Spotlight on the Tao: The School of Complete Reality

The "Complete Reality" school of Taoism, also known as Quanzhen Taoism, is one of the major sects within Taoism. It had a significant impact on the development of the philosophy and practices of Taoism.

The Complete Reality school emerged during the 12th century in China, and its founder is often attributed to Wang Chongyang (1113-1170). Wang Chongyang was a scholar, a Confucian official, and a Taoist hermit who sought to synthesize the best elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism into a unified spiritual path.

The core principles of the Complete Reality school are as follows:

1. Integration of Three Teachings: The Complete Reality school emphasizes the harmonious integration of the three major Chinese philosophical and religious traditions: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It seeks to find common ground and unifying principles among these teachings.

2. Inner Alchemy (Neidan): This is a central practice in the Complete Reality tradition. Inner Alchemy involves the refinement and transmutation of one's inner energies (qi) to attain spiritual enlightenment and immortality. Practitioners aim to cultivate their true essence (jing), vital energy (qi), and spirit (shen) through various meditation, visualization, and breathing techniques.

3. Moral Integrity and Virtue: The school emphasizes the cultivation of moral character and ethical behavior. Practitioners are encouraged to lead a virtuous life and be of service to others.

4. Emphasis on Simplicity: Simplicity and naturalness are valued in the Complete Reality school. The practitioners seek to live in harmony with the Tao (the Way) by embracing simplicity in their actions and thoughts.

5. Transmission of Teachings: The Complete Reality school places a strong emphasis on lineage and the transmission of teachings from master to disciple. A significant aspect of this tradition is the relationship between a master (shifu) and their disciples (dizi).

6. Monastic and Lay Followers: The Complete Reality school accepts both monastic and lay followers. Monastic practitioners withdraw from the worldly affairs to dedicate themselves fully to spiritual cultivation, while lay practitioners integrate their spiritual practices into their daily lives.

7. Emphasis on Direct Transmission: The school believes in the power of direct transmission of spiritual realization from teacher to student, beyond mere textual or theoretical learning.

Over the centuries, the Complete Reality school has gone through various lineages and branches, each with its own interpretations and practices. It remains an influential school of Taoism, and its principles of inner alchemy, ethical living, and harmonious integration of spiritual traditions continue to inspire practitioners today.

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