NATHAN BRINE

Teaching Taoist Alchemy

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 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.

Taoist

Taoist Alchemy

Taoism (Daoism) refers to the constellation of Chinese spiritual teachings focused on returning to the source of our being, or Tao.

Internal alchemy is a tool to help us return to the Tao. It is an esoteric form of Taoist mediation that is often shared privately between teacher and student. Internal alchemy takes the body and its energies as foundation and leads the practitioner on a journey of self knowledge and transformation.

Taoist

Taoist Alchemy

Taoism (Daoism) refers to the constellation of Chinese spiritual teachings focused on returning to the source of our being, or Tao.

Internal alchemy is a tool to help us return to the Tao. It is an esoteric form of Taoist mediation that is often shared privately between teacher and student. Internal alchemy takes the body and its energies as foundation and leads the practitioner on a journey of self knowledge and transformation.

Nathan Brine

In 1997 I began my Taoist practice, immersing myself in Taoist temple arts, martial arts, meditation, internal work (neigong), energy work (qigong), and internal alchemy. For several years I lived in China and trained with a number of teachers; as well as learning Mandarin Chinese, and honing my already formidable chopstick skills. After China I returned to Canada to pursue academic study of Taoism. This is when I began studying the Classical Chinese language and reading the Taoist Canon.

After meeting Taoist teacher Wang Liping I choose to leave graduate school and wholly devote myself to learning Taoist alchemy (neidan). In 2015 Wang Liping told me to teach. I now teach classes and workshops out of a private studio in Vancouver, Canada.

Nathan Brine

In 1997 I began my Taoist practice, immersing myself in Taoist temple arts, martial arts, meditation, internal work (neigong), energy work (qigong), and internal alchemy. For several years I lived in China and trained with a number of teachers; as well as learning Mandarin Chinese, and honing my already formidable chopstick skills. After China I returned to Canada to pursue academic study of Taoism. This is when I began studying the Classical Chinese language and reading the Taoist Canon.

After meeting Taoist teacher Wang Liping I choose to leave graduate school and wholly devote myself to learning Taoist alchemy (neidan). In 2015 Wang Liping told me to teach. I now teach classes and workshops out of a private studio in Vancouver, Canada.

Nathan Brine

Wang Liping

Wang Liping is responsible for passing on the Dragon Gate Lineage (Longmenpai) to the next generation. Wang Liping’s lineage is a traditional Mountain Taoist lineage (shandao). These Taoists are fully engaged in self transformation and the pursuit of transcendence.

Born in China’s northeast in 1949, Wang Liping was chosen by three masters of the Dragon Gate Lineage to become the 18th heir, holder, and transmitter of the lineage. Wang Liping’s arduous training was described in the book Opening the Dragon Gate: The Making of a Modern Taoist Wizard.

In 1985 Wang Liping began teaching publicly. Since then he has trained many students throughout China and abroad. He continues to live in China and teach.

Wang Liping

Wang Liping

Wang Liping is responsible for passing on the Dragon Gate Lineage (Longmenpai) to the next generation. Wang Liping’s lineage is a traditional Mountain Taoist lineage (shandao). These Taoists are fully engaged in self transformation and the pursuit of transcendence.

Born in China’s northeast in 1949, Wang Liping was chosen by three masters of the Dragon Gate Lineage to become the 18th heir, holder, and transmitter of the lineage. Wang Liping’s arduous training was described in the book Opening the Dragon Gate: The Making of a Modern Taoist Wizard.

In 1985 Wang Liping began teaching publicly. Since then he has trained many students throughout China and abroad. He continues to live in China and teach.

EXPLORE THE SITE

The Workshops Page has new class information and a description of the current curriculum.

The Practice Page is for students of Wang Liping. It is a resource outlining Wang Laoshi’s traditional system of Taoist internal practice.

The blog is for practitioners of Taoist alchemy. Here I unpack terms and concepts based on my experiences practicing with Wang Liping.