Tag: Zhao Bichen

Shen Elixir

UK: Enriched “Shen” – Sometimes Termed “Elixir” in Daoist Texts! (8.9.2026)

I did manage to write a biographical article about Zhao Ming Wang and get it published in the West – but I have always been battling the anti-China ideology permeating from the US – even from amongst some ethnic Chinese people living abroad. Then there are the “fake” Daoist lineages in the West that are inherently linked to the capitalist system – where they think their “income” equals “authenticity”. Those “who know” in and around the Chinese community simply laugh at this pseudo-Daoism. It is the same with Chinese martial arts (gongfu) – where affluent (fake) teachers link their income to being a genuine lineage. So be it. I have lived in and around the Chinese community for decades – and such a cultural setting has become my (personal) and academic speciality. Practicing the Dao requires full breathing, loosening the belt, and sitting quietly. This has to done properly and all the lessons need to be learned.

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The Daoist Shop-Front - Seduce Me With Your Wares!

UK: Qianfeng Daoism – A Few Flowers Bloomed! (5.9.2025)

The above are two recent email responses I wrote following a respectful and lucid request for knowledge and instruction. Daoism is very misunderstood both within and outside of China – but ironically this a cross we have to bear. Daoism has nothing to do with money. Indeed, the fabled “pay wall” is a contradiction to the very essence of authentic Daoist teaching. The basic rule should be that if a Daoist “teacher” demands money before they instruct you – they possess nothing worth instructing you in. You might be conditioned to feel good when purchasing something – but Daoist wisdom feels good because there is no greed involved in any of its structure, formulation, or transmission.

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Three Sages!

Answering Questions About Qianfeng Daoism! (4.5.2024)

As I do not accept money for instruction – that keeps the moronic Americans are bay. Not allowing myself to be bought for profit works wonders in this materialistic age of pure greed and delusion. Pre-modern science is nothing to be proud of in the light of modern science – although its presence suggests a culture was well on its way to further evolution and development. What is Daoism? It is an interesting observation that ethnic Chinese students NEVER ask this question – and why should they? I think to date no true Englishman has ever asked me “What is cricket?” Still, things are what they are – and we must work with what we’ve got!

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Email: Daoism – ‘Advanced Class’ (13.10.2020)

Furthermore, the mind and body can be ‘ill’ whilst the empty mind ground remains pristine and untouched by such worldly machinations. Therefore, as the Cao Dong Masters say – there is something that is never ill. As regards whether I agree or disagree – although I have opinions, I find myself in a position of being where neither makes any sense whilst in the presence of others. If the empty mind ground is fully realised, all Daoist knowledge will be yours and your martial arts practice transformed. I help Master Zhao Ming Wang (of Beijing) as a duty in recognition great grandfather who taught Charles Luk – but Charles had a different approach he learned directly from Zhao Bichen. Zhao Bichen recognised the superiority of the Ch’an method, but thought that most Chinese people could not achieve this objective, whereas they could (and would) submit to the culturally familiar rituals of Daoist methodology. Zhao Bichen, as a nod to modern logic and reason, did update much of the Daoist instruction – replacing many of the obscure Daoist idioms with terms used within Western anatomy and physiology.

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