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Louguantai
An assortment of dried gourds for sale at the small market along the street leading to Louguantai's entrance. In China the gourd is a symbol of medicine, as gourds were the traditional container for Chinese herbal preparations. Tradition also describes their unique shape, two "bulbs" separated by a narrow passageway, as symbolizing the possible development of one's life: if the first half of life is difficult, it is likely to be followed by many years of peace and prosperity.
An assortment of dried gourds for sale at the small market along the street leading to Louguantai's entrance. In China the gourd is a symbol of medicine, as gourds were the traditional container for Chinese herbal preparations. Tradition also describes their unique shape, two "bulbs" separated by a narrow passageway, as symbolizing the possible development of one's life: if the first half of life is difficult, it is likely to be followed by many years of peace and prosperity.
Louguantai
Of the many Daoist temples in China, Louguantai holds a position of special historical importance as the observatory where Laozi stopped on his journey eastward from Xi'an to write the Dao De Jing. Here, incense and candles burn in the main courtyard. The smoke from the incense is considered to carry petitioners' prayers to Daoist deities.
Of the many Daoist temples in China, Louguantai holds a position of special historical importance as the observatory where Laozi stopped on his journey eastward from Xi'an to write the Dao De Jing. Here, incense and candles burn in the main courtyard. The smoke from the incense is considered to carry petitioners' prayers to Daoist deities.
Louguantai
How would Laozi feel about being immortalized in gold? I suppose that's up for wide speculation...
How would Laozi feel about being immortalized in gold? I suppose that's up for wide speculation...
Xi'an: Ba Xian An
Back in Xi'an after my visit to Louguantai, I didn't miss the opportunity to pay my respects to Daoism's Eight Immortals. Ba Xian An, or "The Temple of the Eight Immortals," honors the achievements of Lu Dong Bin and seven other "immortals," humans who, through extensive internal cultivation and through living in accordance with their own natural inclinations, "attained Dao." I include this photo because I found the grounds of Ba Xian An quite lush in comparison with other temples I've visited.
Back in Xi'an after my visit to Louguantai, I didn't miss the opportunity to pay my respects to Daoism's Eight Immortals. Ba Xian An, or "The Temple of the Eight Immortals," honors the achievements of Lu Dong Bin and seven other "immortals," humans who, through extensive internal cultivation and through living in accordance with their own natural inclinations, "attained Dao." I include this photo because I found the grounds of Ba Xian An quite lush in comparison with other temples I've visited.
Xi'an: Ba Xian An
I was delighted to come upon this sign connecting teadrinking to the cultivation of Dao.
I was delighted to come upon this sign connecting teadrinking to the cultivation of Dao.
Xi'an: Terracotta Warrior Museum
Despite China's many environmental concerns, there is currently a much heavier emphasis throughout the country on the importance of recycling than in previous times. This dual receptacle accepts "recyclable" materials as well as "unrecyclable"--it is amusing to note that "unrecyclable" has even been given its own, somewhat ominous, symbol.
Despite China's many environmental concerns, there is currently a much heavier emphasis throughout the country on the importance of recycling than in previous times. This dual receptacle accepts "recyclable" materials as well as "unrecyclable"--it is amusing to note that "unrecyclable" has even been given its own, somewhat ominous, symbol.
The Great Wall: Simatai section
Changcheng (The Great Wall) has several different sections at which it can be accessed. Simatai, 3 to 4 hours north of Beijing depending on traffic, is less commercialized and more natural than its closer-to-Beijing Badaling section. Here, a view showing how the wall was built in conformity to the natural curves of the landscape.
Changcheng (The Great Wall) has several different sections at which it can be accessed. Simatai, 3 to 4 hours north of Beijing depending on traffic, is less commercialized and more natural than its closer-to-Beijing Badaling section. Here, a view showing how the wall was built in conformity to the natural curves of the landscape.
The Great Wall: Simatai section
The Great Wall: Simatai section
A view of the wall descending into the Simatai Reservoir.
A view of the wall descending into the Simatai Reservoir.
The Great Wall: Simatai section
The sign reads "Chain Bridge Ticket Office." Were the "office" to have been "open," I would have paid a few kuai (RMB) before crossing the chain bridge linking the two parts of the Simatai section which are divided by the Simatai Reservoir.
The sign reads "Chain Bridge Ticket Office." Were the "office" to have been "open," I would have paid a few kuai (RMB) before crossing the chain bridge linking the two parts of the Simatai section which are divided by the Simatai Reservoir.
Simatai: Great Wall Hotel Courtyard
Air-drying corn seemed to be a common practice in the local village; here, trees are a convenient appliance.
Air-drying corn seemed to be a common practice in the local village; here, trees are a convenient appliance.
Simatai: Great Wall Hotel Courtyard
Mouth open and hands wide, here is Master Ma Chengkai leading Prof. Chen's group in his Super Energy Method ("Clapping Hands Qigong").
Mouth open and hands wide, here is Master Ma Chengkai leading Prof. Chen's group in his Super Energy Method ("Clapping Hands Qigong").
Simatai: Great Wall Hotel Courtyard
Master Ma Chengkai with the group. About 30 qigong students and teachers from around the U.S. joined Prof. Chen's study tour this year.
Master Ma Chengkai with the group. About 30 qigong students and teachers from around the U.S. joined Prof. Chen's study tour this year.
Beijing: Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park
Group practice with local Super Energy Method practitioners. Led by one of Master Ma's senior teachers, hundreds gather every morning to practice this powerful form. This is the same group pictured in the 2002 photos above, and five years later the same teacher is leading the group.
Group practice with local Super Energy Method practitioners. Led by one of Master Ma's senior teachers, hundreds gather every morning to practice this powerful form. This is the same group pictured in the 2002 photos above, and five years later the same teacher is leading the group.
Chengdu's Mt. Qingcheng: Soaring Crane Hotel Courtyard
A once-in-a-lifetime chance to sit at Laozi's knee! While visiting Mt. Qingcheng the group stayed at a Daoist hotel at the mountain's foot. For those of us in the group who practice Soaring Crane Qigong, the crane theme was a delight.
A once-in-a-lifetime chance to sit at Laozi's knee! While visiting Mt. Qingcheng the group stayed at a Daoist hotel at the mountain's foot. For those of us in the group who practice Soaring Crane Qigong, the crane theme was a delight.
Chengdu's Mt. Qingcheng
One and a half hours outside Chengdu, Mt. Qingcheng is one of China's most famous Daoist mountains, considered by many to be the birthplace of Daoism. Here, a local man (and not a young man by any means) approaches the entrance with several cases of bottled water strapped to his back. He proceeded to climb all the way to the mountain's summit and make his deliveries to the vendors there. I saw him make multiple trips during my single summit hike.
One and a half hours outside Chengdu, Mt. Qingcheng is one of China's most famous Daoist mountains, considered by many to be the birthplace of Daoism. Here, a local man (and not a young man by any means) approaches the entrance with several cases of bottled water strapped to his back. He proceeded to climb all the way to the mountain's summit and make his deliveries to the vendors there. I saw him make multiple trips during my single summit hike.
Chengdu's Mt. Qingcheng
One of many such signs encountered along the mountain's paths, it reads: "Since entering the Taoist shrine, you will feel the harmonious atmosphere."
One of many such signs encountered along the mountain's paths, it reads: "Since entering the Taoist shrine, you will feel the harmonious atmosphere."
Chengdu's Mt. Qingcheng
A temple in a large cave in the mountainside. The devotional area was set up at the rear of the cave, and to the front off to either side of the entrance were the attendant monk's living quarters, complete with a small flickering black and white television.
A temple in a large cave in the mountainside. The devotional area was set up at the rear of the cave, and to the front off to either side of the entrance were the attendant monk's living quarters, complete with a small flickering black and white television.
Chengdu's Mt. Qingcheng
A view of the main courtyard of Laojun Pavilion Summit (elev: 1260 meters). Outside the pavilion was a 1700 year old Gingko tree, the oldest documented Gingko in China--and too large to capture on film, even with my wide-angle lens! To give you an idea of the tree's mammoth scale, the trunk was the approximate diameter of a king-size bed.
A view of the main courtyard of Laojun Pavilion Summit (elev: 1260 meters). Outside the pavilion was a 1700 year old Gingko tree, the oldest documented Gingko in China--and too large to capture on film, even with my wide-angle lens! To give you an idea of the tree's mammoth scale, the trunk was the approximate diameter of a king-size bed.
Chengdu: Local Open-Air Market
I include this photo simply to illustrate the sheer expanse of this local open-air market in Chengdu. Everything for sale here was incredibly fresh.
I include this photo simply to illustrate the sheer expanse of this local open-air market in Chengdu. Everything for sale here was incredibly fresh.
Chengdu: Local Open-Air Market
Fish and meat vendors. The seated woman is killing and skinning eels, of which I have some very bloody photographs. So fresh, though! And additionally, eel has many medicinal properties.
Fish and meat vendors. The seated woman is killing and skinning eels, of which I have some very bloody photographs. So fresh, though! And additionally, eel has many medicinal properties.
Chengdu: Local Open-Air Market
A produce man waits for customers.
A produce man waits for customers.
Chengdu: Sichuan Opera
Sichuan Opera is a kind of variety show traditional to Sichuan Province (of which Chengdu is the capitol). Last time I was in Chengdu, I had the chance to see Sichuan Opera performed on a small stage in a large teahouse (see the 2002 section for images of that performance). It was charming and one of my favorite parts of that year's trip. This year, Prof. Chen's group attended the local opera in a large theatre, and I found myself enjoying it as much as my first time five years ago.
Sichuan Opera is a kind of variety show traditional to Sichuan Province (of which Chengdu is the capitol). Last time I was in Chengdu, I had the chance to see Sichuan Opera performed on a small stage in a large teahouse (see the 2002 section for images of that performance). It was charming and one of my favorite parts of that year's trip. This year, Prof. Chen's group attended the local opera in a large theatre, and I found myself enjoying it as much as my first time five years ago.
Chengdu: Sichuan Opera
Chengdu: Sichuan Opera, Shadow Play
Chengdu: Sichuan Opera
Chengdu: Sichuan Opera, Change of Masks and Fire Play
Guilin: Guilin International Airport
For those of us in the U.S. who regularly use Golden Throat lozenges, it is a remarkable experience to step off the plane in Guilin and see large poster ads for them in the baggage claim area. These ads were also displayed in billboard format and on the sides of buses throughout the city. We later learned that Golden Throat lozenges (and Watermelon Frost products, for those of you familiar with them) are produced in Guangxi Province, of which Guilin is the capitol.
For those of us in the U.S. who regularly use Golden Throat lozenges, it is a remarkable experience to step off the plane in Guilin and see large poster ads for them in the baggage claim area. These ads were also displayed in billboard format and on the sides of buses throughout the city. We later learned that Golden Throat lozenges (and Watermelon Frost products, for those of you familiar with them) are produced in Guangxi Province, of which Guilin is the capitol.
Guilin: Li River
The legendary Li River is Guilin's main attraction (the local tour guides are fond of telling visitors it was for the Li River's beauty that Bill Clinton chose Guilin as one of the four cities on his 1998 China itinerary). It is no less majestic and mysterious in person than in the many traditional landscape paintings it inspires.
The legendary Li River is Guilin's main attraction (the local tour guides are fond of telling visitors it was for the Li River's beauty that Bill Clinton chose Guilin as one of the four cities on his 1998 China itinerary). It is no less majestic and mysterious in person than in the many traditional landscape paintings it inspires.
Guilin: Li River
A local farmer tends his water buffalo along the riverbank.
A local farmer tends his water buffalo along the riverbank.
Guilin: Li River
A local man on his boat. These narrow boats are the most common among locals for river passage.
A local man on his boat. These narrow boats are the most common among locals for river passage.
Shanghai: Shanghai International Airport
Another waste receptacle that caught my eye, with bins for "organic," "inorganic," and "pernicious" garbage. The accompanying diagrams indicate the first as being for compostable material, and the second for nearly everything else of which an airport traveler would be inclined to dispose. I say nearly because the narrow center slot marked "pernicious" seemed to be the equivalent of our biohazard bins in the U.S. Why would anyone need a biohazard bin at the airport? Just another of the many impenetrable mysteries of Chinese culture.
Another waste receptacle that caught my eye, with bins for "organic," "inorganic," and "pernicious" garbage. The accompanying diagrams indicate the first as being for compostable material, and the second for nearly everything else of which an airport traveler would be inclined to dispose. I say nearly because the narrow center slot marked "pernicious" seemed to be the equivalent of our biohazard bins in the U.S. Why would anyone need a biohazard bin at the airport? Just another of the many impenetrable mysteries of Chinese culture.
Beijing: Central Academy of Fine Art
Found by a friend of mine in the men's room at the Central Academy of Fine Art in Beijing, the diagrams on this sign positioned above a urinal speak for themselves (and had me laughing out loud). After four trips to China, I am coming to believe that the culture of this country is found richly not only in its language, but also in its signage.
Found by a friend of mine in the men's room at the Central Academy of Fine Art in Beijing, the diagrams on this sign positioned above a urinal speak for themselves (and had me laughing out loud). After four trips to China, I am coming to believe that the culture of this country is found richly not only in its language, but also in its signage.
Beijing: Bai Yun Guan
White Cloud Temple (Bai Yun Guan) is the largest Daoist temple in Beijing, and one of the most famous in China. On this year's visit, my third, I was lucky enough to see this elderly monk demonstrating his prowess with a foam calligraphy brush, doing water calligraphy on the temple's center stone courtyard.
White Cloud Temple (Bai Yun Guan) is the largest Daoist temple in Beijing, and one of the most famous in China. On this year's visit, my third, I was lucky enough to see this elderly monk demonstrating his prowess with a foam calligraphy brush, doing water calligraphy on the temple's center stone courtyard.
Beijing: Bai Yun Guan
The scene behind a dormitory building at Bai Yun Guan: bicycles and discarded deities.
The scene behind a dormitory building at Bai Yun Guan: bicycles and discarded deities.
Beijing: Bai Yun Guan
A dormitory door. Like most Daoist temples in China, Bai Yun Guan is a functioning monastery which is open to the public both as a public service for worshippers and to pique the cultural interest of tourists. Most temples in China make the "bread and butter" of their living from admission fees.
A dormitory door. Like most Daoist temples in China, Bai Yun Guan is a functioning monastery which is open to the public both as a public service for worshippers and to pique the cultural interest of tourists. Most temples in China make the "bread and butter" of their living from admission fees.
Beijing: Bai Yun Guan
A future Daoist waits for his father in a temple doorway.
A future Daoist waits for his father in a temple doorway.