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COLLEGE OF TAO
MARCH 2025
NEWSLETTER
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Walking the Integral Way
in a Changing World
By Dr. Mao Shing Ni
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Lately, I have heard from a number of people in distress over the rapid and disorienting changes since the election. In a time of political upheaval, division and uncertainty, it is natural to feel challenged in maintaining our inner peace while engaging with the world around us. I would like to offer this as an opportunity for us to cultivate and apply the spiritual principles of the Tao to our community. The teachings of the Integral Way offer us a path forward--one that allows us to remain spiritually grounded while adapting to the shifting climate of politics and societal change.
Taoist wisdom teaches that nature is in a constant state of transformation. The Tao does not resist change; it moves with it. Just as water flows around obstacles rather than opposing them, we too must cultivate the ability to remain adaptable, discerning and attuned to the greater rhythms of existence. This does not mean passivity or disengagement, but rather approaching life's challenges with clarity, balance and the understanding that all things arise and fall according to their time.
The Tao teaches us that yin and yang are two interconnected forces within a greater whole. When any cycle reaches its peak or extreme, it inevitably shifts into its opposite, much like a pendulum swinging back and forth, maintaining the natural rhythm of balance and renewal. Politics, as a human construct, is no exceptionâit simply mirrors the cyclical nature of the Tao.
Adapting Without Losing Ourselves
While the political landscape often elicits strong reaction, the Tao reminds us to act from a place of inner alignment rather than emotional turbulence. The Sage does not rush into conflict but observes deeply, knowing that real power comes from harmony, not force.

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Maintain Inner Stillness - Before reacting to external events, cultivate a moment of stillness. Whether through meditation, qi gong practice or quiet reflection, clarity arises when the mind is not clouded by reactivity.
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Discern the Essential from the Fleeting - Politics is often fueled by urgency and distraction. Taoist wisdom encourages us to see beyond immediate tensions and recognize the deeper cycles at play. What is truly lasting? What is illusion?
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Engage with Purpose, Not Attachment - If you feel called to action, do so with intention and wisdom, not from anger or fear. The Taoist cultivates Wu Wei â action through non-attachment. Engage, but do not be consumed.
Staying True to Spiritual Development
The Integral Way is not an escape from the world, but a way to navigate it with wisdom and grace. Political discourse may try to pull us into division, but the Taoist seeks to unify, to bring clarity rather than confusion and to see the humanity in all beings.
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Seek Common Ground - The Sage does not create more opposition but finds the middle way, recognizing that all perspectives, however different, arise from a shared human experience.
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Align with Natural Rhythms - Just as the seasons shift, political climates do too. Trust that no storm lasts forever. Stay rooted in principles that transcend momentary chaos.
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Be a Light, Not a Shadow - In uncertain times, people look for guidance. Let your presence be one of calm, wisdom and quiet strength, rather than adding to the noise of division.
The Tao teaches us that real change begins within. When we cultivate clarity and balance in ourselves, we become a reflection of that harmony in the world. True leadershipâwhether personal or societalâemerges from alignment with the deeper order of things.
Let us walk this path with grace, embodying the wisdom of the Tao in all that we do.

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On March 09, 2025
Many locations will "Spring Forward" into Daylight Savings Time & move their clocks ahead 1 hour. Please adjust for all of our COT classes and events.
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Invocations and Talismans from the Integral Way
By Dr. Mao Shing Ni
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For thousands of years, Taoist masters have cultivated profound spiritual practices to align human life with the rhythms of the cosmos. Among these sacred traditions, invocations and talismans hold a special place. Used for protection, healing and spiritual empowerment, these powerful tools are a bridge between the material and the subtle, unseen realms, a way to access the deeper forces of nature and the Tao itself.
Taoist Invocations
Invocations in the Integral Way tradition are sacred recitations -verbal or silent prayers - used to call upon divine energies, spirits and natural forces. These chants and formulas are not simply words; they are vibrational keys that resonate with the universal field of life force energy.
Through centuries of refinement, Taoist sages have transmitted these invocations as a means to:
- Protect oneself from negative influences - spiritual, emotional and even environmental.
- Purify and strengthen Qi - removing blockages and cultivating inner harmony.
- Open channels to higher guidance - deepening one's connection with divine wisdom and one's own higher self.
During sacred ceremonies and personal practice, practitioners may recite these invocations while performing rituals, movements, in meditation or before important events to bring clarity, stability and blessings.
Taoist Talismans
Talismans (Fu) are sacred symbols drawn in a meditative state, traditionally with red, cinnabar ink on yellow paper - a combination used to amplify their potency. These symbols encode Taoist cosmological principles and serve as an energetic imprint of protection and healing.

Each talisman is designed for a specific purpose:

- Protection from harm - shielding against external energies, misfortune and spiritual disturbances.
- Healing and longevity - harmonizing the bodyâs Qi flow and promoting wellness.
- Spiritual elevation - opening pathways to higher consciousness and insight.
Talismans can be carried as amulets, placed in homes for protection, burned and dissolved in water for internal purification or used in rituals to invoke divine assistance. When activated with proper intention and Qi, these sacred scripts become living conduits of Taoist power.
These Practices are Essential for Modern Life
In modern life, where stress, uncertainty and energetic imbalances are common, the use of invocations and talismans remains deeply relevant. These ancient practices remind us that we are not separate from the forces of nature but deeply interconnected with the cosmos. They provide tools for:
- Strengthening our personal Qi field against negative influences.
- Aligning with the natural rhythms of balance and flow.
- Cultivating peace, resilience and spiritual clarity in daily life.
The Integral Way teaches that true power comes not from force, but from harmony - harmony with ourselves, with others and with the subtle currents of the universe. Invocations and talismans are sacred guides on this path, helping us return to the essence of who we are.
Experience the Power Firsthand
For those who wish to explore these ancient practices, the upcoming College of Tao Retreat:
The Alchemy of Transformation, hosted at Yo San University will offer a rare opportunity to learn, receive and experience the transformative effects of invocations and talismans. Whether attending in person or online, participants will be guided through these traditional Taoist practices, allowing them to integrate protection, healing and spiritual alignment into their lives. Sign up today here.
The Tao is always present. Through these sacred practices, we open ourselves to its wisdom, its protection and its infinite flow.
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Be Part of the Experience!
It's almost time!
In Person
at Yo San University or
Join us via Zoom
Recordings Available
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2025 College of Tao Annual Retreat
The Alchemy of Transformation
Cultivating Wellness, Longevity & Spiritual Fulfillment
Join: In Person at Yo San University
or Via Zoom
with Retreat Recordings
to view at your convenience
April 10 - 13, 2025

Priced for Everyone to Join
Register Here
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Welcome to our Transformative Retreat, where ancient wisdom meets modern life. Join Dr. Mao Shing Ni, Dr. Daoshing Ni with other Senior Teachers for a revitalizing gathering that nurtures your mind, body and spirit. Learn secret Talismanic writing, Healing movements, explore Nutrition, Calligraphy, Invocations for protection, understanding the I Ching and more.

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Join Us to Transform & Heal | |
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A Rare Opportunity to learn Ancient Taoist Practices
and Protection to Transform your Life
Register Here Today
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Retreat Schedule PDF Available Now

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New Limited Edition
WORKBOOK for
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
of ALL PEOPLE
by Hua-Ching Ni
This edition is being re-published upon request. The teachings in this book will be part of the classes held at the retreat. Hua Ching Ni is personally signing each book.
You may purchase this limited edition talisman at the Retreat in person, or in the Retreat section of TaoStar.com
after April 10, 2025 while copies last.
For more information and to reserve your copy contact College.tao@gmail.com
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Whether you choose to attend In Person, Online or View the Recordings, we are here to make sure you have an unforgettable experience to help inspire you on your spiritual journey. | |
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The class will consist of 20 - 25 meetings over the next 1 - 2 years, so it is asked that students consider the commitment required. The class is open to all sincere, new and experienced students of the Integral Way.
The ZOOM link will be emailed to each registrant.
For any questions, please contact study group facilitator Peter Stege, Dean of Advanced Traditional Practice Program.
atp.cot@gmail.com
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I Ching - The Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth
by Hua-Ching Ni
Thursday March 20, 2025
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm PT
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Iâd like to explore the Applications of the Seasonal Variations, p 70 â 71, in Chapter 6, titled The Various Energy Cycles of Nature from the I Ching -The Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth by Hua-Ching Ni.
The Chart - Figure 84 (p 69) is important in this discussion. âIn the body there are twelve big ties connecting the soul to the body. This bondage is an obstacle to the upliftment of the soul; thus, it is wise to utilize the power of forgiveness to dissolve these intricate ties. One can also take advantage of the eight main seasonal periods to dissolve these ties and reform oneâs personality. There are many good spiritual practices which can be learned. The eight seasonal periods are very important to a person who is serious about cultivation. If you do a general spiritual practice, the seasonal periods can also have a good effect on dissolving the knots and ties."
For further information on this topic, please see Chapter 8. (This last part is only for personal guidance, but not for this discussion.)
From daily cycles to seasonal periods, Iâd like to discuss the importance of arranging our lives according to the energy cycles as well as how to dissolve this bondage, realistically facing the obstacles and ties to effectively dissolve them and thereby reform ourselves. Thank you, Amira Kusala
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Dr. Daoshing Ni, a 38th generation doctor of the Ni family lineage facilitates this monthly tele-study group.
If you have any questions, please contact
vladimiriliev@sbcglobal.net
CLICK HERE to purchase book

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INTERNATIONAL TAOIST MEDITATION INSTITUTE
SIGN UP TODAY
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On Sundays at 7:00 am PT, you are invited to join us via Zoom in a Spiritual Renewal Ceremony facilitated by the Ministers of the Integral Way; including James Tuggle, Ed Sullivan, Arnold Tayam and Sue Sullivan, along with others who guide us in how to apply the wisdom of the Integral Way. This service is free for the College of Tao community, friends and family.
Join Zoom Meeting Here
Meeting ID: 136 428 813
Passcode: 006090
Find your local number: Click Here
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Brothers of the Heavenly Way | |
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You are welcome to join us for our next meeting
on Sunday March 2, 2025 at 10:00 am PT
Please email Rob Bruce: RBTBRC@yahoo.com
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Sisters of the Heavenly Way | |
âMany people pray for world peace, but real help comes from the
subtle, stable nature of humankind.â Hua-Ching Ni
Being stable and balanced, whatever the situation, is one of the highest virtues of the Integral Way as represented in the Tai Chi symbol. The aftermath of Californiaâs fires and the current global
unrest present challenges to maintaining a stable nature. We may feel ill at ease, causing us to behave in unbalanced ways.
In challenging times, I have noticed how the yin virtues of receiving and acceptance naturally help to embrace my inner distress and transform ill ease. The quiet, open restfulness and gentle, even
breathing receive and give ample space for tensions to be acknowledged and unwind. Like a mother embracing an agitated child, yin has an enormous capacity to bear and hold; to retain
without conditions. It is present and calm. It trusts intuitively in the Way that Life draws everything into its balancing and calming embrace.
Living in an excessively active or yang oriented culture, it is vital to remember the natural law that only when emitted yang energy is received and retained by the yin, can new and genuinely
balanced ways unfold.
Slowing down, becoming very quiet, listening and patiently feeling within, we may then discern more clearly our pain and, at the same time, gain trust in the ways Life naturally and quietly transforms.

Love,
Barbara
All women are welcome to attend our next gathering in March.
For West Australians we meet on March 16th at 9:30 am
For Californian women we meet on March 15th at 5:30 pm PT
For our Eastern US women we meet on March 15 at 8:30 pm ET
Contact Barbara Wolff to join our gatherings: sistersofuhw@gmail.com
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Your Horoscope will be available on March 3, 2025 | |
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Events Update
The College of Tao Shrine and Retreat Center
Southern Oregon, USA
Mountain Springtime Immersion Work Session
Monday April 14, 6:00 pm â Sunday April 20, 6:00 pm.
This is a work session to continue the upkeep and improvement of the property, consisting of primarily outdoor work, forest, land, pruning, planting, etc., as well as indoor work for those interested. There will be early morning group, individual quiet sitting and movement practice. Evening cultivation optional.
âRearrange your scheduleâ and settle into the Springtime rhythm of this remote and unique property. This Immersion is scheduled to follow the COT Retreat in April at Yo San University and can be attended separately.
Cooking, cleaning and all other chores are to be shared.
The closest airport is Medford, OR. There are flights on Alaska Airlines LAX to MFR and Avelo Airlines serves Burbank, CA to MFR on Mondays and Fridays.
Registration and info contact Peter Stege pstege@hotmail.com
Cost: $25/day to cover food expenses.
To participate, one must be either a COT Mentor or CHI Health certified instructor to attend this work/service opportunity. Three day minimum please.
October 3 - 5 Sisters Retreat
October 9 - 13 Harmony Tai Chi Level 3 (58 Step)

Registration begins at www.collegeoftao.org May 1.
To reserve a spot for the Sisters retreat, please contact Amira Kusala taoistmentorship@gmail.com
To reserve a spot for all other retreats and for any questions, please contact Peter Stege pstege@hotmail.com
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Thank you for joining us.
Volunteer Editors:
Sue, Alannah, Sybil, Amira
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