Purple Cloud Podcast

Mattias Daly Talks to Bill Porter aka Red Pine, renown translator of Chinese poetry and religious texts. He delves into the philosophy of his translation methodology and the history and practice of Zen Buddhism. Mattias and Bill discuss Bill's personal story, practice, translation methodologies and travels as well as his forthcoming work, “Dancing with the Dead”, an anthology of Chinese poetry translations including Buddhist poets Cold Mountain (Hanshan) and Stonehouse (Shiwu), as well as Tang-dynasty luminaries Wei Yingwu and Liu Zongyuan.

In this episode of the Podcast, we talk to Professor Taewoo Kim of Kyung Hee University in depth about the practice of traditional medicine in Korea. We discuss the various different lineages being practiced in Korea today, some older and some newer, delving into to what role older classical medical texts play and how systems of acupuncture and constitutional diagnosis are employed by some of these lineages.

The Eight Commentaries on Observing the Precepts of Life 遵生八箋 , is a Ming dynasty text focused on health and longevity. This lecture provides an introduction to the work, focusing on the chapter which delineates various methods to maintain optimal health in each particular season. These methods include physical exercises, herbal formulas and general lifestyle advice. This video was recorded as a part of a series of online lectures held by the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association designed to allow many Australian researchers to share their work with a wider audience.

In this first of our solo podcast series on Chinese mythology, we delve into the myth of Pan Gu and Chinese cosmology. We explore the historical origins of the myth, and how this particular conception of the origins of the universe can enhance our understanding of Chinese medicine.

In this episode we talk to Chen Hsiu Fen about the Yangsheng Nourishing Life culture of the Jiangnan region in Ming dynasty China and how it was exemplified by Gao Lian in his work the Zunsheng Bajian. We also delve into the use of the seldom discussed tradition of talking cures in Chinese medicine, in which doctors elicit strong emotional reactions within their patients to cure disease, and the stances doctors took to demonological elements in the healing of diseases.  

In this episode we talk to Michael Brown about his its long-awaited second installment of ‘Explanations of Channels and Points Vol.2' . a Qing dynasty acupuncture commentary by Yue Hanzhen (1602-1693 CE). Despite having never been published, this work has survived owing to its historical significance. It was the first to integrate point locations and classical channel pathways, thereby setting a precedent of assigning a numbering scheme to channel points. It is currently available for purchase at www.purplecloudinstitute.com

In this episode we talk to Yan Liu about the long history of the use of poisonous medicine in the Chinese medicine tradition, particularly in the medieval era. We delve into topics such as the similarities and differences in the use of poisons in the Western and Chinese traditions, the use of poisons in alchemical practices and the role it played in religious healing practices. The book is open source, and available for download at : https://uw.manifoldapp.org/projects/healing-with-poisons

In this episode we talk to Tsai Ling-yi and Chen Po-Hsun, two Taiwanese Chinese medical doctors and academics in the field of Chinese medical history. We discuss how they have simultaneously navigated the Chinese and Western medical worlds, and discuss how the Chinese medicine exists in Taiwan within and outside of the official system. We also talk about the training of Chinese medicine in Taiwan, and similarities and differences with Mainland China and the West.

In this episode we talk again to Cheng Feng, this time about musical healing in the Chinese medical and Daoist traditions. We discuss how music can be used to both heal and harm, and the benefits of chanting the Dao De Jing. We also delve into how the 5 tones outlined in the Huang Di Nei Jing relate to the 5 phases, and how to use them in the clinic to help patients with a variety of conditions. For those interested in attending Cheng Feng's forthcoming online seminar on the subject, more information is available at: https://pt.globalbranches.com/bookings-checkout/daoist-music-healing?fbclid=IwAR0Wk5MxWAWxDYQm_JdmyXTp68rrRa5zkgo-sF_GFz78zYLhMlo1rdOEElY

In this episode we talk to Zoey Xinyi Gong about the role of food in Chinese medicine. From a background as a Western medical nutritionist , Zoey talks of her journey into the world of Chinese medical dietetics. We touch on topics such as cooling foods and their role in a healthy diet, how to deal with a damp constitution, fad diets, fasting, medicinal dumplings, and how to pick a healthy soy sauce. For anyone interested in taking part in Zoey’s course on Chinese Medicine dietetics, information can be found on the Global Branches website: https://www.globalbranches.com Zoey can be followed on Instagram at: https://instagram.com/zoeyxinyigong?utm_medium=copy_link

In this episode we talk to James Flower, practitioner of Chinese Medicine, Research Fellow at Kyung Hee University and PhD from Johns Hopkins University, about his journey that has taken him from Australia to live in Korea, China and the USA. We discuss in depth the practice of traditional East Asian medicine in Korea, touching on why integrative medicine is rarely seen there and why Shen 神 (Spirit) is such an important factor in health and healing. We also delve into how Korea dealt with the Covid pandemic, the influence of Korea on the development of Japanese Kampo medicine and some misunderstandings of Confucianism and its relationship to East Asian medical traditions.

In this episode we talk to Tyler Rowe, practitioner of Chinese medicine, martial arts and specialist in the practical application of classical Chinese geomancy and astronomy texts. We explore the relationship between climate and illness, and dive deeply into the often poorly understood Wuyun Liuqi (Five Movements and Six Qi) system from the Huangdi Neijing, discussing its history and practical usage in clinic. We also delve into how applications of the system, and Chinese medical theory in general, might differ in the Southern hemisphere, and possible relationships between the system and the current Covid-19 pandemic.

In this episode we interview Mattias Daly about his most recent translation for Purple Cloud Press, The Heart Treasure of Taijiquan by Ren Gang. Written for the modern reader, this book thoroughly illuminates the authentic inner teachings of Yang family taijiquan. From detailing contemporary misunderstandings of taijiquan and its place in Chinese culture, to explaining the correct meanings of fundamental concepts; and from elucidating classic writings, to recording an extensive Q&A with students, The Heart Treasure of Taijiquan enables the reader to understand the essence of this path. Master Ren Gang of Shanghai is a true inheritor of Yang style taijiquan. The translator, Mattias Daly, is a twenty-year student of Chinese martial arts, spiritual practices, and traditional healthcare. In order to ensure a highly faithful translation, he made numerous journeys to Shanghaito discuss the complexities of taijiquan philosophy with Master Ren and personally experience the training methods and martial applications he describes.

In this episode we interview Marta Hanson, Associate Professor of the History of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University about the concept of medical bilingualism and what it means for practitioners of Chinese medicine. We also delve into the history of epidemics in China, differences and similarities in responses between SARS and Covid-19, as well as her work on the influence of Chinese medicine in 17th century Europe and issues of translation between languages.

In this episode Mattias Daly speaks with Dr. Ilia Mozias of the University of Tel Aviv about his book The Literati Path to Immortality: The Alchemical Teachings of Lu Xixing. Lu Xixing (1520-1606) of the Ming dynasty was posthumously credited with founding the “Eastern School” of internal alchemy, but he was neither a monk nor a priest. Rather, he was a Confucian who learned directly from Daoist immortals including Lü Dongbin. He wrote numerous influential commentaries on Daoist texts, and a fascinating personal account of his cultivation path.

n this episode we talk to Prof. Volker Scheid, academic and clinical practitioner of Chinese medicine. We delve into the Covid-19 pandemic, the various ways it has been approached by practitioners of Chinese medicine and what it means for the Chinese medicine global community as a whole. We also discuss the ideas of fire and desire as explored by Chinese medicine physicians such as Zhu Danxi. Volker's blog posts can be read at: https://www.volkerscheid.net

In this episode we talk to Purple Cloud Press founder Johan Hausen and artist Jen King about the process of translating, writing and illustrating their most recent publication, the 49 Barriers of Cultivating the Dao. We delve into process of capturing the essence not only of Liu Yi Ming’s original recording of the Barriers, but also of the illuminating commentary by Abbot Li Shifu of the Five Immortals Temple. The book is available for purchase at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RC71226

In this episode, we talk to Pedro Solana, subject of the recent publication by Purple Cloud Press, Path of the Spiritual Warrior by Lindsey Wei. We discuss Pedro’s martial arts history, the current state of Muay Thai practice in Thailand and how it differs from the methods he trained in the past. We also delve into how the apparently contradictory realms of spirituality and combat arts have melded together in his life, and how a balanced approach to martial arts training can result in positive personality transformations and genuine spiritual development. The book Path of the Spiritual Warrior: Life and Teachings of Muay Thai Fighter Pedro Solana is available for purchase on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Spiritual-Warrior-Teachings-Fighter/dp/B08MSMP81T

In this episode we talk to Allen Tsaur about his recent translation for Purple Cloud Press, the Complete Compendium of Zhāng Jingyue. This translation covers the first three volumes of the great Míng dynasty master Zhang Jingyue’s monumental work and provides his core doctrines and teachings, including the eight principles pattern identification, the ten diagnostic inquiries, the distinction between earlier and later heavens, and the Mìngmén theory. Zhang Jingyue himself was an influential commentator of the Inner Canon, a vocal medical critic at his time, and a prominent figure of the Mìngmen (the Gate of Life) School of Thought. We delve deep into much of the content of the book, as well as the nuances of translating such a monuments work into English. The work is now available for purchase at Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Compendium-Zhang-Jingyue-Vol/dp/B08MWRNRPB

After a long hiatus we are back! In our first episode for 2020, we talk again to Lindsey Wei who has just published a new book through Purple Cloud Press, Path of the Spiritual Warrior: Life and Teachings of Muay Thai Fighter Pedro Solana. Kru Pedro Solan

The field of Chinese medical dermatology is a fascinating one, no least because the visual component gives the practitioner conspicuous diagnostic information that internal conditions often do not. In today’s podcast we talk to Mazin Al-Khafaji, one of the worldwide leading figures in the treatment of skin and autoimmune conditions with Chinese medicine. We talk about Mazin’s time in China, discuss his thoughts on use of raw herbs vs. granules and delve into the various ways he addresses these disorders, from herbal formulas to external ointments and herbal enemas. We also touch upon Mazin’s fondness for 圍棋 Wei Qi, “Go” or Chinese Chess, and how its philosophy overlaps with that of Chinese Medicine.   Further information about study with Mazin can be found at: https://mazin-al-khafaji.com

Yue Hu is someone who has devoted her life to understanding the Dao of tea. We delve into the history of tea and the changes in its preparation and craftsmanship methods over the years and also discuss how and why to ensure the tea you buy is of the best quality. We also how to go back to the basics when it comes to tasting and enjoying tea, and how to use proper tea tasting terminology such as 澀 roughness. More about tea, including Yue Hu’s in depth tea courses in Yunnan, China, can be found at her website http://theteaqi.com.

In this episode we talk to Robert Coons, Daoist practitioner author of Internal Elixir Cultivation: The Nature of Daoist Meditation, about the various internal practices of Daoism and his own practices and lineages. We also discuss his understanding of the meanings behind the different characters for Qi, namely 氣 and 炁, and how their relate to various Daoist practices, as well as scholar and Daoist practitioner 陳攖寧 Chen Yingning and his theories of the 三元 or “Three Originals”. Robert’s courses and his book can be accessed at his website http://daoistmeditation.com.

Much like Western religious traditions, there is a long history of commentary on seminal texts of Chinese philosophy and religion, most of which has yet to be translated. In today’s podcast interview with Mattias Daly, Chinese medicine practitioner and Daoist scholar, we explore the long tradition of commentary on the Dao De Jing, and go into depth about whether the translation of the well know term often translated as “the mysterious female” 玄牝 is, in fact, in accordance with this tradition of commentary. We also talk about the little known Wenshi Pai 文始派 sect of Daoism, and delve deeply into the Buddhist influences on the poetry of Daoist luminaries Wang Chongyang 王重陽 and Zhang Boduan 張伯端.   Mattias is also working on a translation of the “Ten Discourses on Daoist Alchemy” 丹道十講 by Ge Guolong 戈國龍, if you would like to support him in this admirable pursuit you can contribute funding at https://www.gofundme.com/translation-of-quotten-discourses-on-daoist-alchemyquot .  

There are many arts found under the umbrella of Daoism, including alchemy, medicine, ritual and martial arts to name a few. Many of these are taught to visiting students of all backgrounds at the Five Immortals Temple in Wudang China by Abbott Du Song Feng. Cheng Feng has been a longterm student of the Abbott and has resided at the temple for many years translating and assisting with his teaching as well as furthering her own studies in many of the arts taught there, perhaps most notably her study and recital of the morning and evening Xuanmen ritual scripture. She has also just launched her own project, Feather Beings, which aims at spreading these teachings throughout the world.

China has a long tradition of painting which differs in many ways from traditions in the West, in particular uses of perspective and how painting was intended to be viewed. In this episode of the podcast we talk in depth with artist Dapeng Liu (www.dapengliu.com) about these differences, which can help provide us with a new set of eyes with which to view Chinese painting.

Daoism and healing in China have a long, intertwined history. Beyond the more widely known Chinese therapeutic techniques such as acupuncture and herbal prescriptions, Daoists have incorporated other more esoteric modalities in the healing of illnesses such as incantation and talismans. In this episode, we talk in depth with Josh Paynter, co-founder of Parting Clouds Daoism and Quanzhen Longmen lineage holder , about his experience with these healing traditions, his Parting Clouds organisation and the nature of Daoism in China today.

Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism all have a long history of influence in the development in Chinese medicine, which is perhaps most apparent in the syncretic traditions of the Wen Bu Pai (School of Warming and Tonifying) doctors of the Ming Dynasty. In this episode we talk with Leslie De Vries about one of these doctors, Zhao Xian Ke, and his book the Yi Guan or “The Thread that Runs through All Medicine,” and the theories expounded in this work such as those involving Ming Men or the Gate of life and the potential influence of internal alchemy practices. Later in the conversation there is also a discussion on the influence of these Chinese medical theories on Vietnamese medicine.

Dao Yin or “Guiding and Pulling”  has a long history in China stretching back thousands of years to the occult shamanic traditions of ancient times, and its influence is still very much present in modern Qigong practices. The Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun, or the “Treatise on the Origins and Symptoms of Medical Disorders” was a Sui dynasty Chinese medical text that was innovative due to it being the first textual attempt at a comprehensive classification of different diseases and well as the first text to prescribe Dao Yin exercises for specific diseases. Our fascinating conversation today with Dolly Yang, who has just finished her PhD thesis focused on this text, addresses how and why the innovations in this text developed as well as delving into some of the specific details of this captivating text.

Maintaining traditional modalities of any kind is not always a simple pursuit in the modern world. Simon Feeney has devoted his life to investigation of how best to maintain traditional current of Chinese herbal medicine in the present day. This episode examines the state of herbal medicinal farming in China and the world today, how preparation of various herbs can influence their action as well as Simon's own spiritual training in Theravada Buddhism.

In this episode Daniel chats with Dr. Xiaoshu Zhu about issues with the education of Chinese Medicine in the West and in China, the current state of research n the field, the challenges and rewards of working with Biomedical professionals and contextualising an ancient modality in modern times, as well as her collaboration with the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and other institutions in China. Dr Zhu is Associate Professor, Associate Dean of School (International) and Director of Academic Program of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the University of Western Sydney. She is also key senior researcher in cancer field at the National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) which is hosted by the University.

In this episode Daniel interviews Michael Stanley-Baker about his in depth study of the spiritual and medical practices of the Shang Qing school of Daoism. The podcast delves into the relationship between religion and medicine, the visualisation and meditation techniques of the Shan Qing practitioners and touches on the roles of played by important figures such as Ge Hong and Tao Hong Jing.

In this episode Daniel interviews Lindsey Wei, martial artist, Daoist practitioner, author of The Valley Spirit and longterm student of Abbot Li of the Five Immortals Temple. Lindsey talks about her path since returning to the USA, her Kung Fu, Wushu and Tai Chi studies and instruction and how she had applied the principles of Daoism to her everyday life.

In this episode Daniel interviews Jonathan Chang, long time student of the late world renown acupuncturist Dr Wang Ju Yi, discussing his unique approaches to medical practice.

In this episode Daniel interviews Johan Hausen, co-founder of the Purple Cloud Institute, about his time spent at the Five Immortals Temple in Wudang, founding his publishing company, the Purple Cloud Press, his first book about Confucian scholar and healer Wang Feng-Yi "Discourse on Transforming Inner Nature".

In this episode and Part 2 of the interview, Daniel talks to Andrew and JulieAnn Nugent-Head about herbal medicine and its relationship to the culinary arts of China as well as the future of scientific research into Chinese medicine. Andrew is also presenting a seminar on acupuncture in Brisbane Australia Nov.3-4, for more details please email purplecloudinstitute@gmail.com

In this episode Daniel interviews Andrew and JulieAnn Nugent-Head about their passion for Chinese Medicine, their many years living in China and the tumultuous history of Chinese Medicine in China in the last century. Andrew is also presenting a seminar on acupuncture in Brisbane Australia Nov.3-4, for more details please email purplecloudinstitute@gmail.com