About The Dao Li Jiao
Dao
Li Jiao (Tao Li Chiao in the Wade-Giles system) is translated as the "Way
of Reason School" of Taoism. The Dao Li Jiao was created by Dr. Her
Yue Wong, Taoist Master and Founder-Director of the Ching Yi Kung Fu
Association, and formally announced to the public on 1 January 2001, the actual
beginning of the new millennium by the Western calendar.
The
Dao Li Jiao focuses on the study of the Universe and its relationship to human
life. Practitioners of the Dao Li Jiao research the relationship between
Heaven, Earth and Man through study and contemplation, applying logic and
reason rather than accepting any concept simply on faith. The Dao Li Jiao
integrates classical Taoism, Rationalist thought and the principles of modern
science. As a guide to their quest, Dao Li Shi (Scholars of the Way of
Reason) and Dao Li Yuan (Members of the Way of Reason School) also examine
selected writings of noted Chinese philosophers who have passed down their
findings on the Tao of the Universe through the ages. Originally four
principle texts formed the core of Dao Li Jiao study (see “Online Taoist Readings”
for links to the first three texts):
(1) Lao Zi's (Lao Tzu or Lao Tsu)
Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching)
(2) Confucius' Lun Yu (The Analects of Confucius)
(3) The Yellow Emperor's Yin Fu Jing
(4) Dr. Her Yue Wong's Book, Yu Zhou Yu Ren Sheng
Then
in May 2006, while Dr. Wong was meeting with other Dao Li Jiao Members in
Taiwan, all present decided to add the writings of the Taoist sage Zhuang Zi
(Chuang Tzu or Chuang Tsu) and the Yi Jing (I Ching)
to the list of recommended Dao Li Jiao readings. These ancient texts provide much greater
insight into the teachings of Lao Zi and the metaphysical nature of the
Tao. Numerous English translations
of those texts are readily available through bookstores or online. Two versions that have been
particularly popular for decades are “Chuang Tsu:
Inner Chapters” by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English, and
the “The I Ching or Book of Changes” translated by Richard Wilhelm and rendered
into English by Cary F. Baynes (available online at
the link I Ching – Book of
Changes). Also, Mr. Lin Yutang’s translation “Chuang Tzu – The Inner Chapters” has been posted online.
One
of the first steps toward gaining an understanding of the Universe is to set
oneself in physical and spiritual balance. Taoism holds that the human
body and human interactions are a microcosm of the Universe itself,
and that to truly understand one enables you to understand all. Toward
that end, Dao Li Shi and Dao Li Yuan are encouraged to regularly practice the
traditional Chinese internal martial arts of Xing Yi Quan (Hsing Yi Ch'uan or
Hsing-I Ch’uan), Ba Gua Zhang (Pa Kua Tsang) and Tai Ji Quan (T'ai Chi Ch'uan),
as well as various meditative and breathing exercises derived from the art of
Qi Gong (Ch'i Kung). The goals of this combined physical, mental and
spiritual regimen are: peace of mind, health of the physical body, and harmony
between the individual and the environment.
To
facilitate this practice, Dr. Wong has published an article entitled “Internal Kung Fu and Meditation.” Also, Ching Yi Kung Fu Association
President and Assistant Interpreter of the Dao Li Jiao, Michael Brown provides
additional insights into practice via his article “Fundamental Techniques of Internal
Kung Fu.” Both articles are
available by following the links provided.
The
goal of the Dao Li Jiao is to improve both the physical and the spiritual
quality of human life. We hope that in time the knowledge and insights we
discover on our journey can help others to interact in harmony with the
Universe, thus increasing the quality of their lives and of human society.
Since
its fundamental concept is the study of the Universe, the Dao Li Jiao has no
cult following, no political agenda whatsoever, and does not conflict with the
beliefs of any religion. Students of the Way of Reason regard all the
world's religions as simply other paths toward the same understanding sought by
the Dao Li Jiao.
One of the Dao Li Shi also holds the position
of Zong Shi (Master of Great Learning and Integrity) for a set period of time,
and is referred to by the English title of Dao Li Jiao
"Interpreter." Later, that responsibility will be passed
on to another Dao Li Shi for a certain tenure, thus ensuring a continuous
infusion of fresh and balanced views of the Tao, as derived from the study and
experience of each Zong Shi.
After the founding of the Dao Li Jiao in January, Dr. Wong traveled to Taiwan and mainland China in July 2001. He met with Mr. CHENG Ming Der, who is the head of the Qing Cheng Mountain Taoists at the temple near Chengdu, Sichuan Province, and Mr. Cheng extended an invitation to our Dao Li Jiao Members to come over for a visit and stay for a short period at the Taoist Temple. Dr. Wong again traveled to Taiwan and mainland China from late December 2001 to early January 2002, and held the first official meeting of the Dao Li Jiao. An election was held at the meeting, conditions of membership were decided, and six Dao Li Shi were elected to serve in the following positions:
Dr.
Her Yue WONG as Zong Shi (宗
師 Interpreter)
Mr. Michael BROWN as Zhu Li Zong Shi (助
理 宗
師 Assistant Interpreter)
Dr. Ching Fu LIU as Gu Wen (顧
問 Advisor)
Mr. Hsiun Mao CHEN as Jing Li (經
理 Manager)
Dr. Wen Ching SAY as Shen He Yuan (審
核 員
Registrar)
Mr. Mu Jiun SHIAO as Bi Shu (秘
書 Secretary).
All positions are
for a period of eight years, and can be extended for another term by a majority
vote of the current Dao Li Shi and Dao Li Yuan. At the end of their
respective periods of service, the Interpreter and Assistant Interpreter will
automatically become Advisors, and all of the Advisors will have no term
limit. Advisors can be removed and deprived of their membership only if
they have a bad reputation that is agreed upon by all the Dao Li Shi. Also, the Zong Shi can remove the title
of Dao Li Shi from anyone who has acquired a bad reputation.
All
people who join the Dao Li Jiao are equal, and are called Dao Li Yuan (道
理 員
- Dao Li Member). A new Member may be admitted to the Dao Li Jiao by the
recommendation of two Members or one Scholar of the Way of Reason (道 理 士 - Dao
Li Shi). Dao Li Yuan are presented a beautifully designed certificate,
describing the purpose and goals of the Dao Li Jiao in both Chinese and
English. No formal certificate is
issued for the title of Dao Li Shi; their names are only listed on the
website. Membership is for life, and there is no cost specifically
assigned to membership. However,
donations are accepted from Dao Li Yuan, Dao Li Shi, or others who wish to
support the study of the Way of Reason.
Such proceeds are kept in an account for future Dao Li Jiao gatherings
or other organizational business.
All The
Latest News
Of The Dao Li Jiao
Chinese-English Glossary
Of All Dao Li Jiao Terms
Dao Li
Jiao Music
In
early 2003, Dr. Wong collaborated with Dao Li Shi Mrs.
Su Shiang CHIU of Taipei to create the first musical
composition for the Dao Li Jiao.
Entitled Tian Zun Song, "Ode to the
Heavenly God," the melody was composed by Mrs. Chiu, and Dr. Wong wrote
the Chinese lyrics. Zhu Li Zong Shi
Michael Brown worked with Dr. Wong to produce a translation of the song for the
website featuring the Chinese characters, the Pinyin romanization,
and the English meaning, as follows:
天 尊
頌
Tian1 Zun1
Song4
大 哉 上 天 尊
Da4 Zai1
Shang4 Tian1 Zun1
Great! The Heavenly God.
包 容 群 倫
Bao1 Rong2 Qun2
Lun2
It encompasses everything.
時 間
空 間 與 道 理
Shi2 Jian1 Kong1 Jian1 Yu3 Dao4 Li3
Time, space and reason.
三 者
合 一 神
San1 Zhe3 He2 Yi1 Shen2
Three that combine as one spirit.
如 無
而 永 存
Ru2 Wu2 Er2 Yong3 Cun2
Invisible yet eternal.
正 氣
近 道 理
Zheng4 Qi4 Jin4 Dao4 Li3
Proper spirit is close to the Way of Reason.
邪 僻
自 消 沉
Xie2 Pi4 Zi4 Xiao1 Chen2
All evil vanishes away.
專 心
誠 意 無 紊 亂
Zhuan1 Xin1 Cheng2 Yi4 Wu2 Wen3 Luan4
Concentration and sincerity, avoiding confusion of the mind.
抱 元
守 一 道 法 門
Bao4 Yuan2 Shou3 Yi1 Dao4 Fa3 Men2
Embracing the spirit and the body as one is the way to the gate
of the Tao.
動 靜
相 調 和
Dong4 Jing4 Xiang1 Tiao2 He2
Motion and stillness are in harmony.
魂 魄
不 離 身
Hun2 Po4 Bu4 Li2 Shen1
The spirit never leaves the body.
長 生
忘 歲 月
Chang2 Sheng1 Wang4 Sui4 Yue4
To live a long life and to forget about age.
百 病
不 來 侵
Bai3 Bing4 Bu4 Lai2 Qin1
Illness will not come to the body.
大 哉 上 天 尊
Da4 Zai1
Shang4 Tian1 Zun1
Great! The Heavenly God.
頂 禮
上 天 尊
Ding3 Li3 Shang4 Tian1 Zun1
Pay respect to the Heavenly God.
Click here
to view an image of the musical score for the Tian Zun
Song.
Click to listen
to a piano rendition of the Tian Zun Song
melody. Pianist: Ms. Tina Shin.
