Grand Master Alex Anatole was born in Moscow, Russia. At a young age, he was introduced to Master Lu Yang Tai, the "Enlightened One," a Taoist sage with genealogical lineage extending to the ancient origins of Taoism. From the age of eight, Alex was his only disciple, learning all aspects of the Great Art — philosophy, healing, martial arts, astrology, and religious procedures. After twenty years he was ordained a Taoist priest, building several underground Taoist temples in Russia — hidden from the religious persecution of Soviet times. Eventually his spiritual activities became known to the authorities and he fled to the United States. This was foretold by prophesy with his given Taoist name of I Yan Lung, "He who brings true Tao to the West."

In 1976 Grand Master Anatole immigrated to the United States. Near Boston, he built the Center of Traditional Taoist Studies and its Temple of Original Simplicity, recognized as one of the few authentic Taoist temples outside China. It maintains close ties to the few surviving temples in Shanghai while Master Anatole continues the tradition of imparting Taoism through a classical program of philosophy, religion, meditation, and Chi Quong. Initially, he adopted a quiet approach to teaching Taoism but observed with great concern the distorted teachings of his beloved faith. Motivated by a desire to preserve ancient Taoism in its purest form, he writes and lectures throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.

Grand Master Anatole has a PhD from Moscow University and his temple has been profiled in numerous studies, including Harvard's Pluralism Project. He is the author of Truth of Tao.

The Truth of Tao Reveals Taoism's Ancient Secrets

Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching is one of the most widely read books in the history of mankind, second only to Christianity's Holy Bible. And yet for twenty-six hundred years, its teachings have been shrouded in mystery and subject to conflicting interpretations. Now, for the first time, the secrets of this powerful religious and philosophical system are explained to the American audience in a way that is understandable and practical. Grand Master Anatole takes the reader on a journey of enlightenment, eliminating the confusions of Western and Eastern cultural values, explaining the principles of Lao Tzu's teachings and how to apply them in every day life. In the Truth of Tao, Taoism's elegant system logically unfolds, uniting the physical, mental and spiritual realms until ultimately the purpose of life is revealed. The book is now available in English and Russian editions, with a Chinese translation underway.

Copyright © 2009 Center of Traditional Taoist Studies