the divinity degree of Taoist Studies offers courses in
the Integral Way Taoist Tradition
The term “Taoism” is a broad umbrella that includes a diversity of many traditions (religious and non-religious), understandings, and practices which have been transmitted in a variety of ways and forms throughout the ages. The Ni Family transmits a non-religious, non-monastic form of Taoism (called the "Integral Way Taoist Tradition") that is rooted in the Southern Branch of Internal Alchemy Tradition. This form of Taoism focuses on the self-cultivation of one’s energy using a variety of holistic techniques and methods (study, energetic practices and movement arts such as Harmony Tai Chi, Dao-In, 8 Treasures Qi Gong, nutrition & TCM) to promote health, happiness, longevity, and spiritual development.
Beginner's Online Introductory Course:For beginners, the Introduction to Spiritual Self-Development course is a three-part home study program that is designed to support students who have read one or more books on the Integral Way of life and who want to deepen their understanding and experience of the Integral Way by applying its principles in their daily lives. It is recommended, but not required. For information on the Introduction to Spiritual Self-Development correspondence course, write Jono Howard at jonohoward@gmail.com.
The Divinity Degree Program in Integral Way Taoist Studies:
For those interested in learning the Integral Way Taoist Tradition in more depth, we offer the Divinity Degree Program. This program offers a step by step, structured path for learning the Integral Way Tradition. Courses of study will be offered leading to the attainment of the following Divinity degrees in Integral Way Taoist Studies: Associate of Divinity (AD), Bachelor of Divinity (BD), Master of Divinity (MDiv), and Doctor of Divinity (DD).
Study for these degrees will include certification in one or more of the Ni Family movement or meditation arts (e.g., Harmony Tai Chi, Dao-In, 8 Treasures Qi Gong, Self-Healing Qi Gong, Crane Style Qi Gong, Taoist Meditation Levels 1 & 2) by the College of Tao's Chi Health Institute.
The successful degree candidate will be enrolled as a COT Taoist Mentor. Such a credentialed Taoist Mentor will be able to: (1) engage more profoundly in their own self-cultivation, (2) teach the Ni Family movement or meditation art for which they are certified, (3) lead study groups and workshops regarding the materials covered in their Integral Way Taoist Studies degree program, and perhaps (4) open their own Taoist Center offering movement and/or meditation art and Taoist study groups.
Currently, the Associate of Divinity (AD) Degree Program is open. All courses are in distance-learning pdf format. It includes 9 courses that cover the following texts:
(1) The Complete Works of Lao Tzu,
(2) Stepping Stones to Spiritual Success,
(3) Attune Your Body with Dao-In,
(4) 8,000 Years of Wisdom Vol 1,
(5) 8,000 Years of Wisdom Vol 2,
(6) Spiritual Messages of a Buffalo Rider,
(7) The Golden Message,
(8) The Key to Good Fortune, and
(9) History of Taoism and the Integral Way Tradition.
The following movement & meditation arts are recommended for AD candidates who are distance learners: Dao-In, The 8 Treasures, Self-Healing Qi Gong, Taoist Meditation Levels 1 & 2. These arts may be easily learned through our audiovisual (DVD and book) materials available at www.taostar.com.
For more information about the Divinity Degree Program in Integral Way Taoist Studies (e.g., for application, course descriptions and course enrollment forms), please email us at college.tao@gmail.com Or download PDFs here.
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