Taoism, the most bastardized spiritual tradition and philosophy in the world, has fallen victim to misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and misinformation due to incorrect translations of the Tao Te Ching and Chuang-tzu texts. These flawed translations have stripped the original meanings, catering instead to a predominant Western audience with specific cultural sensibilities. However, these translations are inaccurate and distort the authentic meaning and intent of the sacred Taoist texts. Misinformation is eroding the essence of the Taoist tradition, creating an urgent need for clarity regarding what Taoism truly represents and what it means to be Taoist.

The Advanced Teachings of Taoism Course is a comprehensive exploration and restoration of Taoism. Rooted in the philosophy of nature, Taoism is demystified in this course, revealing the genuine essence of living in harmony with the natural way, the Tao.

Class 1: Modules 1 and 2

Module 1: Reclaiming Taoism 

Explore Taoism from the ancient Chinese traditional perspective based on the two source texts, the Tao Te Ching and the Chuang-tzu. I will explain why classical Taoism is actually a lot different from how a lot of people think about Taoism today.

Module 2: The Metaphysical Framework of Taoism

For the first time ever recorded, I will explain the metaphysical framework, all the way from the undifferentiated reality to the manifest world. I go into how that universal unfolding is reflected in our very being, making the human being a reflection of the entire universe.

Class 2: Modules 3 and 4

Module 3: Taoism’s Critique of Confucianism and Socialization

We will explore how Taoism was actually a critique of Confucianism throughout the Warring States period of China. In doing so, I will dispel a lot of the false views around Confucius and Confucianism. I will explain why Taoism is the real natural system, which goes deep into its critique of how Confucius had this strange belief that by following his rules and regulations, that is what made us natural again.

Module 4: The Dissolution of Identity

Taoism’s ultimate aim is the dissolution of identity so that the undifferentiated Tao can make use of an individual. This is never spoken about in pop-Taoism for some reason, but from an ancient traditional perspective, Taoism is very similar to other nondual traditions throughout Asia. Though Taoism does differ slightly from the strict nondual traditions, it has a more holistic, integral teaching. I will explain in this module Taoism’s integral nondual approach.

Class 3: Modules 5 and 6

Module 5: The Immorality of Morality

I will explain the illusion of morality based on the teachings of Chuang-tzu and, as a result, why Taoism is an amoral tradition centered on nature and not governed by man-made morals. No one ever explores the amoral perspective of Taoism because most people don’t know about it or are afraid to speak about it candidly in the face of our moral systems. In understanding the amorality of Taoism in this course, you will have a roadmap to go beyond the illusions of good and evil to come closer to an understanding of true oneness, which is the goal of Taoism.

Module 6: The Politically Incorrect Nature of Taoism

This module covers the politically incorrect nature of Taoism and why a society stricken with political correctness is unnatural. I will explain some of the deepest, yet misunderstood stories from the Chuang-tzu text so that you can understand the natural amoral perspective of Taoism. I explain that Chuang-tzu himself had to also deal with the politically correct nonsense of Confucianism, as we do too in the modern world. As a result, I will use the teachings of Chuang-tzu to critique the modern politically correct attitude that is infecting innocent people’s minds in the present day.

Class 4: Modules 7 and 8

Module 7: Beyond Good and Evil

We will explore why Taoism believes our human nature is fundamentally good. In doing so, I will destroy the commonly held assumption that we are beasts from birth. I will explain this by using Taoism to analyze Confucianism, the Abrahamic faiths, and other Western traditions that believe we are beasts from birth.

Module 8: The Simple World vs. The Complex World

Moving constantly into a complex world is something Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu warned us about. They knew if we fell for the artificial linguistic conventions and cultural frameworks, it would be hard to wrestle our awareness from these tools of partiality so that we could see the world as it truly is. I will explain in this module the subtle battle between the natural, simple world and the evolving, complex world. We will explore Lao-tzu’s teaching of the two desires and Chuang’s great undoing so that we can attune to the Tao.

Class 5: Modules 9 and 10

Module 9: The Art of Doing Nothing

The essential Taoist teaching of wu-wei can be a confusing concept for those who are addicted to doing. Modern teachers and students of Taoism are also puzzled by wu-wei, as we discover through many people adapting it to their own sensibilities. We need to understand wu-wei as it is. I will explain the different translations of wu-wei and how in essence all interpretations lead to nondoing.

Module 10: The Spontaneous Reality

The real world of the Tao is a spontaneous reality. The sage lives in this spontaneous reality. I will explain the nature of this spontaneous reality by delving into the Taoist concept of tzu-jan (naturalness), the illusion of thinking, mind seeking, and the hidden teaching of what thoughts would be without language. I will expand this knowledge through an exploration into the concept of the unsupported thought and how the unconscious linkage of thoughts create the identity.

Class 6: Modules 11 and 12

Module 11: Free and Easy Wandering in Oneness

I explain the ultimate teaching after wu-wei, xiaoyao you (free and easy wandering in oneness). Xiaoyao you has been mentioned in the past but never in its truest context. It is the final teaching on the Taoist path, and the spiritual path in general from Chuang-tzu’s perspective. This teaching is related to what Taoists call the Zhenren (genuine person/enlightened sage). I will explain why Zhenren is related to free and easy wandering through stories from the Chuang-tzu that mine the deepest revelations throughout all of Eastern thought.

Module 12: Concluding Thoughts and Q&A

We will finish the course by having a discussion on everything we have learned in the past six weeks.

Price and Schedule

Cost is $200 USD. Classes will be held at 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM US Eastern time. A Zoom invitation with password will be sent Thursday prior to each weekend. If you cannot attend a class, a video recording of the class will be sent to your email address.

To secure your spot, please make payment in full with your name and email address to the following link.

Course registration is valid until July 10, 2024.