Tao is one of the most basic and comprehensive symbols in the Chinese language, the center of all philosophical and spiritual discourse. It may mean a path, a way, a principle, a method, a doctrine, a system of order; and it also may mean the matrix, structure, and reality of the universe itself. Every art and science is called a tao, or a way; but the source of everything, the fountain of all art and science, is called the Tao, or the Way.

Taoism is based, first and foremost, on the experience of this universal Way, the essential reality through which all derivative ways might be comprehended.

Considering the ultimate nature of the Way to be inherently beyond the bounds of human conception, ancient Taoists sought traces of the Way in the patterns of events taking place in the natural world, the social world, and the inner world of the individual psyche. Eventually the scope of the Way led them to undertake the investigation of vast domains of knowledge and experience.

While followers of Taoism thus branched out into many different fields of research and work, those interested primarily in the essential Tao continued to focus on perfecting the mastery of human nature and life in three critical areas: individual well-being, social harmony, and accelerated evolution of consciousness. These three bases were believed to form the foundation of overall human development, the guiding lights of the arts and sciences.

Through generations of applying the Tao to these three basic domains of life, extraordinary accomplishments in the maintenance of physical vitality, fostering of sensitive and effective relations between people, and development of latent mental powers, including spontaneous insight and foreknowledge, came to be recognized as by-products of working with the Way.

Furthermore, according to the ethos of the Way, these developments, once realized, were not to be guarded possessively but put to the service of humanity. In accordance with the elusive nature of the Way, the beneficial results of its application by individuals were not to be paraded proudly before others but to be diffused in an inconspicuous yet effective manner.

There are two classic Chinese books describing the essential philosophy and practice of the Tao, made public long ago as maps of the way to the Way: Tao Te Ching and Chuang-tzu. Both these works have long outgrown cultural boundaries and are widely regarded as classics of world literature.

Composed over two thousand years ago, Tao Te Ching and Chuang-tzu are among the world's most ancient and honored books of practical wisdom. Their subject matter ranges widely, from politics and economy to psychology and mysticism, addressing the needs and interests of a diverse readership. Few of the world's great books have achieved the perennial currency of these writings.

Taken from the Introduction of The Essential Tao Translated and presented by Thomas Cleary

Read the Wikipedia.org entry for Clifford Chee Soo Here.

Ch'ang Ming is a time-tested approach to diet and nutrition practised by the Taoists for thousands of years. Based on natural foods, Ch'ang Ming aims to create the conditions in which each individual can achieve his or her own balance of good health.

"Ch'ang Ming was developed by the Taoists between 10,000-5,000 BC." Chee Soo. The Tao of Long Life. 21.

"In those days, great philosophers, sages and spiritual leaders appeared, and many of the world's chief religions came into being. The teachings of men such as the Yellow Emperor, Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu, Moses, Jesus Christ, Mohammed and Buddha were originally based on the natural laws of the universe." Chee Soo. The Tao of Long Life. 23.

From my perspective there are three reasons you would benefit from eating the Ch'ang Ming Way.

1. The Ch'ang Ming system of healthy eating is thousands of years old. It is part of an ancient Taoist lineage and system of skilful living. It has borne the test of time and has been refined and improved over long periods of time. The ancient Taoists were legendary for two things. First, they were known for their longevity and health. Second, they had cheerful dispositions, they always seemed to be happy, contented and at peace within themselves. Their health and happiness was a direct result of their Ch'ang Ming practice.

2. Chee Soo was a living example of what he preached. During the 10 years I trained with Chee Soo, I attended hundreds of martial arts (Feng Shou) classes, Tai Chi classes, Ch'ang Ming classes etc., I never saw him ill in any way. He never so much as caught a cold or a cough. There were times when I walked into the dojo and everyone had a cold, was coughing and sniffing. Chee Soo would walk in and teach the class and was always perfectly healthy. People would make jokes about his Taoist superhuman health as they coughed, sniffed and sneezed. In accordance with the ancient Taoist tradition, Chee Soo was a healthy living example of what he taught.

3. My own personal experience with this system over the past 40 years. During the 40 years I have practised the Ch'ang Ming way of healthy eating, I have never found anything I was taught by Chee Soo to be incorrect or inaccurate. My own experience confirms this is a system of ancient wisdom and knowledge. I have given information about the Ch'ang Ming way to hundreds of people over the years, and I have never seen anyone who did not benefit from following the principles of the Ch'ang Ming.

Basic Principles

Eat only when hungry, and not just out of habit.

Fresh, organic, locally grown, seasonal wholefoods are best.

Eat only natural foods.

Eat more grains and vegetables.

Chew all your food really well.

Don't overeat at any time.

Avoid cold food and cold drinks, Cold baths or showers, or swimming in cold water (unless you have very strong Chi).

Reduce your fluid intake. Westerners drink excessively, which makes their bodies too Yin.

Avoid drinking before, during and immediately after a meal. Do not drink iced water.

When cooking: grill, braise, roast, steam or stir-fry. Do not eat fried or deep-fried food.

Take deep breaths whenever you get the opportunity.

Do not constantly snack during the day.

Do not eat 2 hours before going to bed.

Do not use aluminium cookware.

Eat These Foods (fresh, good quality, organic, unprocessed)

Whole grains: brown rice, wheat, barley, oats, buckwheat, rye, corn, millet, quinoa.

Anything made from wholegrain flower or rolled grains: bread, pasta, muesli, cream of rice, biscuits, etc. Fresh, locally grown vegetables and salads. Steamed or stir-fried is best. Raw may be okay depending on your constitution.

Beans and legumes, tofu.

Nuts and seeds (not salted). Buy fresh nuts and store them in the freezer; they go rancid easily.

Free range white meat, such as chicken or turkey.

Eggs (scrambled, in omelettes, or in baking).

Non-fatty white fish and seafood.

Low-fat yoghurt, low-fat vegetarian cheese, skimmed milk.

Nondairy milks, such as soy milk, rice milk, almond milk, etc.

Seaweed.

Tamari or Shoyu.

Non-hydrogenated vegetable cooking oils.

Fruit, preferably locally grown and in season if fresh; or cooked or dried fruits.

Sea salt only, in strict moderation. Gomasio is better (toasted sesame/salt seasoning).

Herbs.

China tea (green or black), or better still herbal teas, herbal coffee.

Honey, in moderation.

Avoid These Foods

Refined or processed foods, anything made with refined or processed flours.

Canned or packet foods.

Hydrogenated oils and anything made with them.

Colouring, preservatives, flavourings, chemical additives, fruit acids.

Red meat: beef, pork, veal, lamb, bacon, sausages, meat products or meat extracts.

Red or blue fish: tuna, salmon, mackerel, swordfish, scavengers such as crab.

High-fat birds or fish: Duck, Goose, Haddock.

Boiled, fried or poached eggs.

Coffee, alcohol, Tobacco, chocolate.

Spices, pepper, mustard, vinegar, pickles, curry.

Rock salt.

Sugar, sweets.

Dairy products, except as above.

Any animal fat products: butter, lard, drippings, etc.

Nightshades Potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines (contains solanine toxin).

Rhubarb and spinach (high in oxalic acid).

Ice cold food or drink, including ice cream (even when made with "acceptable" foods) and fizzy drinks.

Fresh fruit out of season or imported from a different climate, tropical fruit drinks.

Drugs.

Artificial vitamins, supplements. [Note: we may need to supplement now because of the degradation of our soils]

Fried or deep-fried food.

Genetically modified foods.

Radioactive foods. (Much of the seafood and seaweed in the Pacific Northwest is now radioactive).

My name is Francis Ayley. I have extensive experience in Taoism, Buddhism, Tarot and Astrology. I trained as a psychotherapist in London UK and worked as a consultant psychotherapist for 14 years. I offer Life Readings to clients.

My history with Clifford Chee Soo

Clifford Chee Soo was one of the greatest living Taoists of the twentieth century. I first met him in the mid 1970s and trained with him for 10 years. I have been practising and teaching the Taoist Arts ever since.

You will be able to contact me here very shortly.