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International Taoist Forum focuses on health and longevity

Source: Agencies | November 28, 2014, Friday | Online Edition

Program Code: 0909346141105008 | Source: Cntv

HEALTH and longevity have been the focus of the 3rd International Taoist Forum in Southeast China’s Jiangxi Province. In Taoist theory, to concentrate on individual development is to practice the path of the Return to the Tao on a macro level — to be in harmony with nature, if not the universe. 

Taoism is connected with achieving well-being. Traditionally, those practices were reserved for followers, acquiring an aura of mystery.

"To cultivate health, you need to learn the true meaning of life. Only by understanding life, can we pursue the cultivation of longevity, the importance of health," Zhu Heting, a Taoist master from Hong Kong said.

"Health needs a healthy mind first, by minimizing your desires and centering ourselves on stillness. Human lives are in our control," Li Zhiwang, a Taoist master from Singapore said.

Master Liu Yuantong believes the path to health is to restore our original state.

"The core philosophy of Taoist health is the constant pursuit of harmony between humanity and nature. Let nature help you restore health. Or to say, the universe and man are an integral whole. It’s the overall coordination of body, spirit and thought. Nature has already proved the best answer for longevity. For example, there are 12 months in a year, 12 Shichen periods, the Chinese way of counting time in a day, and man has 12 meridians. The key is how to follow the rules in seeking the connections between man and nature. We can enhance our health through certain movements and proper methods, so as to help ourselves return to a natural state of balance," he said.

Master Liu has his method for achieving that balance. The method is called the "Three-Way Skill," meaning the combination of heaven, earth and humankind. Facing eastwards, the first movement is to follow the turning of the earth. The second movement is to follow the two poles, and the third movement is to fully embrace nature. Master Liu says the movements, inspired by several sources, while simple, embody deep Taoist thinking.
For the first time, the China Taoist Association has published a book on the methodology for cultivating health.

According to the book, to practice tai chi is to practice the path of the Return to the Tao on an individual level to integrate physical, emotional, and spiritual development for health and longevity.
Taoists believe in the value of life. Taoists do not focus on life after death, but rather emphasize practical methods of cultivating health to achieve longevity. 

The forum only gives a glimpse of their health philosophy to determine our lies through the many meanings of Tao.

Nation


 

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