- Taoist traditional institutions in China have
been neglected in recent decades and could benefit from international
support. People outside China, including non-Chinese, now seek to
engage in practices traditionally associated with Taoism. These may
look like opposite concerns, but are not opposed to one another. New
teaching and service organizations have been founded to respond to
them. The following are examples.
Preserving the Heritage
- Center of Traditional Taoist
Studies
http://www.tao.org/
[With a center in Weston, Massachusetts, and others in Shanghai and
Moscow, this site offers a virtual temple and several other resources
of interest to people seeking ways to preserve the
heritage.]
- Taoist Restoration
Society
http://www.monclair.net/trs/frameset.html
[According to information at the site: "The Taoist Restoration Society
is a U.S. nonprofit corporation dedicated to the rehabilitation and
rebirth of China's Taoist tradition. We are not interested in
exporting, altering, or Westernizing Taoism, nor in gaining converts to
any religious cause. The Taoist Restoration Society believes that it is
vital that we protect the world's vanishing cultures and ancient
traditions. Those of us who deeply respect and appreciate China's
ancient Taoist tradition must act now, while modern chaos and
destruction are still reversible."]
Expanding the Practice
- The International
Healing Tao
http://www.xs4all.nl/~taohol/index.html
[This is a system of training and set of resources (some commercial)
that have been developed from the teachings of Master Mantak Chia. The
description supplied on the web page indicates: "The Healing Tao is a
practical system of self-development that enables the individual to
complete the harmonious evolution of the physical, mental and spiritual
planes and the achievement of spiritual independence." The Master tours
the world, and courses are offered in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Information is available in English and Dutch.]
-
Center for Taoist Studies
[A North American study center.]
- Western Reform Taoism
http://wrt.org/
[Founded by Michael J. Torley, the WRTC promises to be an interesting
new venture that relies on Taoist inspiration and teachings for living
in the modern world. The site, part of which is currently under
construction, is clearly organized and attractively
designed.]
Daoism Index
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