Fifty-Five

"The holistic practices of the ancient masters integrate
science, art, and personal spiritual development.
Mind, body, and spirit participate in them equally.
They include:

1. Yi Yau, the healing science which incorporates
    diagnosis, acupuncture, herbal medicine,
    therapeutic diet, and other methods;
2. Syang Ming, the science which predicts a
    person's destiny by observing the outward
    physical manifestations of his face, skeleton,
    palms, and voice;
3. Feng Shui, the science of discerning the subtle
    energy rays present in a geographic location to
    determine whether they will properly support
    the activities of a building or town constructed
    there;
4. Fu Kua, the observation of the subtle alterations
    of yin and yang for the purpose of making
    decisions which are harmonious with the
    apparent and hidden aspects of a situation. The
    foundation of Fu Hua and of all Taoist practice
    is the study of the I Ching, or Book of Changes.
5. Nei Dan, Wai Dan, and Fang Jung, the
    sciences of refining one's personal energy
    through alchemy, chemistry, and the cultivation
    of balanced sexual energy;
6. Tai Syi, the science of revitalization through
    breathing and visualization techniques;
7. Chwun Shi, the transformation of one's spiritual
    essence through keeping one's thoughts in
    accord with the Divine Source;
8. Shu-Ser, the attunement of one's daily life to the
    cycle of universal energy rays;
9. Bi Gu, the practice of fasting on specific days in
    order to gather life energy emanating from the
    harmonized positions of certain stars;
10. San Yi, the science of embracing integral
     transcendental oneness in order to accomplish
     conception of the 'mystical pearl';
11. Tai Chi Ch'uan, the performance of physical
      exercises to induce and direct energy flows
      within the body to gain mastery of body,
      breath, mind, the internal organs, and life and
      death.
12. Fu Chi, the science of reforming and refining
     one's energy with pure food and herbs;
13. Chuan Se, the inner visualization of the unity of
      one's inner and outer being;
14. 'Dzai Jing, the purification of one's energy
     through ascetic practices.
15. Fu Jou, the drawing of mystical pictures and
     the writing and recital of mystical invocations
     for the purpose of evoking a response from the
     subtle realm of the universe;
16. Tsan Syan, the process of dissolving the ego and
      connecting with the Great Oneness through the
      study of classical scriptures and daily dialogue
      with an enlightened master.
17. You Yen and Chi Men, the mystical sciences of
      energy linkage for the purpose of influencing
      external affairs.

Of these, the most important for beginners is the
study of the I Ching, which enables one to perceive
the hidden influences in every situation and thus
establish a balanced and spiritually evolved means of
responding to them.

All are instruments for attaining the Tao.
To study them is to serve universal unity, harmony, and wisdom."

I had actually made a start with the I Ching (also Bryan Browne Walker's translation) earlier this year. I am always willing to explore, and had felt led to it by my continued interest in the Tao and everything related to it. As change began to come to me much faster and sooner than I had anticipated, I took a break from exploring the I Ching in my private writing. Prompted to it yet again here, which seems to be my own Fu Jou, I may pick it up again tomorrow. I am fascinated by how these teachings continue to expand, to resonate, and to be relevant across places, times, and traditions. It's all a gift.