The Great Encyclopedia of Taoism

Stream flowing through an empty valley with moss-covered stones, symbolizing the peace of sitting transformation

Zuo Hua: Taoist Sitting Transformation and Atta...

paulpeng

Zuo Hua is the Taoist “sitting transformation”: an adept departs in meditation, body remains lifelike. It shows voluntary spirit‑body separation. Distinct from Buddhist nirvana. Transcends ordinary death.

Zuo Hua: Taoist Sitting Transformation and Atta...

paulpeng

Zuo Hua is the Taoist “sitting transformation”: an adept departs in meditation, body remains lifelike. It shows voluntary spirit‑body separation. Distinct from Buddhist nirvana. Transcends ordinary death.

Distant mountains with a red glow at the horizon, representing Taoist fire refinement

Huo Lian: Taoist Fire Cremation and Corpse Refi...

paulpeng

Huo Lian is Taoist cremation that refines the corpse by fire, eliminating coffin burial. Rooted in alchemical transformation and Liandu salvation rites. Unlike Buddhist cremation, it focuses on spirit liberation.

Huo Lian: Taoist Fire Cremation and Corpse Refi...

paulpeng

Huo Lian is Taoist cremation that refines the corpse by fire, eliminating coffin burial. Rooted in alchemical transformation and Liandu salvation rites. Unlike Buddhist cremation, it focuses on spirit liberation.

Twenty-Eight Heavens

Twenty-Eight Heavens: Complete Taoist Cosmology...

Paul Peng

San Jie Ershiba Tian designates twenty-eight heavens across three realms in Taoist cosmology, from Yunji Qiqian.

Twenty-Eight Heavens: Complete Taoist Cosmology...

Paul Peng

San Jie Ershiba Tian designates twenty-eight heavens across three realms in Taoist cosmology, from Yunji Qiqian.

Dark deep valley shrouded in thick mist, representing the Taoist underworld

Twenty-Four Hells: Taoist Underworld and Retrib...

Paul Peng

Discover the Twenty-Four Hells in Taoism, where souls undergo judgment and karmic retribution.

Twenty-Four Hells: Taoist Underworld and Retrib...

Paul Peng

Discover the Twenty-Four Hells in Taoism, where souls undergo judgment and karmic retribution.

Flowing clouds and ink wash blending into the sky, representing the thirty-six heavens

Thirty-Six Heavens: Complete Daoist Cosmologica...

Paul Peng

Thirty-Six Heavens: the complete Taoist celestial hierarchy—six Desire, eighteen Form, four Formless, four Brahma, Three Pure, and Great Luo Heaven. From Yan Dong to Yunji Qiqian.

Thirty-Six Heavens: Complete Daoist Cosmologica...

Paul Peng

Thirty-Six Heavens: the complete Taoist celestial hierarchy—six Desire, eighteen Form, four Formless, four Brahma, Three Pure, and Great Luo Heaven. From Yan Dong to Yunji Qiqian.

Bamboo slips and scrolls arranged on an ancient desk, representing Taoist scientific texts

Daoist Science: Ancient Chinese Contributions t...

Paul Peng

Discover Daoist Science, encompassing ancient Chinese contributions to alchemy, medicine, and astronomy.

Daoist Science: Ancient Chinese Contributions t...

Paul Peng

Discover Daoist Science, encompassing ancient Chinese contributions to alchemy, medicine, and astronomy.