Welcome
For centuries high in the mountains of China spiritual adepts explored what it was to be human. Known as Taoist alchemists, these practitioners developed and refined systems of energetic practice that allow us to experience our true nature. The knowledge was passed down through chains of transmission called lineages. Now, I would like to share the Dragon Gate Lineage (Longmenpai) of Taoist teacher Wang Liping.
The Dragon Gate Lineage is a complete system of energetic transformation. The core of the practice is internal alchemy (neidan), a form of meditation that focuses on the body and the cultivation and transformation of energy, or qi.
Nathan Brine
Nathan has been teaching Chinese internal arts for over 20 years. He began Taoist practice in 1997, immersing himself in Taoist temple arts, martial arts, meditation, internal work (neigong), energy work (qigong), and internal alchemy. For several years Nathan lived in China and trained full-time with a number of masters, as well as learning Mandarin Chinese. Afterwards, Nathan returned to Canada to pursue academic study of Taoism, where he received an honours degree in Asian Languages and Culture and worked towards an MA at the University of British Columbia, extending his knowledge of Classical Chinese and the Taoist canon.
After meeting Wang Liping, Nathan left graduate school and devoted himself wholly to learning Taoist alchemy. In 2015 Wang Liping authorized Nathan to teach and write a series of books detailing Dragon Gate alchemy. He is now a global seminar leader, writes, and continues his practice. In 2020 Nathan published his first book: The Taoist Alchemy of Wang Liping, Vol. 1, and opened an online training program.


Online Program
The Taoist Alchemy Online Program is now open: Taoist Alchemy Online
Distance training is easily the most common request I receive. Many do not have the time or money to travel and train. The online program is offered as a starting point for training in Taoist alchemy.
The Taoist Alchemy Online program focuses on the basics and first level of neidan training. The Intro Course shows students how to build foundation and develop the basic skills needed for Taoist alchemy. The Intro Course is also a complete package of Taoist meditation in its own right. Level One presents methods to work with the body, and build and transform energy.
Each course is based on a series of video talks and guided sessions. Students also have access to a private Facebook group for questions and guidance from myself and other experienced practitioners.
Book Announcement
The Taoist Alchemy of Wang Liping, Vol. 1
by Nathan Brine
Foreword by Wang Liping
Available on Amazon
This book is an introduction and instructional guide to the internal alchemy of my teacher, and is first in a series of books bringing the practices of the Dragon Gate Lineage to the English language. Vol. 1 focuses on foundation, basic techniques, refining jing into qi, and forming the lesser reverted elixir, as well as supplemental practices.
Taoist alchemy is hard to understand. As a system of spiritual practice it is deep, subtle, and highly sophisticated. And just to keep things interesting the practice is often cloaked in a language of mystery. Because of this many of my students and fellow practitioners have been asking for a clearly written guide on neidan practice.
To date all books about Wang Liping’s practice in English are translated texts from Chinese. These books are invaluable resources for our practice, but can lack clarity and the ability to connect with a Western audience. To complement these translations Wang Liping recommended that I write a book from the ground up in English based on my own experience.
So here it is. After countless afternoons spent in my local coffee houses the first volume is finally finished. Available on Amazon.


Taoist Alchemy Program
For the online course program visit: Taoist Alchemy Online
Note: all in-person events and workshops are postponed.
The Taoist Alchemy (neidan, internal alchemy) Program is for those wanting to go deep into Taoist practice. Through various workshops and online classes students learn a traditional system of energetic transformation. The Program includes three levels of practice. Each level contains a rich body of material that can take years to master. Each workshop presents a selection of methods and techniques from its level hand picked for that particular group of students.
Internal alchemy is practiced in sitting meditation. Although best results are found with legs crossed, for Level One students are also welcome to try a chair. Before starting Level Two students should be able to sit for 90 minutes with legs crossed.
Practice of internal alchemy takes us from the physical into the subtle. We apply methods of energetic transformation to change the self. Although the body and mind are involved, the bulk of the work is with energy, or qi. Qi takes many forms. For Taoist alchemists our energy body can be divided into three main categories: jing, qi, and shen.
Shen (spirit) is energy in its finest form.
Qi (energy) is in the middle.
Jing (essence) is energy in its coarsest form.
Each phase of the Internal Alchemy Program focuses on one of these forms of qi.
The goal of internal alchemy is to form the Golden Elixir or the Sacred Embryo. Reaching these goals is a process. Level One to Three include methods and techniques to attain these goals. However, the point of Taoist practice is to return to the Tao, not mastering internal alchemy. Alchemy is merely a tool to help us on the path, it is still up to each of us to walk it.
Foundation and Supplemental Practices
Building a proper foundation is essential for success with Taoist alchemy. Below are some of the supplemental and foundational practices that will be offered during workshops.