Taoist practitioner, Mattias Daly, discusses the core principles of Taoism, the path of Inner Alchemy, and the importance of heart practice. Topics include energies of Inner Alchemy, Chan Buddhism, and navigating the Polycrisis. Daly provides insights into translating Taoist texts and the intricate processes of Daoist alchemy.
Embrace non-attachment in Taoism by avoiding fixating on specific ideas or practices.
Taoist Inner Alchemy involves transforming base elements to elevate spiritual being towards profound states.
Deep dives
Matthias Daley's Journey into Taoism and Translation Work
Matthias Daley shares his journey into Taoism and translation work, explaining how his interest in Taoism sparked as a teenager through Kung Fu classes that incorporated Taoist elements. His involvement in Chinese medicine and meeting a Taoist teacher further solidified his path. Through studying in China and Taiwan, he delved deep into translation work while embracing Taoist principles.
Core Principles of Taoism in Simple Terms
Matthias Daley simplifies the core principles of Taoism as avoiding concrete notions and embracing non-attachment. He emphasizes the importance of not fixating on specific ideas or practices, highlighting the need to move towards a formless and intangible understanding. By incorporating the concept of 'non-doing' and 'Wu Wei,' practitioners can soften their tendencies towards attachment and evolve towards a more profound way of being.
Taoist Alchemy and Transformation Process
Discussing Taoist Alchemy, Matthias Daley elaborates on the transformation process akin to stoking a fire that refines one's essence. Through stages like refining 'qing' into 'qi' and 'qi' into 'xian,' practitioners aim to return to the emptiness of the Dao. The practice involves transmuting base elements to elevate spiritual being, emphasizing inner transformation towards a subtle and profound state.
Interconnections Between Taoism and Chan Buddhism
Examining the interconnections between Taoism and Chan Buddhism, Matthias Daley highlights the intertwining traditions and approaches. He notes that Taoist inner alchemy practices resonate closely with Chan Buddhism, with both paths leading practitioners towards internal transformation. The focus on emptying the mind and recognizing original nature underscores a shared pursuit of profound insights and spiritual growth.
Mattias Daly is Taoist practitioner and a professional translator with a degree in acupuncture and a master’s in Chinese Literature. He was inducted into the Longmen lineage of Complete Reality Daoism by Abbess Liu of the Three Purities Monastery in Jilin province, China in 2013. He primarily translates for the National Palace Museum in Taipei and the Chinese Taipei PEN quarterly.
His new translation of Taoist Inner Alchemy: Master Huang Yuanji's Guide to the Way of Meditation by Ge Guolong and Huang Yuanji is out now on Shambala Publications.
Topics:
04:42 — Core Principle of Taoism
10:59 — Path of Taoist Inner Alchemy
15:11 — Metaphor of Alchemy
22:44 — Energies of Inner Alchemy
27:09 — Chan Buddhism
35:36 — Physical Components of Inner Alchemy
43:45 — Importance of Heart Practice
45:15 — Navigating the Polycrisis
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