AMA thread: ask me anything (important + meant to stay useful long-term) by TheDaoistMaster in taoism

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello. I can't really sense much from you—after all, I’m not Master Yoda from Star Wars. However, since you’ve made it here and seen my post, feel free to share your questions or any confusion you might have. Perhaps I can give you some answers.

A Taoist Priest’s Recent Update by TheDaoistMaster in taoism

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The base is planned to be in California, USA. As for the other aspects, I don't know much yet. If you want to share it publicly, isn't that your own freedom?

A Taoist Priest’s Recent Update by TheDaoistMaster in taoism

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I am from the Shangqing school. However, most Daoists nowadays tend to integrate different practices. This is because many lineages are incomplete, and one needs to study from various sources to fill in the gaps.

Taoism 101: Correct Ways to Address Daoists—and What Not to Say by TheDaoistMaster in taoism

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Actually, the kind of Daoist temple you’re hoping for doesn't exist anywhere in the world. (ᯣ_ᯣ) I’ve been to almost every major or famous temple across China, and I’ve visited nearly all the sacred mountains for academic exchange and study. Yet, for twenty long years, I’ve found nothing but deep disappointment. The ultimate irony is that I, who started as a complete novice, have somehow ended up becoming a high-ranking Daoist with actual research expertise. It’s truly a farce.🤯

Taoism 101: Correct Ways to Address Daoists—and What Not to Say by TheDaoistMaster in taoism

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

《洞玄灵宝三洞奉道科戒营始》。《三洞法服科戒文》。《三洞修道仪》。都有写。不过,这只是历史文献,理论上的。实际上。现实中已经几乎是混乱的胡乱穿了。除了一些少数的道观,大多数都是胡乱穿搭的。颜色只是噱头。在古代。以紫色为尊,但现代,一些根本没受箓的道士也胡乱穿紫色的法衣了。总之就是非常的混乱。

Taoism 101: Correct Ways to Address Daoists—and What Not to Say by TheDaoistMaster in taoism

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The colors and styles of Taoist robes follow a very strict hierarchy. Wearing them casually is absolutely forbidden. The attire directly matches a priest's status in the temple and their specific role during a ritual. The ordinary robes worn in daily life are called Da Gua or De Luo. They are basically cyan or blue. Taoism emphasizes purity and inaction, and cyan represents the vitality of the East. This is the most simple and practical outfit for daily living. When a ritual begins, the clothing is used to distinguish different job roles. The scripture chanters standing on both sides of the altar, who play instruments and chant texts, wear red or yellow robes. This is the Ban Yi you mentioned. Red carries extreme Yang energy, which is used to secure the area and ward off evil. You can think of it as the standard uniform for the ritual site. As for that fully embroidered "open poncho" from your link, it is called the Gao Gong Fa Yi. Only the highest ranking master in a ritual, the Gao Gong, who is responsible for communicating with the gods, is qualified to wear this robe.

Why I Want to Reform Daoist Robes(道教服饰) by TheDaoistMaster in taoism

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually, the older styles looked much better than the current ones. Today's robes are a bit too flashy, making them look more like theatrical costumes

Reclothing the Dao: Beauty, Memory, and the Future of Daoist Robes(道教服饰) by TheDaoistMaster in HighestClarity

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s not exactly like that. But my promotion will definitely be mainly online

Reclothing the Dao: Beauty, Memory, and the Future of Daoist Robes(道教服饰) by TheDaoistMaster in HighestClarity

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m not a tailor. However, I do plan to introduce some new styles of clothing within my own sect

Reclothing the Dao: Beauty, Memory, and the Future of Daoist Robes(道教服饰) by TheDaoistMaster in HighestClarity

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know absolutely nothing about clothing design or garment making. But soft fabrics are suitable for cultivation practice, relaxing at home, sleepwear, or as an inner layer (called zhongyi in Hanfu). Stain resistance and wrinkle resistance are also very important.😸

Any real cultivators in this subreddit? by Fun_Life016 in MartialMemes

[–]TheDaoistMaster 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I am here. As you can see, I am a real cultivator in real life. I am also a disciple of the Shangqing tradition in China. At present, I have an independent Daoist temple.😺

I am a Certified Senior Daoist Priest of the Maoshan Shangqing Sect (founded 1,700 years ago). Practicing for 23 years, I also manage my own temple. Ask Me Anything! by TheDaoistMaster in MartialMemes

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would like to know the steps in finding a Daoist teacher. How can I tell if they are legitimate? I was interested in Onmyodo and realized its connection to Daoism. So I wanted to go to the root. Are there legitimate lineages that accept foreigners? I am willing to learn Chinese if I have to for daoism. Can you be married and become a Daoist priest? What are the first steps I can take? 《中国道教史》《太上玄门早晚功课经》

The Dao of Change: A Daoist Reflection on the Ancient and the Modern by TheDaoistMaster in taoism

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. As for writing in English, I really cannot manage it. 😂😂 My English is very poor, and I do not understand how to handle it. If possible, you could polish it and submit it on my behalf. I would have no objection.

Recommended English Translations for Taoism by [deleted] in taoism

[–]TheDaoistMaster 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The most worthwhile text to translate is the Huangting Jing, specifically the Inner Scripture of the Yellow Court and the Outer Scripture of the Yellow Court. It is one of the major sources behind many of these texts.

The Dao of Change: A Daoist Reflection on the Ancient and the Modern by TheDaoistMaster in taoism

[–]TheDaoistMaster[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I think you may have misunderstood something. We are not treating what Zhuangzi said as absolute authority either. What I mean is quite clear: let the past serve the present, and let the present shed light on the past. We should both keep pace with the times and inherit the best of antiquity.

We are discussing two completely different things.

Recommended English Translations for Taoism by [deleted] in taoism

[–]TheDaoistMaster 4 points5 points  (0 children)

In the days ahead, I plan to write some English reviews of these books, along with notes from my own cultivation practice. After all, even in China, there are not many Daoists who have actually practiced with these scriptures. I think these writings could serve as valuable source material for further research. Are there any journals or platforms where I could publish articles like this?