|
|
COLLEGE OF TAO
FEBRUARY 2025
NEWSLETTER
|
|
|
The Resilience of the Human Spirit:
Shedding the Past, Embracing Renewal
by Dr. Mao Shing Ni
| |
|
As we step into the Chinese New Year of the Snake, on January 29, 2025 its symbolism of rebirth and renewal feels particularly poignant. For my family and countless others displaced by the recent Palisades and Eaton wildfires, this year offers an opportunity to reflect on the cycles of destruction and regeneration that shape both nature and our lives.
The fires, which destroyed over 12,000 homes and upended the lives of so many, have left scars both visible and emotional. Our families are among those still displaced, navigating the uncertainty of returning and for many, rebuilding. And yet, even amidst the chaos, I have been inspired by my father OmNi, who escaped the fires unharmed and lives with us. At over 100 years young, he continues to maintain his daily walks and meditations. His unwavering composure reminds me of the importance of balance and stability in times of upheaval.
The snake, revered in Chinese culture for its mythical powers of renewal, teaches us to shed what no longer serves us. This shedding process is not just physical but emotional and spiritual—a release of grief, fear, and attachment to the past. It’s a painful but necessary step toward healing and transformation. Similarly, the phoenix rising from ashes serves as a powerful reminder that even in the wake of destruction, there is the potential for renewal and new beginnings.
These themes align with the wisdom of the Year of the Snake. We cannot fight nature—its cycles of creation and destruction are beyond our control. But we can learn to adapt. Like the snake, which sheds its skin to grow, and like my father, who finds stability in simple, grounding rituals, we too can find ways to move forward with resilience and grace.
However, not all devastation is inevitable. Human-made crises, like wars, contrast starkly with nature’s cycles. They are avoidable tragedies born from imbalance and disconnection. As we reflect on the fires and their aftermath, we are reminded of the importance of harmony—not only with nature but also with each other.
This year, let us honor the lessons of the snake and the phoenix—to shed the past, rise above challenges, and embrace the transformative power of renewal. By aligning with the rhythms of nature and exercising our human powers of adaptability, we can find hope and strength even in the face of loss. May the Year of the Snake guide us all toward healing, balance, and a brighter future.
Here I share with you an Invocation for Healing and Renewal for this new year:
The divine, subtle realm of the Tao,
Source of all transformation and balance,
Guide us to release the burdens of the past
And flow with the cycles of renewal.
Like the snake shedding its skin,
May we let go of pain and attachment,
Opening our hearts to healing and new beginnings.
In the midst of chaos, show us how to find balance.
In the face of uncertainty, awaken in us the strength.
Align us with nature’s rhythms,
That we may find harmony within and around us.
Teach us to adapt with grace,
To heal with patience,
And to trust in the quiet wisdom of the Tao.
In letting go, we find peace.
In renewal, we are made whole.
| |
|
Dr. Daoshing Ni & Dr. Mao Shing Ni, along with the Yo San University Student Association, & The College of Tao invite you to join our annual New Years celebration as we enter the Year of the Snake!
Our celebration this year will include an uplifting renewal ceremony, an astrological forecast, a special Year of the Snake skit, martial arts demonstrations, live music, and, of course, an exhilarating lion dance. Afterward, enjoy a festive potluck and participate in a fun origami workshop!
Yo San University, 13315 W Washington Blvd, Third Floor,
Los Angeles, CA 90066.
You can join us in person or via Zoom.
Please click link below to join online
yosan.edu/lny
We look forward to celebrating the Year of the Snake with you!
Questions? Email studentaffairs@yosan.edu....
| |
|
2025 Astrological Forecast
for the Year of the Snake
By Dr. Mao Shing Ni
Universally, a new year symbolizes hope for fresh beginnings and releasing the past. The same holds true for nearly two billion people across China and Asia who celebrate the Lunar New Year as a time to reset their lives positively. What sets the Asian Lunar New Year apart from the Western Gregorian New Year is its deep connection to the 60-year astrological cycle, which assigns unique significance to each year based on the interplay of celestial energies.
The ancient Chinese calendar system, rooted in studying heavenly stems and earthly branches (from the I Ching), remains widely used today, particularly among feng shui and astrology practitioners. 2025 marks the Yi (乙) Si (巳) year, comprising Yin Wood (Yi) and Fire (Si) elements, and is also the Year of the Snake. This year brings a dynamic blend of growth, flexibility, and transformation, offering an opportunity for steady progress and personal evolution under the influence of the Snake’s wisdom and adaptability.
The year 2025, governed by the Yi Si (乙巳) energies, introduces the qualities of Yin Wood (Yi) and Fire (Si). Yin Wood represents flexibility, growth, and adaptability, while Fire brings passion and transformation. Together, these energies create a year of subtle but powerful change, encouraging individuals to cultivate patience, progress steadily, and prepare for significant transformations. However, the clash between Wood's expansive growth and Fire intensity may bring periods of tension, emotional volatility, or burnout if not managed wisely.
Click below for a detailed forecast for your Element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) in 2025. The forecast addresses challenges and provides advice on health, mind/spirit, relationships, work, and finance.
|
|
|
The College of Tao Retreat
Is Now
In Person at Yo San University & On Zoom
April 10 - 13, 2025
| |
Join Us to Transform & Heal | |
|
"The Alchemy of Transformation"
A Rare Opportunity to learn Ancient Taoist Practices
and Protection to transform your life
New Registration Will Be Available Soon
| |
|
We are happy to announce that we are now offering you an opportunity to join the 2025 College of Tao Retreat; both In-Person and on Zoom at Yo San University from Thursday, April 10th through Sunday, April 13th, 2025. This will give everyone an opportunity to align themselves in the transformative wisdom and teachings of the Integral Way.
The Retreat will also be recorded so that you can enjoy all the experiences at your convenience.
Due to some changes by local authorities regarding the Pacific Palisades community, we had to move the Retreat to Yo San University to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees. We will also assist those needing to find accommodations.
For those who have already registered for the Retreat, we will work with you individually on any concerns, including accommodations.
We also extend our deepest compassion to those who are affected by the recent fires. As a gesture of our support for those in our College of Tao community who lost their homes as a result of this unexpected happening, we will be offering complimentary admission to the Retreat at Yo San University. For more information, please contact college.tao@gmail.com
Additionally, everyone who attends this event in person or online will receive the recordings of the Retreat post editing.
We urge All to join the College of Tao Retreat this year, as we immerse ourselves in Ancient Taoist practices to find Vitality, Balance and Inner Peace. This is an opportunity to refine your essence, transform your health, learn longevity practices and discover spiritual alignment with nature, as you harmonize with the flow of life.
Whether you chose to attend In-Person or Online, we are here to make sure you have an unforgettable experience.
| |
|
Protect and Uplift your Spirit (Fu Zhou 符咒)
Learn ancient taoist practices: master secret talismanic writing and invocations
Restore Your Energy (Tai Ji Quan 太極拳)
Practice healing movements like Tai Chi
Find Clarity and Inspiration ( Ming Xi 明晰 )
Meditate with nature: connect deeply with the natural world to find clarity
Enhance your Health and Spiritual Growth (Fu Er 服餌)
Explore nutrition and cultivate wellness
Refine and Amplify your Energy (Xing Qiao 行蹻)
Harness the art of walking: walk with intention
Join Dr. Mao Shing Ni, Dr. Daoshing Ni, and the esteemed mentors and teachers of the College of Tao for this life-changing retreat. Together, we’ll explore the universal spirit of the Tao and awaken the nature within.
| |
|
We will have Limited Signed new copies of the...
WORKBOOK for
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
of ALL PEOPLE
by Hua Ching Ni
This edition is being re-published upon request.When publishing has been completed, you may purchase this signed book as part of the Retreat in person and at Taostar.com. The teachings in this book will be part of the classes held at the retreat. Please stay tuned for further updates
| |
|
The Natural Way to Immortality | |
|
To save your minds from wandering,
Practice this incantation many times.
BEI AN, BEI AN
DAO BEI AN
WU BEI AN
TZU RAN DAO BEI AN
| |
The meaning in English is:
There is another shore.
You are expecting the other shore
to be much better than this one.
Reaching the other shore,
there is no other shore.
In this way, you have reached the other shore!
Your own wisdom is what carries you
across troubled waters to the safe shore
Internal Alchemy P45-47 by Hua-Ching Ni
| |
INTERNATIONAL TAOIST MEDITATION SIGN UP TODAY | |
|
InfiniChi Medical &
Energy Qi Gong Level-3
In-Person or Zoom Class
| |
Level 3 InfiniChi Program
Prerequisites: Completed Levels 1, 2A & 2B
February 21, 22, 23 2025
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
$300 Total for 3 days
This InfiniChi course includes protocols for the most
common ailments, advanced healing meditations,
long distance healing and invisible needle practices
(If you have already taken this course
you can audit the whole weekend for $89)
To Register (Click Here)
For More Information contact
Esullivan8@mac.com
| |
|
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?
Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
| |
|
Heavenly Way
The Union of Tao and Universe
by Hua-Ching Ni
Please note date change this month.
Thursday February 27, 2025
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm PT
| |
This month’s selection is provided by Vlad Iliev. "I have found over and over again the book Heavenly Way very helpful for one's self-cultivation and life. Especially nowadays, reading often the treatise, “The Way of Heaven – The Silent Way of Blessing”, pp. 33 - 41, has brought so much sought after calm, clarity and resolve to understand “the pressure of the times”, emotional and physical upheavals and world tragedies. I would like to bring it to the attention of TOL study group for reading and discussion. Thank you!"
| |
|
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
vladimiriliev@sbcglobal.net
CLICK HERE to purchase book
| |
|
The class will consist of 20 - 25 meetings over the next 1- 2 years, so it is asked that students consider the commitment required. The class is open to all sincere, new and experienced students of the Integral Way.
The ZOOM link will be emailed to each registrant.
For any questions, please contact study group facilitator Peter Stege, Dean of Advanced Traditional Practice Program.
atp.cot@gmail.com
| |
|
- Learn Feng Shui with an International group
- Start your home study course as soon as you register
For more information & to learn how to become certified:
Feng Shui School Apply Now
| |
|
On February 2 we will have a live broadcast from Yo San University for the Chinese New Year beginning at 10:00 am PT . We will join Dr. Mao for the Renewal Service in person and on Zoom.
Join Chinese New Year Broadcast Here
On Sundays at 7:00 am PT, you are invited to join us via Zoom in a Spiritual Renewal Ceremony facilitated by the Ministers of the Integral Way; including James Tuggle and Jono Howard along with others who guide us 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
| |
|
Work to Serve and Teach
by Alannah Fitzgerald
Coming Together in Community
| |
|
Master Ni says to us in the I Ching: “We extend ourselves to be a spiritual shelter and aid to all so that our cultivation and service are evidence of the Heavenly Law that realizes benefit to others from a pure heart. Thus, we can obtain the correct fruits of our cultivation. Make our Life Being a manifestation of the Great Path of One Truth."
"Because we sincerely cultivate ourselves and serve people, we can forever bathe in the joy of Heavenly blessings."
Something I heard recently that I liked, "The best ability is availability." To be able to avail oneself to serve.
| |
Brothers of the Heavenly Way | |
|
BROTHERS MEETING SUMMARY - January 5, 2025
The Diamond Practice: Connecting the Sun, Moon and planets to specific points on the body.
This beautiful practice continued to occupy our discussions at January’s meeting. What is the energy of the celestial bodies? The energy of the sky is subtle - more refined, more pure. It is far above the muddied energy of human culture. Reach for the sky. Bring the energy of the sky into your being. You can transform your internal energy using the energy of the celestial bodies. With this practice, something more subtle can be experienced. You can use this practice (and others) to evolve yourself to a more refined state of beingness.
Such an evolution is gradual. Number 13, from our text, Eternal Light, tells us that the spiritual evolution of our being is not a consciously-driven process. It is a purely spiritual response that progresses naturally, according to our own level of acceptance.
Number 14 encourages us to: “Use the energy of the Sun, Moon and the five planets to cleanse all worldly desires of temporary interest.”
In lieu of the February Brother's meeting, please join us for the Year of the Snake New Year Celebration taking place on our usual day and time. The link for the celebration is above.
You are welcome to join us for our next meeting
on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 10:00 am PT
Please email Rob Bruce at: RBTBRC@yahoo.com
| |
Sisters of the Heavenly Way | |
|
This Figure, A Symbol
What is Essential and True
Can never be laid to ruin.
It can never be burned, divided or destroyed.
Lying within
She brings us here.
Utmost stillness and receptivity
Awareness drawing itself
to itself
To 'see' and abide.
A fertile emptiness
Seamless calm
Lithe, she rises
Renewed
Never dying and never being born
And
Always dying and always being born.
Don't despair for too long.
She’s always Here.
Quietly, deeply resting
Waiting to transform.
This image captures the resilience, calm and support of Spirit despite overwhelming odds, and shows how death is a transformation into new ways of being.
All women are welcome to attend our next gathering in February.
For West Australians we meet on February 16th at 7:00 am, and
For Californian women we meet on February 15th at 3:00 pm PT.
For our Eastern US women we meet on February 15 at 6:00 pm
Contact Barbara Wolff to join our gatherings: sistersofuhw@gmail.com
| |
Hexagram 37 Chia Jen 家 入 Family | |
|
Guidance: "Family. Profitable for a virtuous woman."
"In this hexagram, Fire is below and Wind is above. Fire generates warmth and light. Wind is gentle and penetrating. These characteristics represent a family. Warmth binds a family together. Without warmth, the essence of the family is lost and its energies become scattered. On the other hand, excessive Fire creates intense friction, which brings conflict and discomfort to a family..."
"Because Fire is intensified by Wind, Water is necessary to balance it. This harmonious cooperation of natural forces expresses the basic principle of the integration of opposites.
"Everything that happens has a positive reason, although it may seem disastrous at the time. By embracing a reflective attitude, one's mind can be cleansed of delusions and negative influences, thus allowing the opportunity for spiritual growth..."
Please read the whole hexagram & commentary in OmNi's
I Ching The Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth!
| | |
|
|
Thank you for joining us.
Volunteer Editors:
Sue, Alannah,
Amira & Sybil
| |
| | | |
