Chi is the Vital Energy of the Universe from which the world was created. It exists in all living things. The source of Chi has a cosmic origin and is elusive and mysterious, but its manifestations are real and can be practically applied in such Taoist disciplines as Chi Quong and Martial Arts.
From the religious aspect, individuals create a link to the source of Chi or Great Ultimate by using images of the Gods and the Spirits in religious procedures and ceremonies. These connections bring individuals closer to the Great Ultimate to help them clarify and straighten their path.
The effect of this religious connection makes the individual mentally stronger, less confused and able to rectify mistakes of the past with a clear understanding of the Reality of Life. The stronger the connection between the individual and the Great Ultimate, which is Absolute Reality, the clearer the picture of the world and the person's place in it.
A member of the Center performs ancient Taoist rituals.
White Cloud Temple of Shanghai
In 1994, a delegation of directors from the Center of Traditional Taoist Studies traveled to Shanghai in an effort to establish ties with the Taoist community in China. During the trip, the Quan Shen Taoists of the White Cloud Temple in Shanghai honorably received the delegation. The Taoist Abbott Lui, senior Abbott for the White Cloud Temple, met with the delegation in a series of extensive meetings. Master Anatole described the Center's achievements in the United States as well as the core beliefs and practices of the Center. After extensive discussions, the Taoist Abbott was greatly pleased and encouraged to join the Center's efforts to promote the classical teachings of Taoism in the West.
Master Anatole explaining the Center's programs to
Taoist Abbott Lui in the White Cloud Temple.
During the visit, the Center's delegation was permitted for the first time as non-members of the temple to take photographs of the interior of the White Cloud Temple and its Taoist gods and artifacts. This was a historic honor especially given the White Cloud's status as one of the last remaining temples of Taoism. The Center's extensive examination of White Cloud verified the authenticity of its Weston, Massachusetts temple as conforming to Taoist traditions established thousands of years ago.
The Center's delegation were the first Westerner's
permitted to photograph the White Cloud deities
In October of 1996, at the invitation of Master Anatole, Professor Wong, the lay superior of the Shanghai Quan Shen Taoists visited the Center of Traditional Taoists Studies in Weston, Massachusetts. Once again, history was created at this meeting by the signing of the Agreement of Mutual Support and Recognition between the two temples. As such, the Center became the first and only recognized western temple of Taoism by the Quan Shen Taoists. The Center has since supported the White Cloud Temple with the sponsorship of the Quan Shen nunnery just outside Shanghai.
Master Anatole and lay superior of the Shanghai
Quan Shen Taoist sign historic agreement
Tao Temple is Honored,
The Town Crier, September 28, 1995
Moscow Affiliates
Master Anatole in Lotus ceremony with Taoist Igor Yaroshenko
in Moscow, Russia during 1997 exchange program.
