First Touch (2)

I never imagined that I would actually go and live in a temple within a Daoist community (although, as I have already mentioned, I had dreamed of it and longed for it inwardly), and that it would be in China, where I would perfect my Dizi flute playing, learn other Daoist musical instruments, deepen my study of Daoist ritual music, connect with ordained practitioners, and discover the world of the Dao.

My very first encounter with my teacher, Ou Dao Daozhang, upon arriving at Yichun Airport was so profound that tears of joy streamed down my cheeks. We connected immediately, and I felt her to be like an “elder” sister who, throughout every moment of this two-week training, selflessly and lovingly shared her Daoist knowledge and experience with me. Wisdom radiated from her entire being, along with a state of peace that passed into me, permeating and transforming me.

Far from the bustle of everyday life, high near the summit of Xihuashan 囍华山 (“Mountain of Blossoming Harmony”), embraced by a stately bamboo forest, stands the magnificent and imposing sister temple Chongdao Gong (崇道宫), belonging to the Quanzhen school (Quánzhēn pài 全真派).

The temple offers a beautiful view of the valley and hills, which, as I later discovered, presents a varied palette of sunrise colours each day, along with wisps of mist that curl, intertwine, and dance joyfully across the valley. At times, the mist was so dense that only the temple remained above the clouds, as if nothing else existed. At other times, every shape in the distance could be clearly discerned, as far as the eye could see. These were precious moments that delighted the eyes of the ordained practitioners amid their daily duties.

Later, during the first week, I learned how the temple had come into being and also saw the plans for its expansion and further development—inspiring.

Although I had slept for only four hours in short intervals during the journey, upon arriving at the temple I felt a sense of serenity within. Through quiet observation, I absorbed everything I perceived through my senses and inner awareness. The atmosphere was charged with the divine energy of a sublime and almighty presence, and every breath I took was imbued with a profound peace and harmony that soothed me like a balm. Perfect.

Immediately after settling into a spacious and comfortable room, I attended my first evening ritual, held before sunset. Although I did not yet understand everything we were singing, tears once again streamed down my cheeks during the ritual.

Everything affected me: the ceremonial hall with its imposing statues, which seemed almost alive and were rich in symbolism and Daoist meaning; the ritual chanting and beautiful melodies of the ritual songs, which completely permeated me; the incense and candles… everything enveloped me and drew me in at once.

I felt a touch deep within my heart—a state in which the body is no more, thoughts become still, and you simply ARE: complete union in divine oneness.

My first encounter with everything I experienced during just a few hours on that first day was incredibly profound and intense. I was welcomed with open arms and supported at every step—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The all-encompassing “support” I received surpassed anything I had previously known through my circumstances, relationships, and experiences in life. I was utterly captivated by it all, as I was experiencing something like this for the first time in my life. And at every moment, I was immeasurably grateful for everything.

I felt like part of a well-coordinated whole, connected to a group of twenty devoted male and female ordained practitioners who acted from the heart. My connection with each of them was so subtle that a glance alone was enough: body language said everything, and even words were unnecessary. In this oneness with everything, new, deeply felt and precious insights into the Dao were gradually unveiled, day after day, like a translucent veil being drawn aside.

Everything felt as though I had been here before, as though I were already part of it all and could be completely carefree, peaceful, and blissful, like a baby sleeping peacefully in its mother’s warm embrace. I realised that, for me, this was more than home!

Days of discovery, deepening, intensive practice, learning, and rich experience followed. The programme was very comprehensive, and despite its intensity, the daily activities also included unannounced yet pleasant surprises—events that further enriched the experience of temple life.

What could be greater than living, experiencing, and feeling how everything permeates everything else… when every activity around you is imbued with the depth of wisdom and with the principles and laws that govern all things? Priceless—divine.

Alenka Zupan