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The Moral Model of Winter Plum Blossoms
Winter Plum Blossom represents confidence and bravery.
Live with self-confidence and hold faith in goodness and beauty.
Take responsibility for your accomplishments and ignore any intimidation from the cold frost.
One Spiritual Reality - A Guide to Universal Harmony
by Hua-Ching Ni and Mao Shing Ni, p 159
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Dragon Arising 2024
by Dr. Mao Shing Ni
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“Nothing in the world is more adaptable or flexible than water. Its gentle nature, when met with resilience and strength, proves to be a powerful force. The idea that adaptability triumphs over rigidity and flexibility prevails over hardness is widely recognized, though it is not always put into practice. As an ancient sage once wisely stated: A leader who empathizes with the challenges faced by the people is well-equipped to govern. The one who addresses crises with compassion for humanity is the ideal candidate to lead the world. Indeed, the truth often appears paradoxical."
—Chapter 78, Tao Teh Ching (edited by Dr. Mao Shing Ni)
Even though the actual Chinese New Year doesn’t begin until February 10, 2024, the wisdom of Lao Tzu flickers like a lighthouse as we sail into an uncharted year. Please join me in greeting the arrival of the Year of the Dragon, a time of transformation, growth, and renewed hope. May this celestial creature guide us toward positive developments in our lives, communities, and the world at large.
The dragon is a symbol of strength, vitality and good fortune. It invites us to embody its spirit as we navigate the currents of change. Let us, like water in the ocean adapting to the outlines of the shores, embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with grace and wisdom.
Just as the dragon soars through the heavens, may our collective efforts elevate humanity to new heights of understanding, compassion and cooperation. Let us strive for a world where differences are celebrated, where unity prevails over division, and where the well-being of everyone is our shared responsibility.
The Tao guides us to strive for balance, harmony, and interconnectedness in our lives. As we embrace the energy of the dragon, let it ignite the flames of love, peace, and health in our lives. May our hearts be filled with kindness, our minds with clarity, and our bodies with vitality. Let us nurture ourselves within, fostering the strength and resilience needed to face the sea of change that may arise.
Each of us plays a unique and vital role in the world that we live in. I invite you to share your joys, optimism and love with others, lead with empathy and compassion and be a catalyst for a more enlightened and harmonious world.
Wishing you a New Year filled with health, happiness, prosperity, and the boundless possibilities that the dragon's spirit brings!
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WORK TO SERVE AND TEACH
New Year's Resolutions 2024
To Do is To Be
by Alannah Fitzgerald
For many of us, the New Year represents a fresh beginning, accompanied by a deep resolve to improve some aspect or aspects of our lives and setting into motion a trajectory towards a goal we set our sights upon.
While this is always a noble intention, so many of us who implement a positive path, gradually find our initial intention begins to subside.
However, if we have a very strong reason WHY we wish to achieve our goal(s), this can give us strength when we are less inclined to stick with it. Perhaps it will help some of us to write down our WHY so we can revisit it when we need strength to be disciplined and consistent with our intention(s).
A simple example could be to practice eating mindfully. Your WHY may be to enhance and strengthen your digestion, etc.
What might this look like, you might ask? To begin with, you may wish to serve your food as if serving the master. Then sit quietly at the table, draw the Tai Chi symbol over your food, express gratitude for the positive energy from this food and lastly, chew well, with no distractions from TV, computer or your phone. Be attentive as your nourishment becomes you.
Numerous times throughout the year, I find it highly beneficial to remember words of wisdom from Master Ni that says, "To know is to do, and to do is to be."
Wishing everyone a happy New Year and much success in this Year of the Dragon 2024!
from I Ching, Commentary to Chieh, Hexagram 60, by Hua-Ching Ni
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COLLEGE OF TAO 2024 RETREAT
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS
NORTH CAROLINA
APRIL 23-28, 2024
"Awakening To A New Dawn
& The Soul of Humanity "
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We invite you to be part of this life changing Retreat and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains while experiencing wisdom that inspires you to rise above limitation, awakening your inner potential to experience the ascending dragon in you.
Join us for all 5 days (best) or come for the weekend. Comfortable Queen Size Beds.
Delicious Healthy Meals and Snacks
Meditation, Inspiring Talks, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Ba Gua,
Infinichi Energy Healing, Nature Hikes and more...
Very Reasonable Rates, Everything Included
Click Here For More Information
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The Teachings of Two Immortals | |
Reading Group beginning January 3, 2024 | Kou Hong, “the One Who Embraces the Simple Essence”, and Chen Tuan, “Master of Subtle Reality”, are two important teachers of the Integral Way tradition. These two volumes give the necessary guidance with commentary by Hua-Ching Ni for all students interested in spiritual development and cultivation. | |
This is an online ZOOM class that will meet
every Wednesday at 7:00 am PT
Facilitator: Peter Stege.
It is divided into three sessions:
Session I: January 3 - March 27
Session II: May 1- July 31
Session III: September 4 - November 27
No classes April and August
Cost: $150 USD, includes all 3 sessions.
Class enrollment limited to 25 participants.
Participants are responsible for purchasing their own texts.
Book I - Kou Hong is available in print and as downloadable .pdf.
Book II - Chen Tuan is available as downloadable .pdf only.
Available at www.taostar.com
Please contact pstege@hotmail.com with questions.
For more details and to enroll click below:
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New Years Resolution:
Uplift your Energy with Eight Treasures QiGong
Zoom Course
STARTS MONDAY, January 8, 2024
INSTRUCTOR
EDWARD SULLIVAN
"Let's Heal Together"
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8 Week On-Line Zoom Course $80
MONDAYS
January 8 - March 11, 2024
7:00 pm Pacific Time
(No Class: 1/15 & 2/19)
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"Practice of the Eight Immortals" | |
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This Energy conducting exercise originated from the Eight Immortals during the Han Dynasty and was passed down through many generations of the Ni Family. The practice is well refined and it's effects are deep and far-reaching. It is an effective way to lengthen your years and can be practiced by anyone at any level of fitness. It is based on the natural motion of the heavenly bodies. It integrates the body with the mind and spirit.
Qi gong specifically combines breathing techniques, simple movements, postural training and mental imagery to guide the flow of energy.
- Releases tension and stimulates vitality,
- Promotes self-healing within the body
- Strengthens the immune system against the onset of disease and imbalance.
- Clears stagnation creating a smooth flow of energy
- Can assist in uplifting and balancing your mind and emotions
- Can assist in increasing spiritual awareness and enlightenment
Click To Register
Any questions please contact
esullivan8@mac.com
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Please Join Us For
Sunday Renewal Service
at the Shrine of the
Eternal Breath of Tao
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Every Sunday at 7:00 am PT, you are invited to join via Zoom in a Spiritual Renewal Ceremony facilitated by the Ministers of the Integral Way, including James Tuggle, Dr, Mao, Barbara Wolff and Arnold Tayam, along with others… followed by a talk on how to apply the wisdom of the Integral Way. This service is free for the College of Tao community, friends and family.
Join Zoom Meeting Here
Meeting ID: 136 428 813
Passcode: 006090
Find your local number: Click Here
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Make a Difference:
Help us to Contribute to the Community
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Join us in Celebrating 35 Years of Excellence in Traditional Chinese Medicine Education and Integrative Healthcare at Yo San University!
As a non-profit organization, Yo San University relies on generous donations and competitive grants to achieve our annual financial goals. This ensures that we can continue to provide high-quality, low-cost education to our students while making acupuncture and integrative care accessible and affordable to the community.
Our immediate short-term goal is to raise $100,000 through this online campaign. Your donation will contribute to enhancing the experience for our entire community by... (1) Expanding Student Scholarships, (2) Elevating the Learning Resource Center, (3) Installing a Virtual Anatomy Lab, (4) Growing the Herb Lab, (5) Increasing Clinic Treatments and Lowering Expenses.
Click Here To Help Yo San
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Tao of Life Tele-Study Group
Thursday January 18, 2024 | 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm PT
Internal Alchemy:
The Natural Way to Immortality
by Hua-Ching Ni
Click Here to Join
Meeting ID 839 6061 8537
Use Passcode 2825
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Sue Sullivan chose this month’s selection from the book Internal Alchemy by Hua-Ching Ni, Fifth Class November 25, 1977 Pages 50-54 and 57-60 to Mid Page. "This chapter appears to be about our personal energy, quieting our mind and impulsive energy, and being present every moment, including balancing our Yin and Yang energies.
I would also greatly appreciate discussing how our intelligence comes from the moon and practicing a particular cultivation for 3 years at midnight, under a full moon with the right ceremony, will give you an opportunity to become a wise person. (page 51, 3rd paragraph.)
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Dr. Daoshing Ni, a 38th generation doctor of the Ni family lineage facilitates this monthly tele-study group
if you have any questions, please contact Vladimir Iliev at: vladimiriliev@sbcglobal.net
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There still is time to begin
this magical Inner Journey
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with Dr. Arnold Tayam
Dean of Cosmic Tour Bagua
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Transformation 2
"Coordinated Movement Creates Development,"
Reflective of the Earth trigram
Transformation 3
Double Thunder hexagram:
"Connect with our higher selves to learn protection and calmness
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Your Journey Begins
January 28, 2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm PT
Transformation 2
February 25, 2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm PT
Transformation 3
Please Register Here
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Welcome to your January 2024 Chinese Horoscope!
In the Western Gregorian calendar, January is the beginning of a new year, whereas according to the Chinese calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle, January is often the last month of the preceding year. In some way, we can have the best of both worlds — the opportunity to reflect on the past and renew optimism for a new dawn.
January 2024, according to the Chinese calendar, features Yi and Chou—associated with Wood and Earth elements respectively. The theme for this month is balancing growth and stability as Earth’s steadfastness tempers Wood element’s expansion. This means a time for steady progress and disciplined efforts, both in personal and professional endeavors.
Read more to discover what this month holds for your personal Element and the start of 2024.
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Advanced Traditional Practice Program - 2024 Instruction Dates
There will be instruction in the esoteric practices of the Ni family called the Advanced Traditional Practice (ATP) Program on February 10 - 11 and August 3 - 4, 2024.
All instruction will be on ZOOM. The ATP program is open to those who are College of Tao Mentors or those who have completed International Taoist Meditation Institute (ITMI) Level 3.
New students are always welcome to apply. This is an opportunity to discover and practice the 36 level program of spiritual practices unique to the Integral Way tradition.
Please go to www.collegeoftao.org and click “Programs” to learn more about ATP and the program requirements. It is especially recommended to read Chapter 19 of Universal Path of Natural Life, by Hua-Ching Ni. A .pdf document is available upon request.
Applications for existing ATP students will be emailed Friday January 12, 2024. Because there is a slightly longer application process for new applicants, those people should begin the application as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact me with questions: atp.cot@gmail.com
“The esoteric teaching is not a matter of merely giving or receiving information, it is a matter of totally plunging your life into the universal energy.” Hua-Ching Ni
Respectfully,
Peter Stege
ATP Director
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導
Now is the time to look forward to Mentorship Renewals
due by the end of this Chinese New Year, February 11, 2024.
*****
Mentors, you will receive Renewal Forms in January.
*****
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All are welcome to apply for
Mentorship of the Integral Way
now, or anytime you are ready for this sincere way of life.
Contact Amira via taoistmentorship@gmail.com
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The link for Chinese New Year Celebration will be published in the February edition of our newsletter. | |
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Lao Tzu Study Group
the first Wednesday of each month
We will not be meeting
in January.
We meet again on
Wednesday February 7, 2024
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm PT
We'd love for you to join us!
For zoom link contact:
Amira@cultivatingharmony.com
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Sisters of the Heavenly Way | |
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Beloved sisters (and brothers)
There is no Health,
If there is no respect for the feminine principle.
There is no beautiful world,
If the female principle is denied.
There is no real beautiful life,
If the value of women is degraded.
There is no useful education.
If the spiritual vision of universal integrity is not taught.
There is no happiness of life,
If a sense of aesthetics is not nurtured in the intellect and its
systems.
There are no true religions,
unless the oneness of universal divinity is recognized above all.
Excerpt from Chapter 14 Plow on No Sand, from The Power of the Feminine
by Hua Ching Ni & Mao Shing Ni
Sisters gather together again on Sunday 28th January 2024 for West Australian women and on Saturday 27th January 2024 for Californian women. If you would like to join us, please email Barbara at sistersofuhw@gmail.com
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SAVE THE DATE
Sisters of the Heavenly Way Retreat
September 6 - 8, 2024
Oregon, USA
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Brothers of the Heavenly Way | |
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Brothers Meeting
December 3, 2023
December’s meeting of the Brothers of the Heavenly Way kicked off with a discussion of Dragon Rising 2024. Winding up the energy of the year – it’s all about the Solstice, a time of new beginnings and fresh, evergreen energy. We discussed Hexagram 62 – Minor Excess - the bottom trigram, Mountain, being in the correct position and signifying internal stillness. We live in a noisy world created and maintained by non-cultivators, even though we are cultivators. As such, we need to rise and live above the trouble, competition and divisions of worldly life. Most modern people are only living with body and mind – there is no spirit connection. But we also understand that everyone is at a different level of spiritual development and despise no one. We accept all people and all their levels of development.
We turned to our text, Eternal Light, number 32 (on page 39) – which tells us that force is not the proper way to run the world. It also tells us that the intellect is not the proper way to run the world because it leads to spiritual slavery, even if people cannot see their enslavement. The correct way to run the world (and your own life) is through the strength of kindness. Hold all people as your brothers and sisters. Virtue will save us, not the intellect.
The Brothers of the Heavenly Way meet via Zoom the first Sunday of every month. If you would like to join us, please email Curt Callison at:
chihealth.org@gmail.com
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