Each chapter of this course will consist of three verses of the Tao Te Ching, (except for a few longer chapters), along with commentary explaining the inner meaning of each verse. The Tao Te Ching, written some 2,500 years ago, has long been seen as a book on philosophy or statecraft. But in the Taoist tradition, it is seen as a manual for self-cultivation or spiritual work. In my version of this ancient classic, I have brought out the Taoist aspects, by not only providing the verses, but also a commentary explaining what they mean. We will also explore many actual practices that either come directly from the text itself or are inspired by the text, such as simple qigong, meditation, or lifestyle choices. In this way, we can explore this fascinating book in a way that will make it very real, clear, and even life-changing. So please join me on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and deep inner exploration!

Seven hours

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Lesson 1

Introduction

Here, we have a story explaining the background of how this ancient text was written and presented to the world. This sets the tone for the lessons to be discussed in this course.

Lesson 2

Steps 1-3

We are introduced to some basic ideas of Tao and how it impacts our life. There are many views of what the Tao Te Ching stands for, but when read by a seeker on the path of wisdom, the text is a wonderful and precise guide to the process of becoming a sage or enlightened being.

Lesson 3

Step 4

In this session, we are introduced to the Empty Vessel Meditation.

Lesson 4

Steps 5-7

In this session, we are introduced to the Primal Mother Meditation as well as Bellows Breathing.

Lesson 5

Steps 8-12

Today, we go deeper into Taoist guidance on how to live a healthy and happy life. In this session, the concept of allowing life to flow is discussed. You will also be provided tips on how to let the nature of life take shape instead of forcing the shape you think you desire to take form.

Lesson 6

Steps 13-15

Here, we have guidance on living with misfortune and how to go beyond our limited sense of self. When we go beyond our physical self and experience the other elements of our being, we can be connected to and trusted by all living beings under heaven.

Lesson 7

Step 16

Here, we will learn the meditation practice called Sitting and Forgetting. When you allow yourself to become empty and abide in stillness, you're able to return to your Source - tranquility.

Lesson 8

Steps 17-19

Here, we find guidance on letting go and experiencing our unlimited self as well as the difference between "head knowledge" and "belly knowledge."

Lesson 9

Steps 20-21

Here, we are introduced to the Great Mother meditation and how to reach inner knowing. This connection can help us as we go through the different challenges of life.

Lesson 10

Steps 22-25

We receive guidance on the practice of Standing Like A Tree and Inner Releasing. "Yield and become whole. Bend and become straight. Empty yourself and become filled. Grow old yet become renewed." We go beyond the contradictory facade of this ancient text in this session.

Lesson 11

Steps 26-28

We are introduced to a very important and powerful practice — Grounding and Rooting as well as guidance on learning our balance point.

Lesson 12

Steps 29-32

Here, we have guidance on learning how to discern between useful vs. mindless activity as well as advice on not wielding weapons — physical, emotional or energetic.

Lesson 13

Steps 33-35

In this chapter, we learn how to begin to know ourselves through the practice of gongfu, which means any skill learning through hard work and practice. We are also given advice on "becoming who you really are."

Lesson 14

Steps 36-38

Here, we learn that the soft can overcome the hard and how we can "go with the flow." This practice allows us to live a life of balance and grace.

Lesson 15

Steps 39-42

Here, we have advice on becoming humble. The true sage or self-realized one does not covet things like exquisite jade (treasures) but holds themselves humble like a simple stone. We also are offered a powerful full moon meditation.

Lesson 16

Steps 43-45

Here, we learn the art of teaching without using words, how to strengthen our spleen or earth energy, and further advice on Tranquil Sitting.

Lesson 17

Steps 46-48

Here, we see how to live in what the Taoists call the True Heart. We also learn how to know what is true knowledge, or worldly knowledge and true knowledge. We also get guidance on how to practice wu wei or non-interference.

Lesson 18

Steps 49-50

It is by learning how to trust in the ever-unfolding majesty of Tao that we ourselves become trustworthy. We also a very important practice called ingesting the heavenly dew.

Lesson 19

Steps 51-53

Here, we are introduced to the concept of zi ran or being spontaneous and natural. We are also given guidance on living from our childlike hearts and on a deep meditation practice called "Turning The Light Around" and learning to experience pain as medicine.

Lesson 20

Steps 54-55

If we want to "save the world," we must begin with ourselves then expand that outwards into the world. And it is by using the practice of Inner Observation that we can come to know ourselves more deeply than ever before. We also learn a simple practice for guarding our jing or sexual and creative energy.

Lesson 21

Steps 56-58

Here, we learn the important practice of "Stillness In The Midst of Activity" as well as the meditation practice of "The Hall of Light."

Lesson 22

Steps 59-62

In this session, we delve into the concept of moderation and what it entails as it is applied in daily life. We also practice the Doing Tree Qigong, dealing with hungry ghosts and balancing yin and yang.

Lesson 23

Steps 63-64

Here we learn a "Clarity and Quiescence" practice. We also learn about the "Wu Wei Way of Effortless Effort."

Lesson 24

Steps 65-67

This session gives advice on journeying to wholeness and a qigong practice called "Gathering Chi From The Earth And The Sun." You're also provided instructions on slow breathing.

Lesson 25

Steps 68-70

In this session, we learn how to be a Cultured Warrior, as well as how to gather chi from the four directions.

Lesson 26

Steps 71-73

It is one thing to gain spiritual knowledge about ourselves and the world we live in but it is another to really apply that knowledge to our everyday life with our everyday problems. Another way to affect our lives is by learning to access and communicate with our helping and ancestral spirits. And lastly, doing the practice of "Swallowing the Sun and the Moon" can fill us with the primal, healing energy of both these "heavenly bodies."

Lesson 27

Steps 74-76

Today, we tackle the following concepts: How can we "take up the tools of the master" and begin to sense a feeling of mastery within us? Is it possible to meditate even while walking? And can a qigong help us to stay young?

Lesson 28

Steps 77-79

Here, we learn how to use tea practice (cha tao) as a meditation and spiritual tool as well as the deep practice of "giving up the need to be right."

Lesson 29

Steps 80-81

We come to the last two chapters of the Tao Te Ching. In today's session, we discuss how to be fully at peace by living a life in tune with the wave. We also touch on how to live more gracefully with the ubiquitous online world.

Lesson 30

In the final session, we touch on maintaining the sense of magic and rediscovering our child-like awe of the world and how this can ignite a constant excitement for life.