Since the end of the 20th century , Taoism became a global religion from a local Chinese religion. It attracts many so-called "spiritual tourists" from the West and especially the United States, who want to acquire various "superpowers" or go on "spiritual journeys" and ecstatic experiences.
For some, such an overstepping of the limits of human possibilities looks like pure fantasy or the ravings of mad "spiritualists", for others it resembles the visions of the now increasingly popular philosophers and intellectuals of transhumanism, and still others see confirmations of long-standing Daoist concepts of the body and ways of self-development in various modern sciences and technologies, starting with quantum physics and ending with energy psychology.
In the first lecture of the cycle in April. on the 24th "The human body and its education in Taoism: between physicality and spirituality, mortality and immortality" we explained the most unique concepts of the body that are used in Taoist self-education and what is the relationship between "body" and "spirit" in the practice of Taoism, and whether it is generally possible to explain it in Western terms. The scientist tried to clarify that Taoist self-education is connected with the very concept of dao, and outlined the most important goals of that self-education.
In the second lecture, "The Daoist Way to Immortality: Methods, Experiences and Stories", the speaker shared recipes for longevity and methods of immortality according to Daoist surviving practices.
The concept of immortality was presented as a special state of calm, spiritual focus. And the immortal was distinguished by certain features - he had to have divine powers. Daoists of a higher spiritual level appear as a field of ever-changing vital energy and can be seen by Daoists of similar attainment.
In this lecture doc.dr.L. Poskaitė mentioned the aspects of Taoism practice. Some practices and methods of Daoist inner alchemy have been integrated with traditional Chinese medicine and qigong. Nutrition occupies an important place in the Taoist self-cultivation process, as does harmonizing the body's energies. However, perhaps the most important method of Daoist self-development is breathing.
Ultimately, the goal of self-care is a path of diminishing and reduction, making your body a habitat. We hope that you have found something that interests you in these lectures and we look forward to seeing you at our next events.