China is a very ancient civilization that is rich and diverse in history, culture, arts, food, philosophy and religion. According to the American Historical Association, China has the longest continuous history of any country in the world—3,500 years of written history. Consequently, there is a plethora of material to discuss or write about. Join me today as I write about one of China’s gem- Xi’an ( Western Peace) or what was once known as Chang’an ( Eternal Peace). Xi’an is one of the four oldest cities in China and is known for being the starting point of the well-known Silk Road as well as being the home of the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This emperor was known for many things but one interesting thing is his relentless search for the elixir of immortality. Interestingly enough, one of the local religions of this city is Taoism. Taoism is a philosophy and religion of having oneness with the Universe.
Taoist monks and practitioner have a profound understanding of the Universe, Nature and the Cosmic Energy of the Universe. They strive to live in harmony with the Universe and find means to achieve longevity or even immortality. Tao is known as the way or the path. However, it is much more profound than that and is sometimes described as the underlying force or energy in the Universe. Some even call it even Source, Cosmos or God. The Taoist Monk or practitioners strive for perfection of health and harmony through breath work, proper nutrition, drinking certain elixirs,practicing certain exercises and meditation.
The Taoist monks are very cognizant of the life force and Qi and take measures to prolong it. They are very particular when it comes to sexuality and advocate doing it in a way that falls short of an ejaculation to preserve the Qi in the body. Many books have been written about this topic and one is the Tao of Sexology: The book of infinite wisdom.
They also harness the Qi in the body and circulate it in a way that maximizes their health and longevity. One famous Taoist Master would pick certain trees to correct certain ailments by circulating the Qi from the tree to his body until the ailment was gone.
The well-known founder of Taoism , Lao Tzu, is said to have written his master piece called Tao Te Ching at a temple about 70 km west of Xian. Many western scholars and philosophers have read this profound book of Truth. The teachings of Taoism is quite profound and has impacted China’s culture,philosophy, martial arts ( Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Bak Kua), feng shui, Confucianism, Chinese Buddhism and Chinese Medicine. It is actually quite spiritual and metaphysical once one truly understands it.
Susan Shumsky, author of Ascension, wrote about a Chinese man- Master Li Ching Yuen-who lived to be at least 250 years of age in her book. Master Yuen learned about the ancient art of longevity one day after he met a 500 year old Taoist. When asked what was his secret, the master replied that he did an ancient exercise called Ba-Kua ( eight trigrams). I am familiar with this method since my former Gung Fu master practiced this everyday in his studio.. After so many years, he still looks the same and still full of vitality as I see him walk the streets of Chinatown. Perhaps there is some truth to it.
Master Yuen also met a herbalist on a mountain who walked quite fast and had much energy. He found out that the herbalist took goji berry. He listened and followed what others did and achieved longevity. New York Times reported his death on May 6, 1933 as “The Amazing 250-Year-Old Man.”
Although longevity is great, the Taoist strive for immortality and perfection, not necessarily of only a physical one but of a spiritual one as well.
In Chinese mythology, there are what are known as the Eight Immortals or Baxian. Ba means eight. Xian is different than the city X’ian. Xian means enlightened person or an immortal. The term “xian” is used in a philosophical context to refer to a sage or someone who has achieved enlightenment or spiritual transcendence; in Chinese alchemy to refer to one who practices physical longevity techniques; in the Taoist pantheon to refer to a celestial being or saint.
Elizabeth Reninger, A Taosim Expert stated, Among the Eight Immortals, a number seem to have had actual historical existences. They were “real people.” Nevertheless, the many stories that have accumulated, describing the magical and mysterious lives of these practitioners, make it well-nigh impossible to distinguish historical from mythological reality.
According to legend, Lao Tzu had achieved this state of immortality. Even the famous Dr. Wayne Dyer claimed to be in communion with this immortal being, what we westerners call an Ascended Master because he has achieved spiritual immortality and mastery. Mystics and spiritual masters around the world are familiar with this type of spiritual mastery. Many have achieved this state from all around the world, but one that is a well-known in figure in China is Kwan Yin. Many claim that they are being guided to mastery by these and other Ascended Masters. In fact, many in the spiritual mecca, Mount Shasta, have claimed to have seen her or felt her presence at this special energetic portal or spiritual hot spot.
These masters have perfected their unity and oneness with the Tao or what many westerners call the I AM Presence, Source or God and have transcended the shackles of mortality and achieved their enlightened, perfected and Ascended State of mastery and immortality. Perhaps Taoism should not be called a religion or philosophy but a path to the way, truth and light.
Perhaps our special gem, X’ian, is worth visiting from a historical, cultural and spiritual standpoint. After such a visit, one may also want to go west 70 km and visit the Louguantai Temple where it is said that Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching.
Wishing you infinite love and blessings,
Blake Sinclair, author of Dare to Imagine and Beyond Imagination.
Blogger and member of the Mount Shasta Authors Guild
www.blakesinclair.org