Dr. Mao | College of Tao

March 2025

Walking the Integral Way

in a Changing World

by Dr. Mao Shing Ni

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 exception—it 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.

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.

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?

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 — 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.

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.

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.

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 leadership—whether personal or societal—emerges 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.

Talismans

Invocations and Talismans from the Integral Way

By Dr. Mao Shing Ni

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 body’s 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.

Retreat Information Page

February 2025

The Resilience of the Human Spirit:

Shedding the Past, Embracing Renewal

by Dr. Mao Shing Ni

As we step into the Chinese New Year of the Snake, on January 29, 2025 its symbolism of rebirth and renewal feels particularly poignant. For my family and countless others displaced by the recent Palisades and Eaton wildfires, this year offers an opportunity to reflect on the cycles of destruction and regeneration that shape both nature and our lives.

The fires, which destroyed over 12,000 homes and upended the lives of so many, have left scars both visible and emotional. Our families are among those still displaced, navigating the uncertainty of returning and for many, rebuilding. And yet, even amidst the chaos, I have been inspired by my father OmNi, who escaped the fires unharmed and lives with us. At over 100 years young, he continues to maintain his daily walks and meditations. His unwavering composure reminds me of the importance of balance and stability in times of upheaval.

The snake, revered in Chinese culture for its mythical powers of renewal, teaches us to shed what no longer serves us. This shedding process is not just physical but emotional and spiritual—a release of grief, fear, and attachment to the past. It’s a painful but necessary step toward healing and transformation. Similarly, the phoenix rising from ashes serves as a powerful reminder that even in the wake of destruction, there is the potential for renewal and new beginnings.

These themes align with the wisdom of the Year of the Snake. We cannot fight nature—its cycles of creation and destruction are beyond our control. But we can learn to adapt. Like the snake, which sheds its skin to grow, and like my father, who finds stability in simple, grounding rituals, we too can find ways to move forward with resilience and grace.

However, not all devastation is inevitable. Human-made crises, like wars, contrast starkly with nature’s cycles. They are avoidable tragedies born from imbalance and disconnection. As we reflect on the fires and their aftermath, we are reminded of the importance of harmony—not only with nature but also with each other.

This year, let us honor the lessons of the snake and the phoenix—to shed the past, rise above challenges, and embrace the transformative power of renewal. By aligning with the rhythms of nature and exercising our human powers of adaptability, we can find hope and strength even in the face of loss. May the Year of the Snake guide us all toward healing, balance, and a brighter future.

Here I share with you an Invocation for Healing and Renewal for this new year:

The divine, subtle realm of the Tao,

Source of all transformation and balance,

Guide us to release the burdens of the past

And flow with the cycles of renewal.

Like the snake shedding its skin,

May we let go of pain and attachment,

Opening our hearts to healing and new beginnings.

In the midst of chaos, show us how to find balance.

In the face of uncertainty, awaken in us the strength.

Align us with nature’s rhythms,

That we may find harmony within and around us.

Teach us to adapt with grace,

To heal with patience,

And to trust in the quiet wisdom of the Tao.

In letting go, we find peace.

In renewal, we are made whole.

The Resilience of the Human Spirit:

Shedding the Past, Embracing Renewal

by Dr. Mao Shing Ni

January 2025

Letting Go and Blossoming Into the New Year

By Dr. Mao Shing Ni

As we step into the new year, nature offers a timeless reminder: transformation starts with letting go. Across my travels—from snowy mountains to serene beaches—I’ve seen how the rhythms of the earth and the wisdom of different cultures reveal the power of release and renewal.

Take the flower bud. It holds incredible potential but cannot bloom unless it sheds the casing that protected it. If it clings too tightly, it won’t fulfill its purpose. The same is true for us: holding on to past hurts, regrets, or emotional baggage can prevent us from growing into our full potential.

In Taoist philosophy, this idea is captured in wu wei, or effortless action. Nature doesn’t force change; it moves with the seasons, trusting the process. Winter doesn’t resist spring—it allows the warmth of the sun to bring new life. Letting go isn’t about loss but making space for growth.

Lessons from my Travels

In Japan, the art of kintsugi—repairing broken pottery with gold—teaches us to embrace imperfections and see beauty in healing. Scars, whether physical or emotional, aren’t something to hide; they’re part of our story and can even make us stronger.

In New Zealand, I saw shepherds guiding their flocks with patience and trust and the help of their sheep dogs. The sheep didn’t resist—they followed the path laid before them. Letting go doesn’t mean giving up; it’s about trusting that we’re on the right path.

In Bali, daily altar offerings symbolize gratitude and a fresh start. By releasing the past each day, the Balinese cultivate peace and make room for new blessings.

Clearing the Mind, Creating Space

Holding onto the past is like carrying extra baggage on a long hike. It slows us down and drains our energy. Taoist teachings encourage us to “empty the cup” so it can be filled again. January is a perfect time to lighten your load—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Letting go of old grievances or unrealistic expectations allows clarity to take their place. The Tao Teh Ching reminds us “To grasp something new, first let go of the old.”

Just as the flower bud doesn’t resist its natural evolution; it trusts the process. We can learn from this simple yet profound act. By letting go of what no longer serves us—whether old habits, unresolved conflicts, or limiting beliefs—we create space for new opportunities and growth.

Practices to Incorporate

This year, take small steps to let go of what’s holding you back:

Write down what’s weighing on your mind, then symbolically release it—burn the paper, bury it, or let it float away in water.
Spend time in nature and notice how it embraces change effortlessly.
Practice Stress Release Meditation or Wood Element Cleansing Qi Gong to help release the past and quiet a cluttered mind and restore balance.

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting or denying the past. It means learning from it, making peace with it, and moving forward with greater freedom and clarity.

Every culture and landscape I’ve encountered on my travels teaches the same essential lesson—renewal is part of life’s rhythm. When we let go, we create space for something new to emerge. Like the flower in spring, we are meant to bloom—not by force, but by allowing the natural process of growth to unfold.

As we step into the new year, may you find the courage to release what no longer serves you and the openness to embrace the possibilities ahead. I warmly invite you to join us for our annual retreat, Transformation Through Alchemy, taking place April 8–13, 2025, at the serene Temescal Canyon in Los Angeles.

This immersive experience will guide you in transforming negativity within yourself and your life into positive, empowering manifestations. Begin your personal journey of blossoming—sign up today and take the first step toward profound renewal and growth. Please Join Here

Here’s to a year of clarity, growth and unveiling of your true nature!