This course is hosted by the new organization, Phoenix Rising: Academy
of Esoteric Studies and Creative Arts, run out of Athens and London,
with strong ties to the Esotericism Department at the University of
Exeter. Below, is a brief course description as well as link to the
course website on Phoenix Rising.

Chinese Mysticism and Alchemy: An Introduction to the Religion of
Daoism (Taoism)

Daoism as a religion is perhaps the most widely misunderstood
religious tradition in the West. This course aims to familiarize
students with the religious tradition of Daoism in all of its
complexity and diversity. We begin with an overview of the classical
texts of the Yi Jing (I-Ching, the ancient divinatory and
philosophical work), the Daode Jing (Tao Te Ching by Laozi (Lao Tzu),
the foundational text of Daoism, the title of which gives the
tradition its name) and Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu, the second most
influential and widely known text of Classical Daoist Philosophy). We
then turn our attention to the evolution of Internal Alchemy and Yin
Yang-Five Elements Cosmology of the Han and Wei-Jin Dynasty periods
and the development of the main Daoist movements such as Tian Shi
(Celestial Masters), Shan Qing (Supreme Clarity), Tai Ping (Great
Harmony) and Ling Bao (Numinous Treasure); exploring their beliefs,
textual traditions, mystical and alchemical practices and history.
This course will also cover such topics as Immortality and
Transcendence, the Daozang (Daoist Canon), Chinese Alchemy and the
relationships between Daoism as a religion to Classical Daoist
Philosophy, Confucianism, Chinese folk religion, Shamanism, Mediumship
and Mahayana as well as Tantric Buddhism, Daoist talisman creation and
Celestial Script in order to provide students with a firm foundation
upon which to pursue further study.

For more information on the course, (including how to register) as
well as information on Phoenix Rising Academy, please refer to the
following url:

http://www.phoenixrising.org.gr/en/structure/esoteri
c-studies/introductory-courses/chinese-mysticism-and
-alchemy-2/