The Dragon's Head Blog

On July 16, 2022, members of the Portland Taoist Tai Chi® branch held an all-day demo at TeaFestPDX.  The branch has participated in this event since its inception six years ago and has enjoyed a very positive relationship with the organizers. The event returned this year after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. 70 vendors […]

  The ability to let go, that we train, extends to letting go of having – there, somewhere – a goal to achieve: in fact, you finally find out that the goal is the path itself, where we commit to keep walking, along with so many (and so much different) others and with his wise […]

I am a professional musician and Taoist Tai Chi® practice keeps me in shape physically. It helps me not get injured, keeps me elastic, and somehow keeps my body working even if I’m nervous. The hand movements are particularly good for my playing. This is all very important for me.  ~Oren Video Player    

On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, participants of Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism chanted the Scripture of Filial Piety to celebrate the Double Ninth Festival. Chanting expresses our intention to pay our respects to our elders and to our ancestors, and our wish for everlasting harmony.

I had high stress, high anxiety, lots of pain, and very poor sleep. I was a mess and my lifestyle was not healthy. Almost by chance I tried out a Taoist Tai ChiⓇ arts class. I noticed very soon after that my anxiety was more manageable and my pain started to go away so I could sleep […]

Liseth W. of our Costa Rica affiliate brushes knees at Manuel Antonio Beach on the Central Pacific Coast in Costa Rica. Please send images of your self practice—ideally with a local landmark or other indication of your location —along with your name, branch, location, and permission to publish to blog.usa@taoist.org. We cannot guarantee publication, but […]

My arthritis is called ankylosing spondylitis and it affects my spine. When the inflammation is happening, it’s very painful.  
 I’ve been doing Taoist Tai Chi® arts ever since I was first diagnosed, and that’s what I mostly use to manage the pain.  It keeps me moving … and if I don’t move, I seize up. My […]

“Wherever you are, you can find a danyu bar.” – Rich P. of Dunedin, FL, doing assisted danyus at Lobster Buoy campsite in South Thomaston, Maine Please send images of your self practice—ideally with a local landmark or other indication of your location —along with your name, branch, location, and permission to publish to blog.usa@taoist.org. We […]

I have been practicing Taoist Tai Chi® arts consistently since I turned 28. Now 22 years later and through many years of competing nationally and internationally as an Olympic-style weightlifter and powerlifter, I find that Taoist Tai Chi® practice is an integral part of my physical, mental and spiritual health. I am proud of my history as an […]

Brendan F. of Buffalo, NY, takes Taoist Tai Chi® arts to new heights at the Grand Canyon.  Please send images of your self practice—ideally with a local landmark or other indication of your location —along with your name, branch, location, and permission to publish to blog.usa@taoist.org. We cannot guarantee publication, but we will try our […]

“When I’m playing, everything is working in harmony. Mind, body, music. Harmony and dissonance are so important in music. Taoist Tai Chi® practice has enriched my idea of harmony and everything working together. I can feel when it’s all coming together.” ~Oren, NYC  

Throughout the vast world  May there be no anxiety and no hindrance. The cycles of death and life go on; What else could there be? If you go when you must go, How could you not be at ease? Turn your mind to the Tao And deliverance will quickly come! Chant encouraging souls of the departed to let go of attachments and […]

The last day of All Souls Festival brought together the caring intention of a thousand people chanting for the world and for those who have passed away. The ceremony leader reads a notice to the multitude of gathered souls, marked with a loud crash of cymbals!

In traditional Taoist belief, souls of the dead continue to need care from those in the world of living. Offerings to them include items for daily use such as food, shelter, clothing and money.

There is a Chinese saying that “When the dead are at peace, then the living shall prosper.” By honoring and aiding the dead during the All Souls Festival, we hope to reduce suffering and to bring blessings in the worlds of the living and the dead.  Incense offerings during the All Souls Festival comfort the […]

As we prepare for All Souls Festival we compose ourselves We approach the tasks with respectful intention Carefully, and with reverence we place items on the altar Flowers, fruit, Jai, tea, wine We light incense It is muted, quiet We chant At closing it is joyful. Can I approach my life with the same respectful […]

All Souls Festival is a chance to bring peace to the countless souls through the ages who have died in circumstances of great suffering and have no one to care for them.

Goon Yam, Deity of Compassion, cares for all. “She seeks out and responds to the cries of the worldMoving her spirit and revealing her compassionHer enlightened virtue towers over allAnd her power is deep beyond measureThe netherworld awakens to receive the gift of deliveranceAll beings come to health and receive the gift of life” From […]

All Souls Festival gives souls a chance to listen to the wisdom of the sutras chanted during the days of the festival and become free by resolving any attachments, entanglements, or conflicts they had during their lifetimes.

Caring is at the heart of Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism. It was deeply felt on day one of All Souls Festival when a thousand people from 26 countries brought their intention together chanting for the world and for those who have passed away.