Tao Te Ching - 37

The Tao always accomplishes without overdoing.

If a ruler can hold to the Tao,

All things will transform by themselves.

When desire grows,

Use sincerity and simplicity to overcome it.

With no desire, there will be stillness,

Then the world will be naturally at peace.

Translated by Chiyan wang

Edited by Noah Wang

This chapter emphasizes the power of non-doing, showing that the Tao acts effortlessly yet achieves everything. When one aligns with it and avoids desiring for certain outcomes, peace arises naturally. Desire disrupts this natural flow, but returning to simplicity and stillness overcomes desire and restores peace.

Tao Te Ching - 36

Lao Tzu's timeless wisdom on force and weapons: A ruler is supported by the people, just as a fish is supported by deep water. Without water, a fish cannot survive. In the same way, it is not in alignment with the Tao to display or threaten people with sharp weapons—it only leads to greater imbalance and disturbance.

36 – Tao Te Ching*


If you want to close something,

You would first open it; 

If you want to weaken something,

you would first strengthen it;
If you want to discard something,
you would first lift it;
If you want to take something,
you would first give it;
This is called the subtle perception:
The gentle and soft overcomes the tough and strong,
Fish can not live without deep water,
Nation's sharp weapons cannot be shown to its people.

Translated by Chiyan Wang and Noah Wang




This chapter teaches the principle of indirect action and hidden strength. To bring something down, you may first need to raise it up; to take, you must first give. True influence often works in subtle, paradoxical ways.
It emphasizes that softness and flexibility can overcome force and hardness, and warns that powerful tools and strategies should be kept hidden, just as fish belong in deep waters, not on display.
The wise leader acts with subtlety and restraint, understanding that real power often lies in concealment and patience.

Tao Te Ching - 33

We are reminded of a timeless truth: while it may seem simple to understand others, truly knowing oneself is far more challenging. Likewise, controlling others can appear straightforward, but mastering oneself demands deeper effort. Yet, this is the path to cultivating true wisdom and inner strength.

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33, guides us on this journey to begin with the art of mastering our own minds – the foundation of genuine self-awareness and lasting inner power.

Tao Te Ching – 33*

To know others is intelligence,

To know oneself is true wisdom.

To master others is strength,

To master oneself is true power.

To be content is true wealth,

To be determined is true will.

To remain steadfast is endurance,

To die yet not be forgotten is true immortality.

Translated by Chiyan Wang; Edited by N&R Wang

Chapter 33 of the Tao Te Ching emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, inner strength, and contentment. It contrasts the power gained from controlling others with the deeper, more enduring power of mastering oneself. The passage suggests that true wealth comes from contentment, true endurance from steadfastness, and true immortality from leaving a lasting, meaningful legacy.

Tao Te Ching -32

Have you ever felt this way—or maybe you feel it now?

Moving through life with ease, compassion, and trust.

Doing what’s needed—no more, no less.

Not forcing, not resisting, not over-helping.

Just flowing, accepting, and knowing when to pause—when your heart tells you.That’s what it means to be aligned with the Tao.

32-Tao Te Ching

The eternal Tao is unnamable:Simple and modest,

as small as invisible;

No one can force its way.

If a leader aligns with the Tao,

The people naturally follow.

In the harmony of heaven and earth,

Sweet dew falls,

Without human effort,

It settles on its own.

But once names arise,

Rules follow,

And ranks are assigned to officials.

One needs to know when to stop,

Knowing when to stop avoids danger;

All things return to the Tao,

As the rivers flow into the sea.

Translate by Chiyan Wang, edited by Robert Smitheram

Tao Te Ching - 29

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 29—one of life’s most challenging yet liberating lessons: letting go of attachments—whether to people, past hurts, expectations, or control—and find freedom in the flow of the Tao.

Are you experiencing suffering? Much of it comes from trying to control what we cannot. Trust that what is meant for you will stay, and what is not will pass. Letting go is not giving up—it is setting yourself free, and you deserve peace.

29 – Tao Te Ching*

Desire to control the world and act upon it?

I think it cannot be done.

The world is a sacred place,

It cannot be forced;

It cannot be grasped.

Doing by force will fail;

Trying to cling will lose.

Thus cultivators act by non-doing,

Then you cannot fail or lose.

People can be leading or following,

Can be fast or slow;

Can be strong or vulnerable;

Can be secure or in peril.

Thus cultivators eliminate excessiveness, extravagance, and extremes.

Translated by Chiyan Wang

Edited by Robert H. Smitheram, Ph. D.

Chapter 29 of the Tao Te Ching warns against the illusion of control. It teaches that the world follows its own course and that forcing or clinging leads to suffering. Instead of imposing our will, we find peace by flowing with life and responding with wisdom, not force.

Tao Te Ching 22

Dear Taoist Light Cultivators,

We’re stepping into the second week of practice in 2025!

Time waits for no one, but we must rise to meet it. Let’s keep moving forward!

The Tao Te Ching 22 highlights Taoist principles of resilience, humility, and balance. It teaches that flexibility brings renewal, emptiness leads to fullness, and excessive desire causes delusion. A Taoist cultivator avoids contention, arrogance, and self-promotion, achieving lasting strength and shining quietly. The saying "to be resilient is to remain whole" reflects a timeless truth grounded in life experience.

Warm regards,

Chiyan

22 – Tao Te Ching

To be resilient is to remain whole.

To bend is to become straight.

To empty oneself is to be full.

To shatter is to be renewed.

Taking less leads to gaining more,

While excessive desire brings delusion.

Thus, the Taoist cultivator embraces the one principle that governs all.

By not seeking attention, she shines.

By not boasting of her deeds, she gains.

By not exalting herself, she endures.

Because she does not contend,

None in the world can contend with her.

This ancient wisdom—

"To be resilient is to remain whole"—

Are not empty words.

It is a truth that can be realized.

Translated by Chiyan wang and Robert Smitheram Ph.D

18 – Tao Te Ching

When the great Tao is forgotten,


Morality arises.

When wisdom fades,

Hypocrisy emerges.

When the family falls into disorder,

Filial piety (family devotion) begins.


When a country falls into chaos,


Patriots arrive.

(Translated by Chiyan Wang)

Lao Tzu’s message is a caution against losing connection with the Tao, as it results in rigid, superficial replacements for natural, harmonious living. Instead, he advocates for returning to simplicity, balance, and alignment with the Tao, which would reduce the need for these artificial and external structures.

Intensive Practice for Self-Healing Abilities

Taoist Light Qigong: Cultivating the Power of Self-Healing

You can lose everything, but never your ability to heal yourself. The ability to self-heal is one of the most vital inner strengths a person can develop. It not only aids in overcoming physical ailments but also supports emotional and mental recovery, allowing for the restoration of joy, self-love, and resilience. Taoist Light Qigong, rooted in ancient Chinese practice, teaches us how to tap into this innate healing power.

Intention: The First Step in Healing

Self-healing begins by setting a clear intention to recover. Facing the problem, whether a physical ailment like a headache or an emotional issue such as grief, is essential. Without acknowledging the issue, healing cannot begin. During Qigong practice, the focus should not be on the illness itself but on releasing it and letting it go.

Beginning the Practice of Qigong

For beginners, it’s crucial to practice enough to develop a genuine appreciation for the practice. Consistent sessions should bring enjoyment, and missing a practice will feel noticeable. After each session, feelings of being cleansed, energized, and lighter are signs that the body's energy is being restored.

Intensive Practice for Accelerated Healing

For those seeking greater progress, practicing twice daily for an hour over two weeks can significantly enhance healing. By setting specific healing intentions, energy is directed to the affected areas, leading to noticeable improvements in health and emotional well-being. As conditions improve, self-confidence in the ability to heal strengthens, fostering further progress.

Building Confidence and Preventing Illness

As healing unfolds, experiencing positive results boosts confidence in one's capacity to recover, unlocking greater self-healing abilities. Through consistent Qigong practice, both the body and mind become more resilient, reducing the likelihood of future illness or emotional distress. This proactive approach cultivates a balanced, peaceful life.

In summary, Taoist Light Qigong offers a powerful pathway to self-healing, leading to renewed energy, happiness, and inner strength. Through intention, consistent practice, and an open mind, one can heal not only the body but also the spirit, achieving lasting well-being and harmony.