I am trying to experience as much as I can of Taoism to see what others understand and what I understand about myself. Where are there Taoist temples, study groups, classes ect. in the US? I am even thinking of moving somewhere where I meet more Taoist. Taoist writing are not new to me but Taoism in the US is it always seem as if to experience it you have to go asia somewhere but I like to experience it a little closer to home.

If you contact some Buddhist Temples in NY city, they may tell you how to get to some of the
Daoist temples upstate NY. I recently found out that there are a few hundred Buddhist Temples upstate NY
and a few ...many, Daoist temple up there as well. I didn't get their exact contacts but they are there indeed.

Possibly try googling Dharma Drum Mountain, and ask for their contacts and what not.

Once I return to NY, I will be visiting those Daoist and Buddhist templles there indeedy

Peace,
Lin

As of right now there are no sanctioned or working Daoist Temples in the US. What I mean by sanctioned is recognized by the China Taoist Association in Beijing who is the governing body of religous Taoist affairs in China.

There may be some shrines or the such but no working temples with real priests. However there my master (I know I know I keep plugging him but he's the only sanctioned priest in the US right now) is raising funds to build a real working temple in Colorado.

I just recently set up the St. Louis Taoist Association but haven't organized anything as of yet just some neigong (tai chi, qigong, meditation) classes. My association is based on the teachings of the Wudang Longmen Neidan Pai (Wudang Longmend Internal Elixir School)

Jeffery Yuen is also a Taoist who teaches TCM also a lot of alchemy practices and has a good command for translating the older practices into modern language.

Wudangspirit

Brother, who told you this?

Sanctioned by China doesn't mean they are "real" Daoist priests. If it is sanctioned by the Chinese governing body of religious affairs, it is most likely someone dressed up like a Daoist, teaching Daoism, and or a Daoist priest who has been politically educated on the stances of the Chinese gov. Its like the phrase which says a "foreigner" cannot understand the inner meaning of Gong Fu." This was believed by Chinese on mainland for ever, and still up till the now its the same. Not everyone believes it, but many still do.

It created the air that if a Chinese person wasn't teaching Chinese gongfu, its not real gongfu. Strange but true. Of course that lie is fading away, but with all the commercialism of "Chinese" Martial arts now, gov. sanctioned martial FORMS are being taught, not real gongfu, which holds to Cultivation of Health, Asceticism, Application, Philosophy, Culture and Conduct/Virtue/Morality.

Some, Not all.

But Daoism is the most oppressed religion and practice in China. In every big touristy temple, there is an office for a gov. official to oversee all the activities of the monks. If anything looks remotely "strange", the monks get reported, and from there, I can only imagine what happens. Which I don't want to imagine.

There are non-sanctioned Daoist and Buddhist temples in China still. They get no money from the gov to help rebuild, and they are very poor. They are not touristy in any way, and thus get no money from the gov. BUT they are full out cultivation only schools. No nonsense cultivation. If one were to visit and stay for a few days, and not practice with the monks (mainly Buddhist), you would have to leave regardless of your enjoyment of the scenery and or your own practices.


Some cultivators who have left China, and made it big in other countries as a figure head for Chinese culture would possibly get respect from the Chinese gov. just as long as they stay outside of mainland.

Almost all gov. sanctioned temples still bear the eye of the gov. to an extent. A lot of factors are involved, but I wouldn't stay away from a non-sanctioned temple. If their teachings make sense to logic and reason, no problem. I personally wouldn't trust anything supported by the Chinese Gov. There is usually a motive behind them, and there always is. I personally wouldn't go to a gov. sanctioned temple just because it bears the support of China and has a lot of money behind it. I rather go to the poor guy on the corner living in a wet and soiled box who seems to be content with his conditions.

Being sanctioned doesn't mean one is "the real deal".

There are gov. supported monks in both Daoist and Buddhist schools out in China where they get paid to live at the temple a few days, and then go home to their wife and kids. Some heads of temples enjoy the payroll and live in the temple doing nothing but drinking tea all day and wearing robes as a show for the tourists.


Oh, and these temples out in NY, that are not sanctioned, are fully working temples to what I was told. Meaning they are cultivating there, and teaching proper Daoist teachings...just without the name brand of Wu Dang or Bai Yun Guan of Beijing. Some are only teaching cultivation methods of the Daoist school without a particular school affiliation like Quan Zhen, and Zheng Yi. I met some of these people, and they are fine cultivators who if they had a working Way Place...Fugghedaboudit!

There are Buddhist and Daoist temples in America and around the world not sanctioned by the Chinese gov as well, and they are just fine without it. So in searching for Daoism, don't look for the brand names that have taken Daoism commercially. No sanction doesn't mean just a shrine and bowing. That's kind of what you find in gov. sanctioned temples in China...all over the place.


Peace and Blessings,
Lin

Yiguandao

http://www.yiguandao.com/main.htm


http://www.gio.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=18938&a...2602&mp=807

Very nice post Lin and good info Buddy. I think you're much more likely to find Daoist resources unscathed by government standardization and sterilization in Taiwan and elsewhere abroad. The cultural revolution left very little intact in China.

I have been reading alot on chinese history in regard to religion both Taoist and Buddist. Its sad to see how the Chinese government has treated these religions though history they have done so many great thing for the world but the rulers fear the loss of there power so much that they attack people that have no interest in that power. What makes it worst what they are really looking for deep down the very people there attacking can help them find. Its horrible the damage they are doing to these religions, but no matter what these thing can not be lost the Tao is ever present an as long as people pay attention they will find it again even here Carlisle PA I dont know any Taoist but the Tao is ever present but... it sure would be nice to meet other Taoist its hard to talk about Lao Tzu when no one know who you are talking about. Plus cultivation is easier for one another less confusion it parallels understanding yourself but on another level as Taoism as yourself and though another religion might not be a parallel to myself I consider other vituous religions as a parallel to good friends

Oh and I almost forgot wudangspirit, Lin an any future posters thank you, what ever you can offer is a great help it is tuff searching for Taoist groups in the US on the web. Theres very few site with US state to state info.

I agree with Lin to some extent.

It has been my experience in China that many Taoists living in temples do not practice serious cultivation.

There are usually a few, but many just live a normal life, and perhaps do not want to be a part of society; yet they take no part in serious self cultivation.

I do personally feel it is important to respect the ancient places of practice and worship,
and honor the tradition.

Temples serve a purpose, and generally it has been to serve the public, and to have some basic education for the novice.

Almost all advanced training takes place in remote Daoguan with small groups of cultivators.

There is a good saying in Taoism -

"The big Taoist lives in the city. The small Taoist hides in a temple."

The Taoists that I have met who have impressed me in China, live in their own homes, and support themselves through selling herbal medicine, teaching arts such as Guqin and Calligraphy, and the like.

All of these Taoist do not like the government, and want nothing to do with them.

My current guide and friend in cultivating Dao lives in a city, and has earned his living selling herbal medicine; and we go on retreat together 2 - 3 times a year and cultivate in the mountains for 30 or more days at a time.

I also have had the above Taoists take me to Daoguan, or training centers of Dao -
as Lin has said, places that are remote, poor, and off the beaten trail -
if you are not brought there, you will not find it.

Places of cultivation day in and day out.

I do think there may not be a lot of Taoists with traditional education in America, but sure to be something.

I think in America one may find good teachers in Tai Chi, Qigong, Chinese Medicine,
and perhaps some aspects of meditation training.

I lived in Taiwan, and after comparing what is practiced there in regards to the spirit of Taoism I have viewed here on the Mainland, I feel it is very different.

I prefer what I have viewed here on the Mainland; though Taoism is in a decline now,
and it is hard to find authentic Taoists who truly cultivate.

I think a Taoist teacher should not be judged by lineage or by race.

I think they should be judged perhaps by the following:

Do they have vital health?

Are they happy and easygoing?

Do they have a deep knowledge about many different subjects related to the many branches of Taoism such as traditional medicine, feng shui, qigong, alchemy meditation, classics of literature and the like?

Do they have a complete method of self cultivation to pass on to the student?

Does the method of cultivation yield obvious results when performed?

Do you feel wonderful in their presence?

~ Feeling safe, warm, elated, uplifted and energized when spending time with them.

Do not get swept up in big stories or grand legends about someone’s lineage and grand teachers.

It has been my experience that some of the most profound and high level Taoists I have met when asked about their lineage spoke as thus:

"Ummmm.... I read a few books..... or ... I learned some things once from a hermit in the QingCheng Shan mountains.... or ... I am really not a master; I have no real attainments. But...... I can help to guide you in the proper path of self cultivation. This I what I know...... how to cultivate......"

From my experience real high level masters do not advertise that they are masters, nor speak much about their attainments...

They do not want to be known or in the spot light.......

Yet when you perform their methods they share, results are gained quickly and it becomes very clear they are the real deal.

But this is all just my limited experience.

I think perhaps the best thing is to forget all ideas about finding a master, and just work on cleaning the heart, and cultivation of true sincerity.

This will help to prepare you for meeting a real master.

Good luck in your search.

Perhaps you may learn a lot from reading classics, and just sitting quietly everyday.

The Dao is everywhere, and it is also within.....

Look within and you may be surprised at what you uncover.

Sincerely, dao zhen

Dao Zhen Daoyou,


You are right in all you say and especially that in finding a real master, one must clear the heart and cultivate true sincerity.


Its hard finding a teacher of Guqin though. I have been searching for a year now, and no luck.

Peace and Blessings,
Lin

P.S.- for those who don't know, "Dao You" (the You pronounced like Yo), means 'fellow cultivator of the Way', or 'friend in cultivation of the Way', etc... You get the point.. somewhere along those lines.

Dear Brother Lin.

I hope you are fine and in good spirits.

I am happy to introduce you to my elder brother, Teacher Shao Tianze.

He is a wonderful teacher of Guqin; and is connected to the Tao society.

He has been teaching his few Chinese students out of his home,
but will be building a small training hall next to his house.

Subjects of study will be Guqin, Calligraphy, Taiji, and there will be a hall for meditation and self cultivation, and a sleeping area for students who want to stay longer or who are visiting -
but we still need to remodel and fix things up a bit.....

We are going to visit him in a few days on our way to Huashan.

With all my best.

Sincerely, dao zhen

PS. He also handmakes all of his Guqin, and carves talisman and calligraphy into the bottoms;
quite wonderful works of art.

Tianze Dao Ren

Hopefully my intentions were not miscommunicated.
You are all very correct when it comes to Taoism and cultivation. What I'm referring to is religious affairs ceremonies etc. There aren't any of that kind in the US. That I am sure of 100%. Those original scriptures have to be said in a specific way and in Chinese. Unless you're those people versed in traditional chinese, Fu writing and traditional teachings then they cannot provide these services. By that I mean a working temple. As for the cultivation of Tao, Internal Alchemy and such...of course anyone has the right and potential and can start a place of cultivation.

And I totally agree to the extent of government officials running the CTA however, "real" Taoist priest also have to go through testing and academic learning in order to become priests. Those affairs are looked after by the CTA and local Taoist associations related to the areas temples.

Dao Bless,

Wudangspirit

I understand what you're saying about ceremony and the arts of Daoism...

I know that in Hawaii, there is Heavenly Master Chang Yi Xiang (Lilly Siu) of the Zheng Yi Pai of Long Hu Shan, who performs religious ceremonies, and teaches the 6 Daoist Arts at the Tai Xuan Foundation.

http://www.acupuncture-hi.com/history.shtml


On U.S. Mainland, I know in Boston, Massachusetts, there is a Daoist organization, I just can't remember the name. Was going up there this time around in the U.S. , but no time. I would research upstate NY. I heard there were working temples up there, they are just not very LOUD in the temple - advertising world....

I hope, truly, that what I was told is true. So its all theory about the temples upstate..haha I haven't been there, so I can't say anything as much as..." Thus I was told" haha

I was really surprised I was told that info any way, because I haven't heard of any other working Daoist temple/organization on the U.S. mainland.


Peace and Blessings,
Lin




Daozhen Daoyou,

Thank you

Brother Lin,

Thanks for the information. I would be really interested as in finding out if they were real working temples. Yes Laoshi Chang has that school in Hawaii. I was hoping to visit her someday just haven't gotten around to it.

I will be visiting Wudang sometime this year or next and hope to share some photos with you and the rest of the gang. Hope to spend some time there in some special places that I know of there.

Dao Bless,

Wudangspirit (Taoist Name Zhong Xu)

Zhong Xu,

I hope to see you out here in China before I head back to NY.

Peace and Blessings,
Lin (Daoist name- Shenlong)

Lin,
I'm near Boston, where was it? English speaking folks?

Buddy

http://www.tao.org/

I heard good things about this place, but have never been there, so can not say more.

Ah, ok that guy. He used to have an ad in the yellow pages under martial arts with him in full camo. I'll stick to Vedanta.

Really... he was in camouflage? hahaha

Yeah, I would stick to other things also

I kid you not. Holding an AK 47.

When I saw him on a t.v. special, it just seemed... abit...errrr

I'll stick to Daoists when researching, not KGB

At least Spetnatz.

i don't know about any working temples but i have heard that ritual and fu writing is alive and well in the US...

----------------------------------------

nice paper outlining daoism in north america (at least the more out in the open parts)
http://www.daoistcenter.org/Articles/Artic...Novareligio.pdf
title is "tracing the contours of daoism in north america"
it talks about several of the people already mentioned in the thread

it also mentions Sifu Share Lew who is a monastically- trained taoist priest who left china before the communists took over- he still teaches his system of internal cultivation- both privately and through workshops
i have trained with him and to me he meets all the criteria that Dao Zhen pointed out
(those were also the criteria as to why i studied taiji with my first taiji teacher )


i have also heard of some stuff in or around san fransico- this was a long time ago and my memory of what i heard is rather vague right now....

franklin