Preliminaries
“I will be the true owner of my body and spirit. My heart-mind remains pure, with no obstructions. Possessions and reputation are mere moments of a dream. I collect the universal energy in my abdomen, draw its energy to my head, and cosmic awareness brightens my spirit. After two decades of consistent practice, my only wish is to benefit all sentient beings. I will let the “great teacher’s” lessons be known throughout the world. I welcome all who wish to learn.” - Master Bekyung (Chung-San)
This course is my attempt to share 20 years of spiritual practice with the world, and more importantly to offer a path that others find useful in their journey of longevity and awakening. - Andrew.
This course is NOT a specific lineage of Taoism… Yet ;)
If anything it is a synthesis of what I call “Sahm-Je” Taoism, or 3-Element Taoism, based on various traditions of Korean Mountain Taoism and Chinese Philosophical Daoism, designed to aid modern humans in living a long healthy life and to experience an awakening to their true nature.
Yoga and Qi-Gong lineages tend to be obsessed with ancient histories, often re-writing the history books so that their practice is the “one true practice” connected to some ancient enlightened being. While I believe history can and should inform our practice, I’m more interested in helping people find their own path to the Tao. Thus practices must continuously be synthesized and evolved to meet the needs of the present.
If anything it’s my sincere wish that these practices and theories inspire you to see yourself as a cultivator of the Tao, someone who cultivates inner vibrancy, a peaceful heart, and inner freedom to follow your path.
As a yoga practitioner of over 20 years I’ve felt a special kinship with the practices of Korean Mountain Taoism, and have been surprised that these practices are barely known in the west. These practices will help you develop your ability to feel within yourself, what scientists and somatic practitioners call “interoception.” This connection to your “inner-world” can become a powerful adjunct to more physical yoga practices and workout routines, and will provide you with techniques you can use at any stage of life. It’s my experience that these practices also help one develop wisdom and a wholesome state of mind.
Admittedly my goal is not only to share these practices for your personal benefit but also to train thousands of yoga teachers to share them as well, not connected to any particular lineage, but from their own lived experience. If you find these practices beneficial I greatly encourage you to share them freely with your own insights and creative spirit.
This course is designed simply as an Introduction to Taoist Yoga. For those interested in learning more deeply, or for those who wish to teach these practices professional I will be offering a Level 1 Instructor Training in fall 2024.
If you are reading this now then you are likely one of the first 100 people to take this course. I greatly appreciate your willingness to walk on the road of the Tao with me for a bit, and look forward to meeting you in person to discuss over tea your experiences.
With deep love and gratitude to all the teachers I’ve had along the way, and to the “great teacher” that resides inside us all. I wish you luck on your journey of the Tao.
Andrew Tanner, July 11th 2024