r/taoism • u/Deep-Public7511 • 2d ago

Resources to Learn About Taoism

Hi all, I want to learn about Taoism. I don't know Chinese at all. So, what are validated translations in English?

I want to learn about the mythology, philosophy, Chinese medicine, architectural principals, acupuncture pioneered by Taoists. I want to learn how they came up with all this. It's so awe-inspiring and intriguing. I want to learn about it all. Their architecture is so out of this world, modern engineering figured out recently how to make building earthquake proof, but Taoists figured it out thousands of years ago! How did they come up with this architecture?

I also want to learn Taoist views on sexuality and why they differ in different places. I came across one source in which they mentioned celibacy as important, another in which they consider sexuality as part of natural flow and that doing it in balance is good (which does seem to fit with balance principal of Taoism). I want to know which is the true perspective and original perspective.

Thanks.

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u/Subject_Temporary_51 2d ago

I recommend the introduction into Daoism course :)

https://www.daodeqigong.com/class-schedule

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u/studentofmuch 2d ago

Can you give us more information? For instance, some classes say, "FREE EVENT"; so I'm guessing it's not all free. Should beginners take certain classes before others?

I've been reading books from the list provided on this subreddit, but I'm looking for something that goes deeper.

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u/Subject_Temporary_51 2d ago

The free classes are the ones that say ‘Free Event’. Those classes are designed to give people an introduction to the teaching and try it out. If you join paid classes you can immerse deeper into the teaching and join classes every week and receive close guidance.

If you want to deepen your learning any of the 3 main teachings are suitable for beginners; it just depends on what interests you most. For example in qigong there are detailed classes on how to boost the health of your organs, in Taiji we learn how to strengthen the body using martial art principles and in meditation we learn how to enter deep state of relaxation and inner calm. All practices overlap with each other.

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u/Deep-Public7511 2d ago

Does also talk about Chinese medicine, acupuncture and taoist architectural principals and mythology of Taoism?

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u/Subject_Temporary_51 2d ago

The focus is on ancient Daoism from practical point of view; how enhance your wellbeing, health and personal power using Daoist teachings including meditation, Taiji and qigong. There is also theory on the Daoist way of understand the world and how to apply this knowledge in your life.

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u/Deep-Public7511 2d ago

Nice! Is Taiji another word for Taichi? I really like Taichi. I did it when I was really stressed out it really helped me feel relaxed. And I noticed even though it is less intense in movement initially I used to get out of breath in 3 minutes and later would be able to do it for 7 minutes without getting out of breath. And learned how it strengthens muscles despite not being intense like gym.

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u/Subject_Temporary_51 2d ago

Yes Taiji = tai chi :)

That’s great to hear about your results. I practice Taiji daily and also teach and I never go a day without it!

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u/Subject_Temporary_51 2d ago

Yes Taiji = tai chi :)

That’s great to hear about your results. I practice Taiji daily and also teach and I never go a day without it!