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COLLEGE OF TAO
APRIL-MAY 2022
NEWSLETTER
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2022 COLLEGE OF TAO RETREAT
Hello everyone, and thank you for making The Integral Way a part of your life. I have been assisting the Integral Way and CHI Health Institute for the last couple of years.
This is my second year helping to organize the College Of Tao Retreat, and along with our team, we hope to bring you a satisfying and rewarding retreat experience.
This year we meet in person at The Royal Way Retreat Center in Lucerne Valley, California. We will be in the high California desert, with comfortable accommodations, healthy food and enthusiastic teachers and participants. Our instructors have decades of experience teaching people of any experience level or ability, imaginable. along with assistants who also possess many years of experience so that all participants are assured to come away with a deeper understanding and an awareness of the arts that we are offering this year at the retreat.
We are building more reflection time into our schedule. Dr. Mao attended a retreat in Italy last year and had an epiphany that he was overdoing some aspects of his life, namely work. He attested to this, and even created a you-tube video, “Confessions of a Workaholic.” Without a doubt he is far from alone in this department and with this insight we have adjusted our retreat to give you plenty of quiet time along with enlightening instructional periods.
We hope that you as well will have an epiphany from the quietude of your true heart that assists you in transforming your life into a more joyous, balanced, and constructive journey. Being in the mountains will certainly enhance this possibility. You may even have a period of unusual energy that stays with you for some time after the retreat.
From the entire retreat committee; Sue Sullivan, Ed Sullivan, Amira Kusala and myself, we invite you to join us for a wonderful gathering of Regrowing, Revitalizing and Regenerating your spirit.
And for those of you who are already registered; please feel free to reach out to any of us before or during your entire stay.
With Gratitude
Curt Callison
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This is what you will see in this Issue for
April and May
Next Newsletter June
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College of Tao Retreat 2022
Evergreen Life New Book
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Monthly Features & Groups | |
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Sunday Renewal
Taoist Horoscope
Tao-of-Life Study Group
Lao Tzu Study Group
High Energy Days
Stems & Branches
Eight Treasures on-line Class
Sisters Group
Brother's Group
Sunday Reflection email Group
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Don't miss this very special opportunity
April 26/27-May 1, 2022
You are welcome to attend the
2022 College of Tao Retreat
Regrow, Revitalize, and Regenerate
"Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain"
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38 Generations of Ancient Wisdom from the Integral Way and the Ni Family Tradition
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DR. MAO SHING NI
L.AC., D.O.M., PH.D, DIPL. C.H., ABAAP ,Master Teacher,
College of Tao Co-Chancellor,
Co-Founder of Yo San University,
Ordained Minister
Dr. Mao Shing Ni, is the 38th generation of Chinese medicine doctors in his family. Well known and respected in the field of integrative and anti-aging medicine, he is the cofounder of Tao of Wellness and
Yo San University, both award winning centers for health and Traditional Chinese Medicine graduate education, respectively. Dr. Mao holds two doctorates as well as being board certified in anti-aging medicine. Ordained as the Head of the Integral Way Tradition in year 2000. He oversees the College of Tao and is active in teaching the Path of Constructive Life—the attainment of physical, mental, spiritual, moral and financial health in one’s life.
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DR. DAOSHING NI
L.AC., D.O.M., PH.D, MB
College of Tao Co-Chancellor,
Ordained Minister, Master Teacher, Co-Founder of Yo San University
Dr. Dao is a Licensed Acupuncturist in the State of California and is a Diplomate of Chinese Herbology NCCA. The deep history dating back 38 generations of medical practitioners in the Ni family and 74 generations of spiritual training from master to student guides his truly unique approach to his practice. Dr. Daoshing Ni trained intensively with his father, Master Hua-Ching Ni, and other achieved teachers in both the Taoist tradition as well as Chinese medicine. Continuing the legacy of his family tradition, he has embraced the teaching and practice in his everyday life.
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EDWARD SULLIVAN
Dean of InfiniChi Energy Healing Institute,
College of Tao Mentor Program Director.
College of Tao / CHI Health Institute. Certified senior instructor in Self-Healing Qigong, Eight Treasures Qigong, and Qi Meditation for Cancer Support and Prevention.
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PETER STEGE
D.O.M., L.AC. Dean of
Advanced Taoist Practice Program (A.T.P.),
Retired from his TCM medical practice, he continues to teach various Ni family movement forms he is certified in through CHI Health Institute & the COT.
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CLAIRE CUNNEN
Director College of Tao, Dean Feng Shui Institute,
CHI Health Institute certified senior instructor in Self-Healing Qigong, Eight Treasures Qigong, Crane Style Qigong and Harmony Style Tai Chi. She is also certified in Taoist meditation, Dao-In & Ba Gua-Merry-go-round.
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ARNOLD TAYAM
Prof., D.M.Q., D.T.C.M.
Dean of InfiniChi Medical Qi Gong Institute,
An internationally recognized Master Instructor and a graduate of Haidian University of Beijing, graduate of the International Institute of Medical Qigong, Director of The Longevity Center, served as Professor of Medical Qigong at Five Branches University.
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DR. JOHN BARBER
L.AC., practicing TCM in
Los Angeles, CA
Certified through COT/ CHI Health Institute in
Eight Treasures, L3 (SI)
Self-Healing Chi Gong (SI)
Taoist Meditation, L1 (SI)
Dao-In, L3 (PMI)
Harmony Tai Chi, L4 (SI)
Tai Chi Straight Sword, L2 (SI) Self-Challenge Program
Director
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DR. BITA YADIDI
MATCM, DAOM., L.AC.
Practicing TCM in Beverly Hills, CA,
Certified through College of Tao/ CHI Health Institute in many Ni family Qi movement forms including Sr. Instructor in Self Healing Qigong, Eight Little Treasures, Harmony Tai Ch and Tai Chi Straight Sword
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AMIRA KUSALA
Institute of Integral Nutrition, Dean
Weight Wellness Qigong, Certified Infinichi Life and Nutritional Coaching &
5 Elements Cooking with the Seasons, Associate Dean of Mentorship Program,
Sisters of the Heavenly Way
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CURT CALLISON
Associate Dean of CHI Health Institute
Retreat Coordinator
Certified Tai Chi & Eight Treasures forms
Brothers of the Heavenly Way
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SUE SULLIVAN
College of Tao Registrar
Assistant Retreat Coordinator
Retreat Bookstore
Certified through COT/Chi Health in 8 Treasures,
Sisters of the Heavenly Way
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COSMIC TOUR BAGUA FEATURED AT THE RETREAT
Arnold Tayam
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COSMIC TOUR BAGUA
Arnold Tayam
Tame the Tiger through Cosmic Tour Bagua Transformation !
You are all welcome in joining us in experiencing this powerful exciting practice.
This rare and unique energy movement system features special stepping methods
combined with 8 particular sets of postures. These sets are reflective of the main trigrams of the I Ching: Book of changes, but are crafted into a dynamic, yet subtle and powerful energetic distillation designed to empower your transformation of body, mind, emotions and spirit ! This practice enriches balance, centering, grounding, relaxing and energizing your entire being.
This system is comprised of two main sets: The first set is the complete Merry-Go-Round, which is an introductory set relatively easy to learn and practice.
The second set which is known as The Cosmic Tour Bagua 8 Transformations, consists of 8 individual sections, and is much more sophisticated in design as it is an expression of the 64 Hexagram energies of the I Ching. The Workshop will include......
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Retreat Location
Royal Way Spiritual Center
8088 High Road
Lucerne Valley, CA 92356
Visit collegeoftao.org
for details
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Sisters of the Heavenly Way: We will be pleased to meet in person on April 30th, Saturday afternoon at the College of Tao Spring Retreat from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
If you look at the High Energy Days feature in this newsletter you will see that is the very special day of the New Moon & a partial solar eclipse.
We will begin by harmonizing our own inner peace. Then let’s gather that high pure energy for our deep connection to the Source of our existence, the Divine Universal Mystical Mother and Guan Yin to radiate out to humanity in this time of great challenge & change in every land worldwide.
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The Brothers of the Heavenly Way will also meet at this same time during the College of Tao Retreat: 6:30 - 8:30 pm on Saturday April 30th in a separate location. | |
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Signed copies of Hua Ching Ni & Mao Shing Ni's New Book Evergreen Life will be available
at the College of Tao Retreat Bookstore
You can sign up for the Retreat at Collegeoftao.org
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The cover of this New book illustrates the natural process of the life cycle in a temperate evergreen forest where the ground provides both protection and nutrition, and the sky provides sustenance from above. Human life differs in that we also have a soul and a mind that can influence the nature and progression of our own life cycle and our connection to the cosmic chi.
This book has had a long gestation period. Much of the basic information comes from Master Ni Hua-Ching’s collection of his teaching material when he first arrived in the West in 1976. That material covers the vision, purpose, goals, direction, objectives and focus for the teaching of the Integral Way within the Path of Pure Light. For spiritual cultivators and chi healers there is comprehensive knowledge on the benefits of quiet sitting and cultivation of the cosmic chi. There is also practical guidance for living in the modern world that draws on the ancient teachings of Tao, but is relevant to all times and cultures.
The original files for Evergreen Life were first released to a student in Asia to edit as guidance for their possible future teaching role, as well as guidance for all present and future students, mentors and teachers of the Integral Way.
These early chapters have now been supplemented with material on the nature and direction of the Integral Way in the 21stcentury, and especially the importance of practicing the feminine principle that is applicable to all people. In Chapter 12, Savior of the Soul in Life, there are several examples where Guan Yin, the messenger of this principle, has influenced the course of events in life; there are also some invocations for seeking spiritual help from that great messenger who ‘watches over’ these prayers. Other recent material includes a discussion on experiencing the light where the secret of the golden light is revealed to the West for the first time, as well as a chapter with the full text of Master Ni’s message to the 2020 annual COT retreat.
The key message in this book is: The spiritual duty of all life is the realization of Universal Harmony through following the Way of an Evergreen Life in the material world. This includes living simply, quietly, naturally and responsibly. Thus, this book is relevant as guidance for all people seeking a healthy life in the busy, complicated and often confusing modern world.
Joy Grant
Auckland, New Zealand
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Available at the College of Tao Retreat Bookstore | |
Buffalo Rider fine art print (without the watermark) by Karen Kristin, Mentor of the Integral Way, available at the Retreat Bookstore, with mailer for easy transport. | | |
Poster of Master Lu Tung Ping also available at the Retreat Bookstore with mailer for easy transport. | | |
Looking Forward to Seeing You at the Retreat | |
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SUNDAY RENEWAL
with Dr. Mao, James Tuggle &
COT Ministers of the Integral Way
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College of Tao | The Shrine of the Eternal Breath of Tao | |
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Every Sunday at 7 am PST, you are invited to join via Zoom in a spiritual renewal ceremony facilitated by the Ministers of the Integral Way, including Drs. Mao Shing Ni, James Tuggle, Barbara Wolff, Ed Sullivan and others…followed by a talk on how to apply the wisdom of the Integral Way to the Five Healths—healthy body, mind/spirit, relationship, work and finance. This service is free for the College of Tao community.
Friends and family are welcome.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/136428813
Password: 006090
Meeting ID: 136 428 813
Dial by your location
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abp1aNfWIK
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Your Monthly Horoscope by Element
A Year of the Tiger, is governed by the Wood and Water elements. Will it be a dangerous, sabertooth, predatory type of tiger or a sleek, secretive, kind of cat? The Wood and Water Elements will also bring their exciting energy into the tiger mix in 2022 which will create a … wait! Stop and read Mao’s exciting predictions for yourself and find out why you might need to hang on to your hat in a year that is likely to have its own fair share of unexpected surprises! As always, it is our hope that you and your loved ones will enjoy a very happy, healthy Chinese New Year. To Learn More about what 2022 has in store click HERE. Or click on the icon below for your monthly horoscope.
Horoscope by Element
Quiz Link: to determine your Element click below
Find your Element
Taoist Horoscope Link for April click below
Your Horoscope
WOOD FIRE EARTH METAL WATER
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Tao of Life Tele-Study Group | |
Hello Everyone,
My name is Vladimir Iliev and will now be assisting Dr. Dao for the monthly Tele Study Group.
I would like to express my appreciation of Peter Stege’s work over the years, organizing the study of Hua-Ching Ni writings and making it a productive and enriching experience for everyone.
We are fortunate and grateful to connect with Dr. Daoshing Ni’s wisdom reflecting on our questions and guide us to see the integral truth in the light of others.
A little bio of how I came here: I was born in a small town of Vidin, Bulgaria, and immigrated to the USA in my late twenties. I work as an engineer, but my true passion is the Taoist movement arts. I was introduced to the Ni family books and self-cultivation by Arnold Tayam, who is my Shifu and teacher of Medical Qigong, Tai Chi Chuan and Bagua at the Longevity Center. I am now in my third year of I.T.M.I. Meditation program at the College of Tao, and have become a Mentor of the Integral Way.
I am grateful to Dr. Dao and Peter for the opportunity to help, and look forward to supporting all of you to bring passages of Master Ni’s books that you would like to share or may have questions about to be studied as a group.
With Peace and Gratitude to all
Vladimir Iliev
Please submit your selections to Vladimir Iliev at:
vladimiriliev@sbcglobal.net
To allow enough time for discussion during the 1 hour event, please keep the selected content within 10 pages or so for discussion. However you may encourage people to read the entire chapter if appropriate. Also please explain why you have chosen your selection and if you have any specific questions regarding the material.
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I Ching: The Book of Changes
Hexagram 20, pages 322, 323 & 326, by Hua-Ching Ni
Master Ni, Hua-Ching, the 37th-generation practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as Taoist Healing Arts, has written many well-known books on spirituality. Led by Dr. Dao, our monthly tele-study group is open to everyone. There isa wide range of experience in this group from newcomers to long-term participants. Together, we will explore Master Ni’s writings. Participants take turns to select a passage from his books so that as a group, we can delve into the meanings of his writings and how we can apply this knowledge into our daily lives.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM PST
ZOOM LIVE AUDIO EVENT
This month’s reading is offered by Olivia Rosewood. She writes: “I’m interested in Hexagram 20 and the topic of a spiritual temple, called a Kuan, particularly these words on page 322 of Omni’s I Ching: ‘The greater significance of Kuan, however, extends beyond the physical structure of a temple or shrine. It represents a way of life that is cultivated and guided by constant self-contemplation. Through such introspection, one remains unaffected by the pressures of worldly life and stays attuned to the deepest level of nature, which is the origin of the universal life force.’ I would like to explore the deepest levels of nature, both in practice and meaning. I am also drawn to the microcosmic aspect of a Kuan, that it may be an outer structure (as in a temple), or perhaps it may be an inner structure, for example, the “inner altar” mentioned on page 323.” Furthermore, I’m drawn to explore the 6 levels of awareness represented by each line. Finally, I’d love to explore the commentary on page 326: “Watch the invisible!”
This book may be purchased on the Wellness Living Store website at: www.taostar.com. If you have any questions, please contact Vladimir Iliev at: vladimiriliev@sbcglobal.net.
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DR. DAOSHING NI, Dr. Dao, is a 38th generation doctor of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, holds two doctorates in Oriental Medicine and was awarded the American Fertility Association’s Dr. Joyce Vargyas Visionary Award. Dr. Dao has appeared on the Today Show, provided numerous news/magazine interviews, and is a best-selling author.
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Friends and family are welcome.
New Link Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83960618837
Meeting ID: 839 6061 8837
Passcode: 2825
Meeting ID: 839 6061 8837
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kiN7QRJaY
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Free Lao Tzu Virtual Study Group on zoom!
Please Join Us
April 6th and May 4th
5-6 pm PST
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Amira invites you to join our
ongoing free monthly
Integral Way Study Group
The Complete Works of Lao Tzu
as elucidated by Hua-Ching Ni
Tao Teh Ching and the Hua Hu Ching
We meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 5-6 pm PST.
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To support the world in passing through this critical time, your prayer is helpful:
The Jade Pivot of the Universe
All Nine Heavens,
Grant us the Divine Lightning
that illuminates the darkness of the human mind.
All Nine Heavens,
Respond to our need for the Divine Thunder
that awakens the human conscience.
All Nine Heavens,
Respond to our request for the Divine Radiance
that awakens the universal soul in each of us.
This invocation is traditionally used to help people be delivered from all kinds of trouble. Many people truly feel benefited from reciting this.
It is also beneficial in general to chant the name of the Universal Divine One and the Divine One of Universal Awakening, either silently or allowed.
You are welcome to learn spiritual self-cultivation from the Universal Integral Way.
p 17, Spring Thunder by Hua-Ching Ni
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High Energy Days for
April and May, 2022
Seasonal Periods
April 5 Clear and Bright Qīngmíng, 清明
April 20 Rain for grains Gǔyǔ, 谷雨
May 5 Summer begins lì xià 立夏
May 21 Grain buds xiǎo mǎn 小满
April guǐ- maǒ 癸 卯 (Hare) - guǐ- maǒ 癸 卯(Hare)
April 1 New Moon in Aries April Fool’s Day
April 5 Pure Brightness 清明 qīng míng remember your ancestors
April 16 Full Moon in Libra
April 20 Rain for grains 谷雨 gú yǔ
April 22 Earth Day remember your Mother Earth
April 26 Commemoration of Shennong- Father of Chinese Medicine
April 30 New Moon in Gemini-
Partial Solar Eclipse at 10° Taurus at 1:28 pm PT / 4:28 pm ET
May jiǎ chén 甲辰 (Dragon) - yǐ sì 乙巳 (Snake)
May 1 May Day
May 5 Summer begins 立夏 lì xià
May 7 Geng Shen 庚 申 Balance Day
May 8 Xin You 辛 酉 Stable Day
May 8 Mother’s Day
May 10 – June 3 Mercury Retrograde
May 15 Full Moon in Scorpio -
Total Lunar Eclipse at 25° Scorpio – 9:14 pm PT
May 21 Grain buds 小满 xiǎo mǎn
May 30 New Moon in Gemini
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STEMS AND BRANCHES
FREE DISCUSSION GROUP
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We invite you all to join us:
Every other Sunday Morning @ 8:15 AM Pacific Standard time, continuing, April 10 & 24; May 8 & 22 following the Sunday Renewal to carry on our lively discussion of the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches. James Tuggle guides our exploration of this helpful resource that connects us with the universal cycles and living in harmony and balance with the flow of nature.
Please join Zoom Meeting Here
If any questions, please contact Courtney 2bcourtneycole@gmail.com
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Eight Treasures Qigong Class
(on Zoom)
Senior Instructor - Edward Sullivan
8 Treasures Qigong promotes strengthening and boosting your Immune System. This QiGong form has amazing physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Participants of all levels of physical ability can participate in this class
8 Week Class = $80
Mondays
May 2 – June 27
7pm Pacific Time
(No Class on May 30)
Register on collegeoftao.org and
the Link to Zoom class will be sent to you.
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Sisters of the Heavenly Way | |
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Natural being ness that comes from knowing we are borne of Sky and Earth. Where we may appreciate that there is just Oneness This past equinox gathering we touched upon simply being—that simple with All.
Perceiving innocently and deeply, as inspired by the meaning of Kwan Yin, our journey began with noticing and discerning our bodily sensations while moving in warming up. We then attended more specifically to our breathing sensations, and how we can simply be aware, calmly without judgment, of all that arises, whether comfortable or not, just as the Sky and Earth embrace all human movements without discrimination. Elena from Russia wrote how this is like the “energy of the Earth as she gently accepts a seed.”
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You are welcome to join our next Sisters gathering.
Our next two monthly gatherings will take place on:
April 17 for Australian sisters and April 16 for USA sisters, and then
May 15 for Aussies and May 14 for Americans.
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Brothers of the Heavenly Way
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The next meeting of the Brothers of the Heavenly Way will be at the Retreat, Saturday, April 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the 2022 College of Tao Retreat. Sign up now for the Retreat to attend.
May’s Brother’s gathering will be May 29th on Zoom.
Contact Curt Callison chcallison@gmail.com
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Living far away from your Integral friends and wanting to stay connected to the Tradition?
Join the "Integral Way Friends Group emailing list" Weekly inspirational quotes to your inbox and warm conversation.
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“Taoism is the source of universal spiritual energy before it is contaminated by the experience of beingness.”
Essence of Universal Spirituality, p-70
Hua Ching Ni
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Do you have something to share with the COT Community? We welcome you to share any information that is relevant and inspirational.
Love,
Sue and Amira
Co-Editors
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