Offerings

While the headquarters of the Daoist Foundation has now moved to San Diego, California, we continue to maintain a presence in the Pacific Northwest through the Gallagher Cove Daoist Association (Gewan daohui 葛灣道會), located in west Olympia. Through GCDA, we offer seasonal Daoist retreats, with the spring retreat taking place on Sunday, March 7. Emphasis is placed on holistic and integrated Daoist training focusing on the following tradition-based offerings:

Schedule

9:00-9:30am: Gathering and Welcome

9:30-10:30am: Standing Meditation and Yangsheng Practice

10:30-11:30am: Lundao Talk

11:30am-12:15pm: Seasonal Dietetics and Medicinal Cooking

12:15-1:00pm: Lunch

1:00-1:45pm: Break

1:45-3:30pm: Scripture Study

3:30-4:30pm: Meditation and Daoyin

4:30-5:00pm: Questions and Discussion

Standing Meditation

Emphasis placed on developing a foundation in "empty standing," often referred to as "post standing" (zhanzhuang 站樁). Other methods include Three Dantian 丹田 (Elixir Field) standing. Foundational Daoist postural principles are also covered.

Yangsheng 養生: Health and Longevity Practice

Practice of time-tested Qigong 氣功 (Ch'i-kung) sets that incorporate simple but effective principles to assist in self-healing and transformation. Basic postural principles and Daoist energetic views of the body are also taught.

Lundao 論道: Communal Lecture and Conversation

These talks explore foundational principles and views integral to Daoist practice and a Daoist way of life.

Next topics: Daoist Meditation

Seasonal Dietetics and Medicinal Cooking

Dietetics and cooking with an emphasis on correlative cosmology and Daoist principles related to seasonal cycles. Topics include the therapeutic nature of herbs and foods with particular attention to their seasonal application as well as basic cooking techniques that incorporate Chinese dietetics and healing foods.

Walking Meditation

Movement awareness practice and applied contemplation.

Scripture Study

In the context of formal lectures and open conversation, we read, study, contemplate and discuss important and influential Daoist scriptures. Our current meetings focus on the fourth to second century BCE Zhuangzi 莊子 (Chuang-tzu; Book of Master Zhuang) as a Daoist religious text and practice manual.

Focus of Meeting: Chapters 30-31 (Hedonist) and 12 (Syncretist) of the Zhuangzi (GCDA version or Watson translation)

Daoist Meditation

We engage in communal meditation practice. Emphasis is placed on foundational postural principles, Daoist quiet sitting (jingzuo 靜坐), and self-massage.

Daoyin 導引: Guided Stretching

Stretching exercises that focus on relaxation, meridian circulation, and breathwork. Daoyin is sometimes inaccurately referred to as "Taoist Yoga" because of some similarities with Indian methods.

We welcome anyone with a sincere interest in tradition-based Daoist practice. Retreatants may register online or send a non-refundable registration fee of $35 to the Daoist Foundation. In the unlikely event that a retreat is cancelled, your deposit will be refunded.

If you need additional information or have additional questions, please contact the Daoist Foundation via email or phone.