Sitting & Forgetting - our wuweidao cultivation group - initiates your Daoist practice via guided study & recitation of the Dao De Jing and daily practice of non-conceptual meditation (Zuowang).
The Dao De Jing was the primary inspiration for the Daoist religion and constitutes the textual basis of wuweidao. Zuowang serves an important role in many Daoist traditions, although it pre-dates the Daoist religion and is not dependent on the complex & elaborate traditions of Chinese Daoism. It is the central practice of wuweidao.
This group is for people who have read our blog, resonate with our approach, and are ready to go deeper into Laozi's teaching and to practice a method to bring this teaching alive within their experience.
Participants commit to practicing every day for a full year. In addition to the core practice, we may introduce various supporting practices such as daoyin, tea ceremony, or incense offering. We may also discuss the history of Daoism in China and explore the relationship of Laozi's teaching with Jindan (Gold Elixir).
We use an unpublished internal translation & commentary of the Dao De Jing, as well as other published & unpublished training materials, including recorded talks & videos.
We hold "full moon talks" in Santa Rosa, CA each month for guidance, inspiration, and discussion. We record our talks for those participating online at-a-distance, and all attendees receive a recording and written commentary each month. We may hold video conferences as well.
A 1-year commitment provides participants with a thorough introduction to the view & method of wuweidao, with some exposure to the broad suite of supporting practices.
To secure the commitment of participants and to keep away casual spectators, we request a donation of $27-36 per month.
This group serves as the "middle gate" of our offering, comprising a complete practice while laying a foundation for more extensive cultivation for those interested.
We interview prospective participants during the Rat & Ox moons of winter, and open the group at the Full Tiger Moon at Chinese New Year. The group closes at the end of the Pig Moon just before winter solstice.
We will begin interviewing prospective participants for our next cohort in January 2025, though we may hold some open introductions throughout 2024. If you are interested in participating, please email Jacob Newell to arrange a personal Zoom introduction at oldoakdao@yahoo.com.
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