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What is the Tao? by Derek Lin....

When you go through the initiation ritual, you are said to have received the Tao. But what does that mean? What exactly is this Tao that you have received?

The word "Tao" can have many different meanings, depending on context. In one particular sense, the Tao is already a part of you, just as it is in everything, so it isn't something you can receive.

In yet another context, the Tao is a path of spiritual cultivation. It is a never-ending process and a journey of discovery. In that sense, the Tao that you have received from the Initiation Ritual is a direction. It is a path that has been illuminated for you.

What are some of the other meanings of Tao? We can speak of the Tao as the source of everything that exists. In that sense, the Tao can be seen as the creator of the universe, also known as God.

The Tao can also be the unifying force that underlies all forces, or the ultimate principle that give rise to all natural laws. Or, we can say that it is the progressive power that drives the march of time, the proliferation of life, the progress of evolution, and the cosmic movement of celestial bodies.

From a spiritual perspective, perhaps we can describe it as the totality of all the souls in the metaphysical realm where we are all connected at a fundamental level. Or, we can call it the ultimate spiritual truth that gives rise to all the religions of mankind.

The most important concept in I-Kuan Tao is that all of the above are in fact one and the same. This realization is what gives I-Kuan Tao its name - the Tao that unifies everything as one.

Mystic Portal

The first treasure of I-Kuan Tao is the Mystic Portal. It is the spiritual nexus of your being. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the portal is the doorway.

The Mystic Portal is not well understood by many people, even though we see clues about its importance all the time. For instance, when you close your eyes, clasp your hands together and lower your head to pray, you automatically focus your mind at the Mystic Portal. This action is completely natural, and something we all do instinctively.

Also, consider what happens when you frown because something troubles you, or glare at someone out of anger. In those situations, your Mystic Portal is literally clenched shut. The mental pressure from anxiety or rage puts tremendous weight on this spiritual doorway, cutting off your soul from everything around you.

This is why we feel so disconnected from others when we are angry or anxious. Similarly, when we see someone in an extremely negative frame of mind, we may talk about how difficult it is to get through to him or her. These expressions make perfect sense once you understand the central role of the Mystic Portal.

Once this doorway has been pointed and opened by an ordained Master in the initiation ritual, it becomes a powerful tool that can be very useful in daily life as well as in times of danger.

Because of the frantic pace of modern life, we can often find ourselves in chaotic situations. Our thoughts are scattered everywhere, and we're pulled in several directions at once. When that happens, think of the Mystic Portal as the center of your universe, and visualize all your scattered thoughts coming back to it. In an instant, you'll find that a path of simplicity emerges out of the chaos, allowing you to deal with complex demands much more easily.

When a dangerous situation suddenly appears, it is easy to succumb to fear and panic. This serves only to confuse and overwhelm us even more, and lead us to harm. The Mystic Portal gives us an alternative. By bringing awareness to it, you will immediately bring about a new clarity and calmness. Armed with clear mind and alert composure, you will have the best possible chance to extricate yourself from the situation.

The essence of the Mystical Portal is serenity. In a serene state of focused calmness, we naturally connect with the divine. If the spiritual self is light, then the Mystical Portal is a way to concentrate that light into a coherent beam, with laser-like clarity, brilliance and effectiveness. This is the first treasure of I-Kuan Tao

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