Drift with the Current
Discover Taoist Wisdom and Practices through the Sanctuary of Tao Membership
Explore a wealth of Taoist teachings that not only provide you with the knowledge and philosophy of essential Taoist writers and masters but also teach practices of Meditation, Qigong, and Tai Chi (Taijiquan)
Join Here!Six Streams of Study and Practice
The teachings and practices of the Sanctuary of Tao combine theoretical understanding with practical application for meaningful and effective results. As Albert Einstein said, “Theory without practice is sterile, and practice without theory is blind.” Therefore, our membership provides a dual path of theory and practice, imparting wisdom through philosophical teachings and methods of internal cultivation of body, breath, and mind.
Taoist Philosophy
Discover the essence of Taoism with analyses and interpretations of key illustrations and seminal works such as the Tao Te Ching and Zhuang Zi
Taoist Meditation
Engage in Taoist methods of Tranquil Sitting, Sitting and Forgetting, and Zhang Sanfeng’s Quarter-Hour Method
Qigong
Learn standing and seated exercises like Tracing the Wall, the Yang Style 21-Posture Taiji Qigong Form, Eight Brocades Seated Qigong, and Chen Tuan’s Seasonal Exercises
Taijiquan
Access in-depth programs on Taijiquan, including the Before Heaven 16-Posture Taijiquan Form
I Ching Studies
Join monthly talks by Stuart Alve Olson exploring diverse facets of the profound I Ching (Book of Changes) and its teachings
Member Talks
Enjoy Stuart Alve Olson's monthly talks covering Taoist works, discussions on meditation, Internal Alchemy, and practical advice for living a Taoist life in today’s world
Introduction to the exclusive Membership program on Taiji Qigong.
About Stuart
Meet your guiding teacher, Stuart Alve Olson, a prolific author with over 35 books on Taoist-related subjects. Having lived, learned, and taught alongside the renowned master T.T. Liang, Stuart is on a mission to carry forward and share Master Liang’s rare teachings.
For four decades, Stuart has delved into the intricacies of Taoism, practicing meditation, Qigong, Tai Chi, Praying Mantis Kung Fu, and Internal Alchemy. His lifelong dedication has culminated in the Sanctuary of Tao’s Membership and Programs, where he shares the wisdom he cultivated under Master Liang's guidance.
Embark on this transformative journey with Stuart Alve Olson, gaining access to a wealth of knowledge and practices that have shaped his spiritual path. Join the Sanctuary of Tao’s Membership and delve into the timeless teachings that bridge the gap between theory and practice, wisdom, and inner strength.
Reasons for Joining
By becoming a member, you not only access a wealth of knowledge and practices but also contribute to the sustainability of a non-profit organization devoted to spreading the teachings of Taoism. Your membership supports the mission of enhancing people's health, well-being, and spiritual growth through engagement with these transformative teachings. Join the Sanctuary of Tao’s Membership and embark on a journey of self-discovery and illumination.
Comprehensive Taoist Education
Gain access to a rich repository of Taoist teachings, including essential works like the Tao Te Ching, Zhuang Zi, and Lieh Zi. Immerse yourself in the profound philosophy and wisdom passed down through generations.
Guided Meditation and Practices
Learn and practice Taoist meditation techniques. Engage in Qigong and Tai Chi exercises designed to cultivate internal strength and enhance your overall well-being.
Membership Taijiquan Programs
Access additional programs on Taiji Qigong and the Before Heaven 16-Posture Taijiquan Form. These programs provide an opportunity to focus more deeply on the art of Taijiquan and Qigong.
I Ching Studies
Participate in monthly talks by Stuart Alve Olson on the profound I Ching (Book of Changes) and its teachings. Deepen your understanding of this ancient divination and calculation system and its relevance to modern life.
Member Talks and Podcast
Immerse yourself in Stuart Alve Olson's monthly talks covering various Taoist works, in-depth commentaries on classics like the Tao Te Ching, Zhuang Zi, and Lieh Zi, discussions on meditation, Internal Alchemy, and practical advice for incorporating Taoist principles into today's world.
Guidance from a Renowned Teacher
Benefit from the wisdom and experience of Stuart Alve Olson, a seasoned cultivator and teacher, who lived and learned alongside the renowned master T.T. Liang. Stuart's mission is to carry forward and share the rare teachings he received, providing invaluable guidance on your own spiritual path.
Join the Sanctuary of Tao Membership!
Join a community of people like you—who are nourishing their bodies and spirits for the sake of leaving the world in better condition than when they arrived.
Benefits
Calmness, tranquility, and peace—the foundations of Taoist teachings and practices—can have profound and positive effects on both your physical and mental well-being. Here's how they may impact you:
In essence, calmness, tranquility, and peace create a fertile ground for holistic well-being, positively influencing your mental and physical states. Incorporating practices that promote these qualities into your daily life can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling, and resilient existence.
Reduced Stress Levels
Calmness, tranquility, and peace act as natural stress relievers. When you cultivate a serene state of mind, stress hormones decrease, contributing to a more relaxed and balanced nervous system.
Improved Mental Clarity
A calm and tranquil mind allows for clearer thinking and improved focus. It enhances your ability to concentrate on tasks, make thoughtful decisions, and solve problems effectively.
Enhanced Emotional Well-Being
Cultivating inner peace fosters emotional resilience. It helps you manage and navigate emotions more effectively, reducing the likelihood of being overwhelmed by negative feelings like anxiety or anger.
Better Sleep Quality
A calm and peaceful state of mind contributes to improved sleep quality. Reduced stress and mental chatter allow your body and mind to relax, promoting restful and rejuvenating sleep.
Boosted Immune System
Chronic stress is known to weaken the immune system. By promoting calmness and tranquility, you provide a supportive environment for your immune system to function optimally, enhancing your overall health.
Lower Blood Pressure
Stress and tension can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Embracing calmness and peace has been linked to lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Increased Emotional Intelligence
Tranquility fosters self-awareness and emotional intelligence. When you are calm, you are better able to understand and regulate your emotions, as well as empathize with others.
Enhanced Creativity
A calm mind allows for the free flow of thoughts and ideas. Tranquility can unlock your creative potential, enabling you to approach challenges with innovative solutions.
Greater Resilience
Cultivating inner peace builds resilience in the face of life's challenges. Instead of reacting impulsively, you can respond thoughtfully, adapting to situations with a calm and centered approach.
Testimonials
I had been practicing qigong for several years when a work-related relocation made me consider online classes. The quality of personalization and depth of these sessions have been amazing. We delve into all aspects of the practices, seeing the spiritual, emotional, and physical effects. Not only is the vastness of Stuart’s knowledge awe-inspiring, from the meditations, external movements, and internal alchemy, to the esoteric meaning of a Chinese character; but the depth of his direct experience helps you to incorporate these into daily life where they take on real meaning.
—Leda Watanabe
After completing the 16-posture Tai Ji program, I find it incredibly relaxing and dynamic at the same time. The program format is easy to understand and the instruction is very clear. Stuart and Patrick are excellent teachers with tremendous experience and patience.
—Blaine Brown
Having looked for a Nei Dan teacher for some years, and having read many of Stuart’s books, I was still a little hesitant to sign up for the Closed-Door Program. It seemed quite a commitment, and while Stuart was clearly a great author and very knowledgeable, I had no idea how he would be as a teacher. As I approach the end of the year and look back, I can say with absolute clarity that it was a great decision to sign up. I have learned a huge amount and Stuart is an amazing teacher, with Patrick and Lily providing a brilliant program structure and tech platform that works seamlessly. Studying with a group is great and supplements the 1:1 lessons. That I can go back and view the videos is also a huge bonus. As I reflect on our work together, I have hugely benefitted from the program—with a long-standing sports injury clearing up, and my energy better than ever, despite needing less sleep. This is the sort of material you simply can’t learn from a book, and if you are considering stepping on the path with Stuart and the team, I would recommend it without any doubt.
—Mark Smith
Stuart Olson learned Tai Ji from the legendary T.T. Liang and I was thrilled to hear that he would offer a 64-posture Tai Ji course that I could attend even though it is not close to home. The 16-posture Before Heaven program uses the computer-based medium at its highest potential. Having learned a kung fu form via the computer during the pandemic, I know how difficult it can be to absorb movement-based content via Zoom. The Sanctuary of Tao leaves nothing to chance. Everything you need to learn is provided. Their combined use of text, graphics, live and recorded explanations, and step-by-step instruction from multiple angles precisely conveys the footwork, movements, and practical applications. Their 2-, 4-, and 6-count breakdown of movements allows you to work in the proper breathing. I can replay a troubling segment as many times as necessary without worrying about distracting other students. I feel like this course takes my Tai Ji to a higher level and as an instructional designer by training, I have nothing but praise for how the class is assembled to promote synchronous and asynchronous three-dimensional remote learning.
—Robin Downing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is a membership?
Can I cancel my membership anytime?
When do I get access to the membership?
Can I sign up anytime?
What if I can’t afford this right now?
When are the live classes and retreats held?
What if I can’t make it live to the live classes or retreats?
Join the Sanctuary of Tao Membership!
We look forward to supporting you on your path!
