A natural way of life.

The number of active Taoists are increasing in the West as people look for a contented, natural and balanced way of life, notice I didn't say "a better way of life".
Although a better way of life is what you get from Taoism, the initial impression people get when you say " a better way of life" is so distorted by the individual's idea of what would make their life better, that it would be impossible to relate to.

So, if it's a contented, natural and balanced way of life you're looking for, then read on.

K'ai Men.
K'ai Men means "Open Door" and is a way of life that creates balance within the body, mind and spirit. It opens a doorway for the mind and spirit to receive an awareness of the Tao on a conscious level, a way to understand your connection with all things.

Anyone can achieve physical and spiritual balance through the journey known as "K'ai Men". This involves a series of both physical and mental exercises known as T'ai Chi, a dietary system known as "The Chinese Art of Ch'ang Ming"and controlled breathing and Chinese Yoga " K'ai Men". Combined they form the path of "K'ai Men" which has the following effects on a person's life:

Physical health and well being.
Weight balance. By following the path of K'ai Men, T'ai Chi and the Ch'ang Ming diet, your body will return to its naturally balanced state.
Mental serenity, calmness and peace of mind.
Integrity. The Taoist scriptures show us the harm that can be done to all life through the use of lies and deceit and show us another way.
Karmic contentment. By following the path of K'ai Men your Karma will flow with you instead of appearing to fight against you.
 

Q: How does this effect the art on show in our Gallery?

Neither Taoism or K'ai Men will have an obvious effect on the art, its artists, or you as an art collector.
However, there is one point you may wish to consider.

If you ask artists what inspired them, they may all give a different answer.
However the basis of their answer will be the same, "It comes from inside".
By opening your mind to your environment you are able to express what you see through your inspired view of your subject.

I believe that we all have the ability to find the Tao within us. We are all inspired by nature and life itself, we have simply lost or have never learnt how to be at one with it. The path of K'ai Men can show us the way if we wish to find it.

You will find a visit to the K'ai Men Gallery an inspiring one, come and see for yourself.

If you are a professional or semi professional artist, Taoist or not, please feel free to send me some pictures, if they fit in with what we are trying to create here we will be happy to exhibit them.
 

Q: Why is the gallery associated with Taoism?

Simply that I the owner, am a Taoist and wish to share my thoughts with you. I am purely offering you my viewpoint, you must decide for yourselves if you wish to look deeper.

For a more detailed breakdown of what Taoism and its arts, watch this space

Coming soon.

Where can I learn more about Taoism. ( a list of online resources and books to help you understand what Taoism is and what can it do for you )
What is Lee Family style T'ai Chi as taught by Chee Soo, and what can it do for you.
What is K'ai Men, and what can it do for you
Where can I practice or train in Lee Family style T'ai Chi as taught by Chee Soo. (a country wide list of classes).
 

A Taoist Gallery.

Taoism is an ancient Chinese understanding and belief system.
I will try to explain this using three basic principles!

1: Taoism is an understanding, an awareness and a philosophy.
It is a way of life that will lead to contentment and balance.

2: All things are as one and are a part of the Tao (all religions have their own hierarchical system. Some believe in God as an all encompassing being that is a part of all things).
Taoists are not restricted by the barriers of most religions and do not believe in an all encompassing being, as this would suggest separation. We are all as one, we have simply lost the ability to feel the connection and to understand our purpose within it.
All things are connected physically and spiritually, and have an influence on each other.

3: Taoists believe that by following the path of K'ai Men and by utilising the physical exercises, the mental attitudes, breathing exercises and dietary guidelines, the human mind, body and spirit becomes balanced and at one with the Tao (the force that is the universe and everything inside and outside of it on all levels).