For many people Taoist Internal Alchemy is a kind of meditation, during which the practitioner imagines certain actions and transformations in the body. But is this really what a Taoist alchemist is supposed to do? Actually the answer should be: “no”. Taoist Alchemy is a way of life, not limited to the practice of meditation. Also, “imagining” is not what the practice is about, because this usually leads to what we call “huandan” or illusionary cinnabar (fake alchemy). Is it a kind of spirituality then? If that mainly focuses on the mind, then it is certainly not this.

Taoist Alchemy, as it was originally developed in Southeast China about one thousand years ago, is a practice that combines the transformation (through practice) of the workings of the (internal and external) body with a deliberate liberation of the limitations of the human existence and human consciousness. To realize this, the alchemist needs specific interaction between movement (dong) and quietude (jing), in order to create a stable personality with an unlimited consciousness in a strong body. Changing how the body moves and relaxes is essential for this purpose.

During this weekend we study how to “move as an alchemist” (and how not moving as an alchemist differs from this) and how concentrated movement leads to changes, deep relaxation, and an expanding consciousness.

Think of adequate training to generate circulations and form qiao (apertures) and jiao(exchanges), i.e. opening the body to create space and to make it possible to connect everything within the body for the great exchange with the macrocosm and ultimately, Dao.

Practical information:

• when: Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June
• where: China Arts College, Ballaarstraat 114, 2018 Antwerpen
• time: 10:00 – 3:00 pm (door open from 9:45 pm)
• For everyone interested in Taoist Internal Alchemy
• fee: Early bird: untill 28 May € 160,- after 28 May: € 180,-
• register: via the button below
• clothing and shoes: see terms & conditions
• a pen and notebook for taking notes
• You can bring your own lunch. There are several eateries or supermarkets in the immediate vicinity. Chinese tea is always available, but you can also bring your own drinks.

Intended for anyone interested in Taoist Internal Alchemy

Professor Vercammen is an anthropologist-sinologist, an expert in Chinese Martial Arts, a Taoist doctor, an expert in Taoist Internal Alchemy, and an artist (Chinese & Western painting, calligraphy, poetry, design). He has published more than 30 books and articles on Chinese culture & Chinese Martial Arts.