Taoism

The Principle of Yin and Yang

At the core of this principle lies a belief that a balance of the feminine (Yin) and the masculine (Yang) in our lives is necessary to maintain a good flow of Chi and a content, happy, successful life.

In Taoist and Feng shui theory, yin (femenine) and yang (masculine) are opposites that are dependent upon one another and which must always be in balance. The principle of duality—the idea that all things are balanced blends of two things—is at the root of yin/yang theory. While most other spiritual philosophies believe in opposing dualities, such as good vs. evil, the Chinese Taoist system believes that balance and equilibrium between opposites is the desirable state. Discord occurs when one principle outweighs the other.

The Yin, feminine energy is black color and the Yang, masculine energy is white color. Energy-wise, Yin is soft, slow, relaxed, diffused, moist, passive and silent. Think of the rhythms and the essence of feminine energy - the softness of water, the mystery of the Moon, the blackness of the rich soil and the deep silence of the night.

The Yang force is expressed by a contrasting, opposite to Yin quality of energy. Imagine the fiery directness of the Sun, the aggressive speed of racing cars, the rock solid surface of a mountain, the focused energy of a laser beam.

Yang is the fiery essence of the mid-day sun and Yin is the stillness and mystery of the night.

The principle of five elements

Also central to Taoism and feng shui is the theory of five elements. By tradition, feng shui practice holds that all things consist of varying degrees of five elements. In the feng shui system, wood, fire, earth, metal, and water are the five elements, and each is represented by certain colors that can help us bring harmony to a particular space.

The five elements can interact in any number of ways, some constructive and some destructive. In the constructive cycle, for example, water provides moisture for trees (wood) to grow; wood then becomes a fuel for fire; the residue of fire is ash or soil; the ash/soil is the essence of earth minerals that form metals; and as metal cool, they allow water to condense, completing the cycle. In a destructive cycle, on the other hand, metal can cut wood; and wood can grow over and consume soil.

Mantak Chia

Mantak Chia (Chinese: 謝明德, Pinyin: Xiè Míngdé, born April 24, 1944 in Bangkok, Thailand) is a Taoist Master. He is best known for his teaching Taoist practices under the names of Healing Tao, Tao Yoga, Universal Healing Tao System and Chi Kung. He has run numerous workshops, written a series of books, and published a number of training videos. He views himself primarily as a teacher.

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