Learning more about Dao

Daoism Basics

Livia Kohn

Come to the spectacular northern California coast and explore Daoism, an age-old tradition that reaches back 2,500 years. Emerging from the well-known philosophy of Dao as first expressed in Laozi’s Daode jing, it has been the indigenous higher religion of China with complex ethics, cosmology, and rituals. Daoist practices actively promote health, well-being, and spiritual awareness. The tradition is a veritable treasure trove of health practices, longev-ity techniques, and meditation methods for individual self-cultivation as well as ethical and ritual ways to social cohesion, environmental peace, and universal harmony.

During this three-day workshop we explore five fundamental forms of Daoism—modern, medical, philosophical, immortality, and organized—in each case learning about history and world-view as well as actively practicing relevant techniques. In addition we begin our day with qigong and jointly cook a Daoist-style vegetarian dinner at night. There is also free time to enjoy the local scenery and relax in the hot tub, pool, and sauna.

Livia Kohn is Professor Emerita of Religion & East Asian Studies at Boston University. Her specialty is medieval Daoism and the study of Chinese longevity practices. She has written and edited numerous books and is a long-term practitioner of taiji quan, qigong, yoga and meditation. Seen as one of the world’s foremost scholars, Livia is an expert at placing each practice in its historical and cultural context, relating its current application and efficacious-ness to modern western living.

Dates: May 12-15, 2011

Location: The Sea Ranch, Sonoma County, California

Price: $420 (includes room, board, tuition, and textbooks); $300 local (non-residential)

Textbooks: Daoism and Chinese Culture; Health and Long Life: The Chinese Way

To register and hold a place, send a deposit of $100 to Livia Kohn, P. O. Box 609, Dunedin, FL 34697 (include your e-mail address)

For questions, email liviakohn@gmail.com or call 727-501-6915