Taoist Yoga yin, Taoist Yoga is the title of a 1999 book about Tao yin,
generally generally have no relation relation to Hatha Yoga. Yoga. In regards to meditation techniques meditation techniques in Taoism in Taoism.. the similarity of Hatha Yoga and Taoist Yoga we may Traditionally and historically speaking, Daoyin speaking, Daoyin practices practices look to the fundamental teaching of the 'Three Regulations’ in traditional Taoist Yoga Doctrine. These are the are stretching exercises, and static postures, usually com'Regulation of Posture', 'Regulation of Breath', and 'Regbined with breath-work. Many Daoyin practices practices involve involve ulation of Heart/Mind'. It can be viewed that Hatha Yoga very very specific specific breathi breathing ng (huxi ) patterns patterns.. The earlialso shares the practice of these Three Regulations, and est forms of Daoyin were developed during the Early herein lie their similarity. Han dynasty (206 BCE-8 CE), in the context of health and longevity longevity as well as therapeutic movements. movements. Daoyin Taoist Yoga has at its core a unique and special process practice practice was also referred referred to as Yangsheng Yangsheng in ancient of Breath Training: times, which literally means “nourishing life.” The Taoi Taoist st Yoga oga Breath Breath Traini Training ng will will gene general rally ly go Some Some of the the earli earlies estt sourc sources es on Daoyin Daoyin inclu include de the the through Three Stages of Development that are termed: Daoyin tu (Exercise Chart) and Yinshu (Stretch1. Natural Natural Breathi Breathing ng - After After Heaven Heaven Qualit Qualityy - 2. Reing Book). versed versed Breathing Breathing - Before Before Heave Heaven n Quality - 3. Fetal Fetal Dating to around 168 BCE, the Daoyin tu was discov- Breathing - Before, Before Heaven Quality ered in the burial materials of Mawangdui (near Each Taoist Yoga stage of breathing can have generally 9 Changsha; Changsha; Hunan). It consists of forty-f forty-four our color illusmeth method odss that that are put into into appli applica cati tion on and traini training ng such such as: trations of human figures performing therapeutic Yogic inhale from nose/exhale from nose, inhale from nose, exPostures, Postures, with accompanying accompanying captions. The exercises exercises inhale from mouth, inhale from mouth/exhale from mouth, volve standing in specific postures that aim to cure correbreathing through energetic points, breathing through ensponding illnesses. ergetic ergetic channels, subtle refined breathing, and so on... Modern Taoist Yoga comes from the tradition of Tao Yin Both Hatha Yoga and Taoist Yoga have different exer(Dao Yin), of Han of Han Dynasty China, Dynasty China, whose earliest trancises, philosophies philosophies and breathing breathing techniques, but the unscripts date back to about 180 BC. The Tao Tao or or way, as derlying foundation practice is very similar in regards to it is often translated, is the underlying component of rethe shared practice of 'The Three Regulations. Regulations. ality. ality. It is the infinite infinite rhythm rhythm of our cosmos cosmos that every every aspect aspect of our life adheres adheres to. It is the vibrati vibration on of the One unique quality of Taoist Yoga is the stress we find on developing ping and nurturing nurturing the Vital Vital Energy. Energy. The benefit benefit of electrons in electrons in atoms atoms,, the rotation of the earth and its rev- develo Energy results in a olution around the sun, the changing of the seasons and this training and nurturing of the Vital Energy long history history of practit practition ioners ers gaining gaining amazing amazing self self healing healing,, the rhythmic breath and heartbeat that keeps us alive and long animated. The Tao The Tao comprises comprises two opposite but interde- self rejuvenation of the body, and longevity. pendent aspects called Yin and yang. yang. Yang is is the sun, sun, The way for a person to realize his or her own personal the fervent, aggressive, powerful aspect of the universe. truth must be taught in an individual way. Focus must be Yin Yin is the the shad shade, e, the the nurtur nurturing ing,, mate materna rnall and gent gentle le aspec aspectt placed on teaching how a person can come to understand understand of the universe. The underlying governing governing agent agent of Tao truth and beauty through pure and simple means. There is Qi is Qi or the Underlying Vital Energy of all Life and the is no harm in leading all people to the secrets that have Universe. Universe. The idea of Qi, which which is inherently inherently Chinese, is been unfairly protected through dogma over the past censimilar to the Yogic the Yogic term term Prana Prana which which is from India. It is turies. The nature of the Tao the Tao is is to change, move and be nice to see how two very different cultures can share an spontaneous. spontaneous. Therefore Therefore no one teaching can hold the seidea that is so pivotal to each of their traditional traditional spiritual spiritual crets to the Tao Tao.. It will be differen differentt for each each person at practices and practices and ways of understanding reality. reality. different different times in his or her life. Tao Yin is the cultiv cultivati ation on and understa understandin ndingg of Tao through through soft, soft, gentle, gentle, healing and nourishing nourishing exercises. exercises. The early Taoists developed many practices geared toward ward kee keeping ping themse themselv lves es health healthyy and prolon prolonging ging their their life life so they could spend more time practicing, studying and meditating meditating to understand understand the deepest aspects aspects of Tao. The postures and exercises of Taoist Yoga are unique and 1
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Guiding principles and methods of practice
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What does it mean to understand the Tao? An understanding of the Tao is not a cognitive concept that one can hope to write down or give a dissertation on. It is pure and simply a state of being or awareness. Most of us have experienced those times when everything in our immediate life seems to flow effortlessly. In that time our mind is not clouded or preoccupied, our body moves smoothly and without pain, our emotions are true and we feel at home in our body. The point of our practice is to nourish this aspect of our being so we can access it at any point. We know we are in touch with the Tao when we are comfortable with everything that is happening presently in our life. This often occurs even in the midst of chaos and turmoil. It is an ultimate acceptance of the truth of life where it doesn’t matter whether we live or die in the next moment, so long as the present moment is sweet and authentic. We become both aware of and accepting of any injuries, diseases or perceived imperfections that exist within us. We are able to exhale any negative emotion surrounding our pain whether physical or mental so we can focus on what it is we truly want to do, say or be in this moment. It is possible through a regular practice to create this within our being. A few principles and exercises can help us along. It is important to note that although instruction through reading is a great way to learn about things, there is no substitute for a competent and compassionate teacher to help us along. It is important to explore what options are available to you either in your community or a place you would like to visit and study at.
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Summary
Taoist Yoga is a general term used by some practitioners of Taoism to categorize a multitude of traditional postured based exercises that are practised to maintain health and well being. The name Yoga is used to make an analogy so, that people can paint an image of what the practice of Taoist Yoga might be like.
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References •
The Heart of Yoga by Desikachar
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Daoist Body Cultivation by Livia Kohn
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Further reading •
Exercises Illustrated: Ancient Way to Keep Fit by Zong Wu ISBN 0-679-41789-3
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EXTERNAL LINKS
The Do-in Way: Gentle Exercises to Liberate the Body,mind, And Spirit by Michio Kushi ISBN 07570-0268-4 Chinese Healing Arts: Internal Kung-Fu by William R. Berk ISBN 0-86568-083-3 The Complete System of Self-Healing: Internal Exercises by Dr. Stephen T. Chang ISBN 0-94219606-6 Taoist Yoga: Alchemy & Immortality by Charles Luk (Lu K'uan Yu) ISBN 0-87728-067-3 The secrets of Chinese Meditation - Charles Luk (Lu K'uan Yu) ISBN 0-87728-066-5 The Taoist Art of K'ai Men (formerly Taoist Yoga) by Chee Soo ISBN 0-9545244-1-1
External links •
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Entry on Daoyin from the Center for Daoist Studies Entry on Taoist Yoga from the Center for Daoist Studies
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Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses
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The people from the Tango! project. And according to the meta-data in the file, specifically: “Andreas Nilsson, and Jakub Steiner (although minimally).” •
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