NEW COURSE: Taoist History 101!

Taoist History 101

A comprehensive introduction to 2,500 years of Taoist evolution.
This course explores 15 core lineages in depth—their worldviews, methods, and historical roles.
It is ideal for those new to Daoism, or anyone seeking a clear foundation in its thought and development.

Lesson & Time

15 in-depth lessons with 5 hrs of recording;
15 mind maps of each sect.

Bonus Benefits

Student-only community during update;
Exclusive Live Q&A sessions with Master Xuanchu.

Updating Schedule

1 lesson every 2 week
(from May 1st to October, 2025)

Pricing

$188 (Early Bird Discount 70%OFF on $688)

Course Syllabus

See next session

Course Syllabus

The lessons will be released on every other Friday, with one lesson per two weeks over 24 weeks.

Starting from May 2nd, and finishing by October.

I. Taoist Philosophy Period

(Starting May 2)
1. Laozi
2. Lao-Zhuang School
3. Yangzhu School
4. Huang-Lao School

II. Taoist Religion Period:
Birth & Formation

(Starting May 30)
5. Taiping Dao (Way of Great Peace)
6. Tianshi Dao (Way of the Celestial Masters)
7. Lingbao Pai (Sect of the Numinous Treasure)
8. Shangqing Pai (Sect of Supreme Clarity)

III. Taoist Religion Period:
Peak & Reformation

(Starting July 18)
9. Shenxiao Pai (Sect of Divine Empyrean Thunder)
10. Non-Religion Tradition: Neidan (Internal Alchemy)
11. Jindan Nanzong (Southern Golden Elixir School)
12. Quanzhen Dao (Complete Perfection School)

IV. Taoist Religion Period:
Decline & Darkness

(Starting September 12)
13. Jingming Dao (Sect of Pure Brightness)
14. Non-Religion Tradition: Neijiaquan (Internal Martial Arts)

V. Contemporary Taoism:
Restoration & Reformation

(Starting October 10)
15. Current Challenge & Reformation

Meet The Instructors

Early Bird Discount

Enroll Now

Begin the journey that thousands of years have prepared for you.

Open History Course

Free
  • still exploring Or seeking general understanding?

    Join before diving in.

Taoist History 101

$688
$ 188
  • new to Taoism or seeking a clear foundation?

    Ideal Guide for You.
70% OFF

FAQ

Taoist History 101 is for anyone curious about the authentic development of Daoism—whether you’re a beginner, a spiritual seeker seeking clarity, or a student of philosophy and culture looking to deepen your understanding.

No prior knowledge is required. The course starts from the ground up and gradually deepens.

If you already have some background, the structured approach will offer new insights.

This course focuses on the historical evolution of Taoist thought and sects, tracing 2,500 years of development and offering in-depth exploration of 15 key traditions—their cosmologies, cultivation views, and interrelationships.

While some practices and cultivation concepts are introduced, structured practical training will be offered in future Shengxuan Dao courses.

Taoist History 101 is a gateway. If you wish to go deeper, we will be offering practice-based programs such as Neijing Eight Brocades and Foundations of Cultivation to support your transition from learning to lived experience.

The course is delivered through recorded videos with high-quality content, accompanied by 15 exclusive mind maps.

A new session will be released each week starting May 1, 2025, with full completion expected by the end of August.

If there are any scheduling changes, you will be notified in advance.
Once enrolled, you’ll have lifetime access to the materials and can revisit them at your own pace, without any time limitations.

Yes. Upon enrollment, you’ll gain access to our private student group.

During the course update period, you’re welcome to ask questions—we will regularly respond and offer clarifications.

Additionally, a live Q&A session with Master Xuan Chu will be held once per month, with translation support by Xuanxiu Zhaoning.

The community and monthly Q&A sessions are currently guaranteed during the course update period, which runs until August 2025.

Whether the same structure continues afterward is undecided and may evolve. Any changes will be communicated in advance.

Student Testimonials

“A very meaningful course with practical and easy-to-follow exercises! Master Xuanchu is very approachable and explains things in a clear and engaging way. After studying and practicing for a while, not only did my emotional state and physical health improve, but I also transformed the way I see the world—viewing it from a cultivation perspective! Truly amazing!”
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Xiaonan Zuo
“I have studied from Master Xuanchu for several years. He is highly accomplished in the realm of Daoist cultivation, and is able to convey the esoteric knowledge of Daoist cultivation in an accessible and comprehensible way. Throughout my practice, he has offered detailed guidance at each stage. Over time, I have experienced marked improvements in my physical well-being, with enhanced circulation of qi and blood and a notable increase in vitality. On a spiritual level, my perception of the world has become increasingly profound, as if I have glimpsed the doorway to a more profound and mystical dimension.”
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Chaochen Shi
“Instructor Zhaoning has helped me stabilize my mind through balancing and harmonizing my internal organs—a perfect approach for someone like me, who struggles many years with my monkey mind. Rather than merely calming my mind on a spiritual level, she has helped me ground myself through the practical cultivation of Daoist practices. As my body becomes healthier, my emotional spikes have also started to decrease, creating a mutually reinforcing cycle between the inner nature and vital energy. It’s truly incredible to think that such an extraordinary system has existed for thousands of years already, far ahead of the emergence of modern science.”
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Yip Ching