Browse our collection of articles on Daoism, mindfulness, and personal growth.
The cosmos generates qi (炁, vital energy). Qi has its limits. The pure and light rise upward to form Heaven; the heavy and turbid sink downward to form Earth. The balanced and harmonious accumulate between Heaven and Earth to nurture all things.
When Laozi traveled west and passed through Hangu Pass, the warden Yin Xi saw purple clouds rising from the east and knew a sage would arrive. He stopped Laozi, and thus the Tao Te Ching was left to the world.
James
In films and television, talismans often appear: a piece of paper with mysterious symbols or phrases that can summon spirits, call the wind, or bring the rain. In old folk records, we also hear of strange spells, whether righteous or sinister, all shrouded in mystery. So what exactly are talismans and incantations? Do they truly have marvelous effects, or are they merely tricks — remnants of superstition?
James
Cultivation speaks of virtue, of doing good and accumulating virtue. Yet what is virtue, and what is goodness? On this, people disagree: some cling to their own views, some are vague, some pretend to be profound.
James
Based on a 15-year investigation by an Eastern mystic and former science student, this article proposes that some cases of depression and anxiety may stem from non-material, spiritual interference rather than purely biological or psychological causes. After systematically ruling out suggestion, coincidence, and other conventional explanations, the author treated hundreds of hospital-diagnosed patients with metaphysical interventions—achieving results that years of medication had not. Drawing a parallel to the historical misunderstanding of chronic fatigue syndrome, the piece invites readers to self-assess and test low-risk methods, while clearly distinguishing when to seek medical help versus considering spiritual factors.
James
Unexplained despair, anxiety, or rage—especially when it arises without any trigger or negative thought content—may not originate from the person themselves. The core argument is that possession by a yaoguai (cultivated animal spirit) does not create emotions but amplifies existing ones, acting like an emotional amplifier. After abandoning its physical body, a yaoguai enters a person through specific acupoints (huiyin for males, yumen for females, or baihui for highly cultivated entities) and establishes a parallel nervous circuit through a process called da qiao (opening apertures). This parallel circuit can send abnormal signals to emotional centers, interfere with the autonomic nervous system, create auditory hallucinations (“voices”), and cause nightmares and sleep paralysis. The article introduces bingqi, an innate protective energy field that functions as spiritual immunity—strong bingqi repels possession, while weak bingqi (caused by chronic depression, illness, insomnia, fatigue, surgery, or childbirth) increases vulnerability. Frequent sleep paralysis (multiple times per month) is highlighted as a key warning sign of active invasion. The author clarifies that not all depression is caused by possession; most mental illnesses have biological and psychosocial roots. However, for treatment-resistant patients who show the differential features described in the previous article (e.g., rapid mood swings, inexplicable emotions, strong reactions to religious sites, sleep paralysis), spiritual factors should be considered as part of a “special etiology” screening list—consistent with standard medical practice for unusual treatment responses.
James
A practical self-assessment guide for distinguishing depression or anxiety that may involve spiritual factors (yaoguai possession) from typical cases. Nine warning signs are listed, including sudden onset disproportionate to life events, poor response to multiple antidepressants, physical symptoms like yawning and unexplained pain, rapid emotional shifts, logical inner voices, frequent sleep paralysis, discomfort in religious sites, drastic personality changes, and a history of childhood prodigy or sudden special abilities.
James
A distinction is drawn between typical schizophrenic auditory hallucinations and voices caused by yaoguai possession (kai hua). Key features of spiritual voices include completeness, coherence, interactivity, personification, and responsiveness to external stimuli. Using a case study, the importance of correct diagnosis is highlighted to avoid lifelong unnecessary antipsychotic treatment. Practical recommendations are offered for psychiatrists, patients, and families, emphasizing continued medical care alongside spiritual assessment.
James
Many sudden, unexplained talents—such as child prodigies, past-life memories, mediumship, and qigong powers—may actually stem from yaoguai possession. The mechanism of “knowledge migration” from previous hosts is explained, with cases like Fang Zhongyong and a modern child prodigy. These abilities often fade, cause health problems, or lead to dependency. Caution is urged, prioritizing healthy ordinariness over gifted but troubled individuals.
James
A practical self-assessment guide for distinguishing depression or anxiety that may involve spiritual factors (yaoguai possession) from typical cases. Nine warning signs are listed, including sudden onset disproportionate to life events, poor response to multiple antidepressants, physical symptoms like yawning and unexplained pain, rapid emotional shifts, logical inner voices, frequent sleep paralysis, discomfort in religious sites, drastic personality changes, and a history of childhood prodigy or sudden special abilities.
James