Retreats offer a chance to dive deep into Taoist (Daoist) practice. Let the cares of the rest of your life fall away and nourish yourself through movement, stillness, good food, and the beauty of nature. Immersive practice time combined with individualized instruction offers a chance to accelerate your progress, no matter your level of experience or skill.

Individual retreats focus on different topics, but each includes full daily instruction by expert teacher and Daoist Master Shifu Mo ZhiCheng.

What is the daily schedule for retreats?

Classes typically run from 9 a.m. - noon and 2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

After dinner, attend lecture and open question time from ~7 - 8:30 p.m.

What do students study at Taoist Studies Institute retreats?

Retreats commonly include classes on: qi gong (hunyuan gong, chansi gong, fang song gong), tai chi (taiji) form, meditation, and Taoist philosophy. Additional topics may include, Taoist walking, the Five Animal Frolics, Eight Sections of Brocade (standing or seated), Taoist texts, history of Taoism and the Hunyuan Lineage, and self-massage.

What is included in the retreat fee?

In addition to all classes and lectures, the retreat fee also covers full room and board. Board includes 3 meals a day on full days, and breakfast & lunch on the last day (which ends around 3 p.m.). A variety of snacks are available throughout the day.

Sleeping facilities are shared rooms with bunk beds, segregated by gender.

A very small number of private rooms may be available for an additional fee. If interested, email us about the possibility.

When do you offer retreats?

The Taoist Studies Institute offers two 10-day retreats per year - one in winter, one in summer. Shorter, 3-day retreats are offered monthly to bi-monthly. Typically...

10-Day Deepening Practice Retreats

• Late December / Early January ~ 10-day Deepening Practice Winter Retreat

  • Typically running through Christmas and New Year's, the Winter Retreat focuses on internal practice: seated meditation, Taoist scriptures, self-massage, and seated Eight Sections of Brocade (八 段 錦, bā duàn jǐn), as well as some qi gong practice (typically Hunyuan Gong and Fang Song Gong).

• Mid-August ~ 10-day Deepening Practice Summer Retreat

  • The Summer Retreat focuses more on physical practice: qi gong sets (Hunyuan Gong, Chansi Gong, Fang Song Gong), tai chi chuan (taiji quan) form practice, and paired tai chi exercises (push hands). It may also include ancillary sets like the Five Animal Frolics or standing Eight Sections of Brocade, as well as weapons practice such as sword, for advanced students.

3-Day, Long Weekend Retreats

• Taoist Walking Retreat ~ Learn the effortless gait of Daoist walking. Typically presented in the spring.

• Taoist Cultivation Retreat ~ Centered around meditation & Daoist scriptures. Typically one in fall, another in spring.

• Bagua Zhang Retreat ~ Intensive practice of this internal martial art. Timing varies.

What experience is required?

Unless otherwise stated, retreats are appropriate for all skill levels, beginner through advanced. Instruction will be tailored to meet the needs of the students in attendance. The greatest progress, however, comes from regular practice, so students are encourage to attend regular daily classes, in-person in Seattle, WA or virtually online.

Are there places to walk outside at the retreat center?

Yes! The retreat center is part of the beautiful and inspirational Xuan Xiu Gong Taoist Sanctuary. A 30-acre site, maintained woodland trails are perfect for wandering, getting fresh air, or a bit of exercise. The paths rise through rolling hills and meander past a forest stream and peaceful pond.

Each day includes a break after lunch which can be a great time to enjoy the sanctuary's natural beauty.

Are linens provided or do I need to bring my own?

We request that students bring their own linens (for a twin bed) or sleeping bag if possible.

For students travelling by plane, or for whom this is not possible, we have a limited number of linens and towels available.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

We can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice. Please email us with your specific needs.

Can I commute to retreats?

Yes. If you live or are staying close by, it is possible to commute to retreats. Be aware that classes start around 9 a.m. and finish around 8:30 p.m.

Can I come for only part of the retreat?

Yes! While attending the entire retreat offers the greatest benefit, options for partial attendance are available. For 10-day retreats, we list prices for shorter stays 3-7 days. For 3-day retreats, we typically suggest that only existing students consider partial attendance.

If you have questions, please email us.

What if I have another question or special request?

For any additional questions, dietary restrictions, or special requests, please email us at info@taoiststudiesinstitute.org