Taoist School #13: the Lingbao School
Discover the Lingbao school, a little-known branch of Taoism. Known for her unique practices and deep philosophy, she offers a new perspective on this ancient spiritual tradition.
Explore its fascinating history, esoteric teachings and how they can enrich your spiritual journey. Immerse yourself in the mysterious world of the Lingbao School - Taoist School #13.
Contents : 1. The Lingbao school: introduction to this Taoist movement 2. When and where was the Lingbao School established? 3. Structure of Lingbao School
The Lingbao school: introduction to this Taoist movement
Lingbao is a recognized school of thought, often referred to as the "Spiritual Jewel School". This name comes from a fundamental sacred text, the “Lingbao Jing”, translated as “The Classic of the Spiritual Jewel”.
It constitutes an essential pillar in the Taoist landscape. Its influence has been manifested throughout history through the spread and evolution of Taoism.
This institution has left its mark on this philosophical movement by making significant contributions and playing a leading role in its progression.
Indeed, Lingbao has succeeded in positioning itself as an essential reference in this spiritual tradition. She continues to be celebrated for her profound teachings which have undeniably shaped the contours of Taoism as we know it today.
It is therefore clear that without Lingbao and his valuable contribution, our current understanding of this oriental philosophy would have been very different.
When and where was the Lingbao School established?
The Lingbao school emerged during the Tang dynasty in China, between the 8th and 9th centuries. Its founder, Ge Hong (284-364), was distinguished by his reputation as an alchemist. He aspired to immortality through esoteric exercises.
He merged different spiritual doctrines to forge a new path. The latter was based on his personal experiences as well as his unique teachings.
The lineage of the Lingbao school continues today, testifying to Ge Hong's profound influence in the Chinese spiritual realm. His revolutionary ideas marked their time and continue to inspire entire generations.
Be swept away in this fascinating exploration of the ancient Chinese past and discover how a single person was able to change the course of religious beliefs in China through his unique intellectual daring.
Structure of Lingbao School
The Lingbao School is divided into three core branches.
The first, called Supreme Heaven (Taiqing), favors interior meditation. Breathing practices and techniques for purifying the body and internal energies are at the heart of this section.
The second branch, Divine History (Shenxian), emphasizes the study of sacred writings. The “Classic of Divine Transformations” is studied there in particular to deepen the understanding of cosmic and divine laws.
Finally, the Pure Land (Jingtu) constitutes the third part of this school. This section emphasizes dedication to Taoist deities. Performing specific rituals aimed at promoting well-being, prosperity and spiritual awakening is also a central aspect.
These three sections together form a comprehensive learning system that encompasses various aspects of personal and spiritual development according to Taoist principles.
Principles and values advocated by the Lingbao school
The Lingbao school advocates the importance of finding balance between the cosmos, our planet and oneself. She encourages her disciples to lead a noble existence, based on high moral values such as:
A universal love for all living creatures
Consideration for every form of life
Personal honesty
Kindness
Additionally, it propagates the belief that every being contains an innate divine spirit that can flourish through regular spiritual exercises.
Specific gods and rituals
In Lingbao, various deities are honored for their unique attributes. Yuanshi Tianzun, the Supreme Original Being, Doumu the Divine Mother and several other celestial or terrestrial entities are among them. Specific rituals are performed by devotees.
These rituals involve varied offerings and sacred invocations. They also use different magical formulas to establish a connection with these powerful higher entities.
The objective of these practices is to obtain their benevolent protection and valuable guidance. Followers also seek to benefit from their generous blessings within the framework of this ancestral spiritual tradition.
What path of development for the practitioner?
The Lingbao School offers a growth path for the aspirant based on gradual advancement. The phases incorporate body and mind purification, the development of internal forces (Qi) through special breathing techniques, as well as the in-depth study of sacred writings to increase one's spiritual wisdom.
The final goal of this trajectory is to access deep knowledge and perfect balance with the divine powers existing in the cosmos. This can result in a personal transformation where the apprentice becomes more aware of their connection to all that exists and cultivates unconditional love towards all living creatures.
In short, the Lingbao school is a main stream of Taoism which highlights the individual spiritual quest while honoring essential moral principles. Through its special ceremonies and mystical instructions, it offers the faithful a path to personal and spiritual growth in order to achieve supreme realization in the cosmos.
