Progress: Lesson 5 / 10
Entering the Tao (入道)
Once you have chosen the sect and the master — and the master accepts you — you are entering the Tao. Remember this clearly: you are entering the Tao, not the Tao entering you.
If the Tao is a house, you walk into the house. The house does not wrap itself around you.
Repeat this idea a few times. It is important.
Becoming Part of the Tao
Entering the Tao means you become part of the Tao — part of the sect, part of the system, part of the culture, and part of the whole energy body you are committing to. You are supposed to merge into it, not expect it to change for you.
If you want to join an “orange Tao,” then you must become orange. The Tao does not repaint itself to match your preferences or personality. Many modern people dislike this idea, especially those raised with the mindset of “I must stay myself and never change for anything.”
But if you refuse to change, adjust, and align yourself with the Tao, then you can never become a real Taoist in the heart.
Physical Alignment vs Heart Alignment
In China, when someone enters a Taoist sect, they wear the robes, hats, shoes, and all the official clothing. Everyone looks unified. It is a physical expression of entering the culture — “follow the culture when you enter the village.”
But physical items alone mean nothing if the heart has not entered.
This brings the real question:
What does it mean to enter the Tao in your heart?
Not a Hobby, Not a Weekend Activity
Do you treat Tao-related matters like a “new hobby” on top of your life?
Do you treat Taoism like a gym membership you visit once a week?
Do you still try to “find time” to fit it in?
If yes, you have not entered the Tao yet.
When a person truly enters the Tao, the mindset becomes:
“This is my life. It is with me 24/7. Everything I do involves my Tao, my sect, my master.”
In the old days, disciples lived with their master. They cooked together, traveled together, worked together. Through everyday life, the master slipped in lessons — not just in formal classes. Real teachings happened in the little moments. This is the heart of discipleship.
How Our Lineage Practices This Today
In our lineage, disciples stay connected online. We use LINE, Zello, and other apps to maintain 24/7 access to the master and the community. Anything you do — cooking, cleaning, working, going out — you can share with updates, photos, or videos.
A lesson can happen anytime.
Maybe your sleeping habits need correction, maybe your house layout affects your energy, maybe a bad habit is sabotaging your cultivation. Real teaching only happens if you expose your life to the master and seniors so they can guide you.
This is our culture. This is how we teach.
To enter the Tao for real, you must immerse yourself in the lineage. If you prefer distance, silence, and a “once-a-week class,” then our Tao is not for you.
Many sects work the same way when passing down real power — the close disciples must be fully involved. “Shallow disciples” or casual students can stay distant and relaxed… as long as they keep paying. But they will never inherit the real system.
Entering with Both Body and Spirit
If both your physical side and your spiritual side have entered the Tao — meaning you are present, involved, connected, and committed — then you are ready.
You can begin learning the real teachings.
