Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Tao of Health and Longevity

I often write about concepts that have a foundation in the Taoist philosophy. But as the Taoist Old Master, Lao Tzu, once said: “The way (Tao) that can be spoken is not the real way. The name that could be named is not the real name.” Taoist philosophy is considered the way to connect with the mind of the Universe by finding balance and harmony in our life.

A major foundation of Chinese culture, Taoism is regarded as the esoteric part of Chinese tradition, and Confucianism the exoteric part. The exoteric is open and available to everyone, and the esoteric is hidden and only for those who have the requisite spiritual aptitude. Thus states Derek Bryce in his Introduction to Lao-Tzu’s famous historic classic Tao Te Ching translated by Derek Bryce and Leon Wieger. According to Daniel Reid in his book The Tao of Health Sex and Longevity, no other book’s been translated as widely as the Tao Te Ching.

Taoism is a way of life, not a religion. It’s based on the positive and negative poles (Yin and Yang in Taoist terms) of a vast electromagnetic field that’s the core foundation of our universe. The interface of Yin and Yang creates vibrations and all things in existence has its own frequency or vibration. The concept of balancing the Yin and Yang energy in our body to maximize our health and longevity is well over 5000 years old. The Western world is slowly becoming aware of Taoist related health maintenance options such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Chi Kung, Acupressure, Acupuncture and Ki Energy treatments.

Daniel Reid writes about court physician Hu Szu-hui, who presented a medical treatise on the arts of nurturing life to the Chinese emperor in 1330. Hu Szu-hui observed: “Men of high antiquity know Tao and patterned their lives on the harmony of Yin and Yang, living in complete accordance with the rhythms of nature. They observed moderation in food and drink, regularity in their daily lives, and they did not recklessly over-strain themselves. Consequently they lived long lives. People today are different. Their daily lives are irregular, they eat and drink indiscriminately, without knowing what to avoid, and they don’t observe moderation. They give themselves over to dissipation, and are perpetually dissatisfied with what they have. Consequently, most men today are ruined before the age of 50.” This was in 1330 - but it can easily be said today.

I’ll conduct a workshop in the spring at the City College Adult and Continuing Education Program that will focus on the Tao of Health and Longevity. The dates will be announced. I’ll also conduct free Ki Energy Treatments every Wednesday at the Harlem State Office building starting Wednesday, November 4th. to Wednesday, December 30th. I invite you to join me in developing ways to improve your health and longevity. I’ll provide more information on both projects in upcoming articles. You can also send me an email at u.ology@yahoo.com or call my office at 646-329-6727 if you’re interested.

1 comment:

  1. Interesting title for a blog, but, if it's about Taoism, I'm interested. : )

    ReplyDelete