nese Ancestry – Part 4 dering: A Western Daoist Manifesto, The Tai Chi Sword and Spiritual Fall 2010: Chuang Tzu: The Way Swordsmanship, Stress, Illness & the of Nourishing Life; Nudan Practice Daoist Antidote, Introduction To and the Modern Woman; Taoists, classical Feng Shui Doctors and Shamans – Part 1; Nourishing Woman; A Taoist MasWinter 2012: Year of the Water ter’s Search For His Chinese Ancestry Dragon, Immortality and the 14 Part 3 words of Lao Zi, The Tao of Joy Every Day, The World of Chinese Medicine, Summer 2010: Bagua: Why Qi Medicine and the Purpose of Cul- Practice This Old and Obscure Art?, tivation – an interview with Master Mystical Wudang Mountains, GuideZhongxian Wu lines for Setting Up A Daoist Altar, A Taoist Master’s Search for His ChiFall 2011: SOLD OUT! nese Ancestry Part 1 Summer 2011: SOLD OUT! Spring 2011: Daoism in America: A Conversation with Xuan Yun (Mysterious Cloud), Return to Stillness is the Motion of Tao, Put

Spring 2010: SOLD OUT! Winter 2010: A Taoist Master’s Search For His Chinese Ancestry Part 2, Daosim in the Korean Mountains, The Daoist System of Laozi

Fall 2009: SOLD OUT! Summer 2009: SOLD OUT! Spring 2009: SOLD OUT! Winter 2009: Dao at the Beach, Searching For Dao in Daily Life, Returning to the Essence through Shamanic Qi Gong and Sacred Sound Healing, The Spirit of Tea, Reclaiming Your Power Through New Beginnings

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State Zip Phone: Total: Summer 2019 — Page 35

Directory & Classifieds 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, sus-

tainable 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.

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

212-477-7055. www.taoist-arts.com.

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. 828225-3993.

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 (San-

skrit 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.

Chi Wellness, The Center of Qigong. 3-year

ist Studies, Energy Medicine, Chi Nei Tsang, Pelvic Health.

Qigong and Meditation. Retreats. NCBTMB approved. 505670-3538. www.whitecloudinstitute.com.

Medical Qigong Practitioner and Qigong Instructor 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.

American Dragon Gate Lineage: Shifu Michael

National Qigong Association. Since 1996, the NQA

White Cloud Institute. Classes open to everyone. Tao-

Rinaldini offers 125, 300, 500 hour Qigong Certification.

Trainings in Daoist practices. A 3-year training to become ordained Daoist priest of the Lineage. qigongdragon.com

Taoist Arts Center. Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Taoist Meditation.

Traditional Taoist arts offered in a friendly and cooperative environment. Classes, Workshops, Private Instruction.

Director: Susan Rabinowitz, 342 East 9th Street, NYC 10003.

is the premier non-profit membership organization for all types of qigong schools and enthusiasts, and offers annual conferences and qigong certification. Website: http://www. nqa.org.

Learn to play Shakuhachi the Zen flute of Japan.

Gold Coast Chicago location. Vintage instruments available.

Etsy.com shop: ZenShamanicArts. www.utaguchi.com.

“The Tao is an empty vessel/It is used but never filled.”

— Tao Te Ching

Directory listings: $25 for first 30 words, $1 per word thereafter, 15 word minimum.

The Empty Vessel — Page 36

Calendar of Events

To submit events, email daodogpress@gmail.com with the name of event, date, time, place, cost, and contact information.

Tai Chi Amongst The Bonsai Fall 2019 — $15

Sun, Sep 8 (9:00 AM) • Sun, Oct 6 (9:00 AM) •Sun, Nov 3 (9:00 AM) National Bonsai & Penjing Museum 3501 New York Avenue Northeast Washington, DC 20002 DC Tai Chi and the National Bonsai Foundation partner to bring a unique and unitive experience.

Join us for a one hour Tai Chi class taught by internationally recognized Master Nick Gracenin surrounded by the beauty, serenity and history of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum’s world-famous collection of tiny trees. Master Nick will introduce the essentials of traditional Tai Chi and Qigong. Class is suitable for all levels.

Ongoing

Tai Chi in the Garden July 20 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am Tai Chi every Saturday at the Museum’s garden.

Tea is provided.

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum 404 Third Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 T: 619 338 9888 F: 619 338 9889 info@sdchm.org

Summer 2019 — Page 37

“ When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” — Lao Tzu

The Empty Vessel — Page 38

Summer 2019 — Page 39

Be the Medicine!

Nurturing Students to be Exceptional Practitioners of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine Yo San University is a fully-accredited professional graduate school offering both Master’s & Doctoral Degree programs in Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine.

We place particular emphasis on our Taoist heritage and the added value brought to the medicine by the 38th generation legacy of our founders. The Taoist principles of harmony and balance are held to be the foundation of our physical, mental, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Our students do not just learn and practice the medicine. They are living examples of the medicine. They ‘Become the Medicine’.

For more information, contact us at: 310.577.3000 x124 or admissions@yosan.edu