This complex work is a step-by-step program for refining the ability to work with energy, or Chi (Qi) from the stars and planets.

The first given is that all creation has Chi, or a universal vibration. The second given is that we may work with it, use it within our beings, in the pathways that we have for this energy work. In Taoist thought, the work involved in balancing all your energies will promote healing, happiness and spiritual advancement.

Mantak Chia is the founder of the Universal Healing Tao System. He has had many decades of study under Taoist masters and is a prolific writer of books on health through the Tao.

In the initial pages he warns beginners this book contains information and exercises that will supplement training with a qualified teacher. Furthermore, the reader should be aware that concentrated study and supervision are required.

Dirk Oellibrandt founded and is the director of the Du Mai Centre and School for 4-Dimensional Life and 4-Dimensional Bodywork in Belgium. He brings together both Taoist and Western healing practices.

As in other works by the author, this material is organised in a very orderly way, proceeding from the introductory knowledge and background history to the more complex ideas and philosophy in the system.

I will not pretend to New Dawn readers that I am familiar with Taoist Cosmic Healing or Chi Kung. This material was new to me as it will be to some of you. It is complex, deep and significant, but cannot be absorbed at one or two sittings. I understand that it takes many years of dedicated study to become familiar with, and practice this system.

The cosmology bears little resemblance to what Western students will have experienced. Some of the astronomical material has some parallels to Western astronomy, and the formation of stars and systems is familiar. Relatively recent discoveries of DNA, other bio-chemical mechanisms and sub-atomic particles seem to support what has been known in the East for thousands of years.

The huge difference is that in the Taoist system, everything is connected and we see the reality of the alchemical ‘As Above, So Below’, for the heavens themselves are replicated in the microcosm of all life. For instance, some of the energy centres and pathways in the brain/skull, called the Crystal Palace, actually reflect the Big Dipper stars in miniature.
Those familiar with the I-Ching will be able to understand much here, as well as in the Chinese astrology and cosmology.

This material takes a huge leap forward from any text I have ever read before. I repeat that it is not for the dilettante. It is noted that despite the complexity, the authors do explain the difficult concepts in a succinct, clear way that is supported by profuse illustrations, both colour and black & white.

Explicit instructions are given for meditations that connect to the five elemental forces of nature, as well as the Moon, Sun, stars and galaxies. This is powerful stuff! My thought was that the body/mind almost looks like an energy intersection between the inner and outer universes. There are many different meditations for specific purposes, both individual and as part of a group. Energy may be sent to individuals who need it by meditation.

A huge strength of the Taoist system is that while acknowledging we all have imbalances in our energy, the emphasis is on balance, not the diseases caused by the imbalance. As the energies are brought into balance, the diseases and disorders tend to naturally sort themselves out. The healing component is part of the spiritual unfoldment experienced by the use of this Chi Kung system.

As you can tell by my comments here, I found this system fascinating, complex and rather daunting all at once. Daunting because of the commitment that is needed to study and practice it. Thus, as I stated earlier, the book is not for everyone but wonderful for anyone willing to put in the effort to not just read but fully understand this work.

For readers willing to dedicate themselves to making a full connection with all life, inner and outer, this will be for you. Once you commit to that, you will no doubt search for a teacher and face a long period of study ahead. The rewards will last forever.

It’s all a question of balance.

– Reviewed by Jennifer Hoskins in New Dawn No. 97