Entering the Dao: A Weekend of the Daoist Arts of Meditation, Qigong and Tea Ceremony with Solala Towler

This weekend offers a deep immersion into the Daoist arts of qigong, meditation, Daoist philosophy, and tea ceremony. Guided by Solala’s 28 years of study and practice, participants will explore the ancient Daoist text Dao De Jing and discover how many living practices are woven into its teachings. The program also includes Daoist meditation and an introduction to dao-in, or Daoist yoga.

Another highlight of the retreat is Daoist tea ceremony, known as pin ming lun dao. Guests will sample special teas and take part in a ceremony created to open the heart and hara. Through connection with this sacred plant medicine, the experience invites a shift toward higher spiritual and psychic awareness.

The qigong practice taught during the weekend is Wuji (Primordial) Qigong, an ancient cosmological form created by Zhang San Feng, the Daoist master and legendary founder of Taijiquan (Tai Chi), 800 years ago in the Wudang Mountains. This traditional Daoist qigong combines circular movement, breath, and visualization to stimulate the flow of qi, supporting health, longevity, and spiritual opening. Working with the primal energies of the five directions and their qualities — East: the Green Dragon, South: the Red Phoenix, West: the White Tiger, North: the Black Turtle, and Center: the Yellow Dragon — practitioners enter an energetic ritual that has been passed down for centuries. The circling movements guide the body and mind into a powerful, primordial state of grace and healing.

Schedule

• Friday Night: Introduction to Daoist philosophy using Solala’s interpretation of the Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching) and Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu), followed by healing meditation and gentle qigong.
• Saturday: Morning meditation, dao-in (Daoist yoga), and Wuji (Primordial) Qigong.
• After Lunch: Daoist Gongfu Tea Ceremony (pin ming lun dao) and Wuji Qigong practice.
• Saturday evening: Lecture, healing meditation, and stories from the Daoist tradition.
• Sunday morning: Moving meditation and Wuji Qigong.

Teacher

Solala has taught qigong for 28 years. Since 1993, he has served as publisher of The Empty Vessel: The Journal of Daoist Philosophy and Practice. He has published 12 books on the Daoist arts and recorded four CDs of meditation and qigong music. He is a past president and founding board member of the National Qigong Association, and he also leads tours to China for qigong and meditation study with Daoist teachers in the sacred Wudang Mountains.

Food

Menus are based on group preferences and budget. Guests can enjoy delicious, balanced vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, typically including raw salads and hot vegetable dishes. Upon request, unseasoned blanched or steamed dishes can be prepared for lunch and dinner. Gluten-free and dairy-free needs are easily accommodated, and many seasonings and oils are served on the side so guests can adjust meals to taste. Several rooms include refrigerators, and guests are welcome to bring food that better suits their needs if there are issues that cannot be accommodated. Please note that meal costs cannot be reduced due to food allergies.