TAOISM | Reincarnation & the Afterlife - what happens after death? 

I've had a terrible morning, to be honest, and while driving a while ago, I was looking at a pretty cloud and started missing my Dad who passed away under some terrible circumstances in September of 2017. I said outloud, "Daddy, you always asked me if I needed a hug and right now I need a hug". When I got home and sat down at my computer, this video was in the suggestions. Not only that, when I went to click the Like button, it changed from 170 to 171. 171 is the number that always shows up when I'm missing my Dad. It was the house number on the street where I lived and where my parents lived until they passed. Thank you for this. The experience has turned my bad day around and renewed my peace. I feel like I've heard from my father today and I feel like I got the hug I needed.

My condolences, George. Looking up at a clear night sky after someone you love has passed is a very beautiful thing to do.

When I wish to know What death is about I simply observe I breathe in and out I wake and I sleep I live and I die There's nothing to keep We're clouds passing by And here we all are Breathing together And we are all Love And Love lasts forever I want to hold on To faces I've known I value the gift Of what they have shown I think of them now I feel them so strong They breathed themselves out They're not really gone When I wish to know How life can begin I simply observe I breathe out and in I sleep and I wake I die and I live There's nothing to take And plenty to give ✨🙏✨ 😊💛🌈

Our life is a wave in the ocean. We exist for the moment of the wave and then we crash back into the sea. We return to where we came from, to where we belong.

I'm sorry for your loss, this is a beautiful and spiritual video, I hope making it helped you on your journey - best wishes

This is how I like to think of death and how it's really a continuation of life but my family tend to think I lack empathy because I don't cry, I remember the good moments I spent with my grandparents instead and I feel like it's more useful to see death this way. I like when Master Gu said your loved ones are closer now, it's more warming and we shouldn't be saddened by death.

My condolences George. I think your spirits will meet again, in the meantime: he'll be watching over you. :)

In Western society we're taught to fear death, but in agreeing that the inevitable is evil and bad, we push away one of our best friends and teachers. In refusing to accept death as part of the natural cycle, we remove ourselves from nature and our true power, since accepting death is key to accepting life. I'm grateful for your persistence, discipline, and courage in posting these important lessons, George! Thank you, Master Gu, for being open to broadcasting your voice and teachings.

Thank you for helping me to understand the Taoism more I really appreciate this , I'm interested in Taoism philosophy.

I love this message. I have been meditating a lot during these times and a lot of these taoist principles really connect with me.

My grandfather also recently passed away, a few weeks after the pandemic started, due to the virus. I've felt many of the same things... and this mindset helped immensely. It's easy to forget how much they always lived within us, even when they were alive: their personality, ideas, essence. I never felt he had really gone, and the more I sat with it, the more it felt like he had just changed form. Thanks for sharing George; it's nice to be reminded of our shared experience as humans.

“A human being is a spatially and temporally limited piece of the whole. What we call the Universe. He experiences himself and his feelings as separate from the rest, an optical illusion of his consciousness…” Albert Einstein

My condolences George - I lost my grandfather at the end of last year, it was a strange time and reconciling my rational thoughts and my spiritual mind was difficult in light our our differing beliefs. He is with me always, in heart and soul :) But I am happy you have such a wise and loving community around you! It is often said the universal energy, or consciousness, is what we have to tap in to, that we can know and experience life fully. I am sure your grandfather is with you now, a part of that, helping you on your path. All the best - our thoughts are with you :)

Many Blessings to you George during this time and on your journey. Within Yang is the seed of Yin, within Yin is the seed of Yang. At birth Yang is great as life proceeds (without mitigation/cultivation) gradually Yang diminishes and Yin grows. At a certain point (illness, disease, decay) Yin will be more then Yang, when Yin is at its strongest separation occurs. However, within Yin is the seed of Yang, so what many view as the end is the beginning of the new. The Sun rises, reaches its peak and diminishes, the moon rises then peaks then diminishes. At the same time, when the Sun rises in one part of the world, it sets in another, when the moon rises in one part the Sun rises in another. Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi) was criticized by some after his wife passed away for playing music and singing joyfully instead of the prescribed/mandated mourning. His reply was (paraphrased) "When she died, I was in despair, as any man well might be. But soon, pondering on what had happened, I told myself that in death no strange new fate befalls us. In the beginning, we lack not life only, but form. Not form only, but spirit. We are blended in one great featureless indistinguishable mass. Then a time came when the mass evolved spirit, spirit evolved form, form evolved life. And now life in its turn has evolved death. For not nature only but man's being has its seasons, its sequence of spring and autumn, summer and winter. If someone is tired and has gone to lie down, we do not pursue him with shouting and bawling. She whom I have lost has lain down to sleep for a while in the Great Inner Room. To break in upon her rest with the noise of lamentation would but show that I knew nothing of nature's Sovereign Law. That is why I ceased to mourn." Your grandfather has transitioned, your cultivation can help him with his transition as well as yours.

Taoism sounds like a beautiful philosophy , practice, and way of life. I'm enjoying your videos

The death of loved ones is never easy, but may be more bearable by keeping them in your heart and your mind. Think of them often and share the love you shared with them. My best wishes to you, George. A bereavement when so far from home can't be easy, but you're in the company of people who will help you bear it and understand it more fully. Namaste.

What shall I be after my body die on earth ? My astral body is reborn in das astral timespace. What shall I be after my astral body dies ? My physical body is reborn. What shall I be after I die ? Nothing and everything.

MASTER GU, YOU SURE SPEAK MY LANGUAGE AND YOU DEFINITELY ECHO; MY PARADIGM LOVE YOU . LOVE YOU !!!!

It is hard to set aside sentimentality when considering what happens at death. Someone once told me to think of how it was before I was born. That is exactly what being dead is like. Setting aside myths that glorify our sense of self gives us an opportunity to appreciate what an amazing thing our lives really are. And to contemplate what it is that we really leave behind when we die. Good or bad or indifferent all that is left when we die are some biological materials and the affect and effect of our lives upon the universe. When someone I care about dies I, as has happened several times now, I like to put on the "Hearse Song" by Harley Poe. And have a laugh, remember the good times, because life goes on and it will be my turn eventually.

In the beginning you say that the Taoist view on death is a different one than the Christian one. I personally don't agree with that: Jesus says, all humans come from God (hence they're called his children), and after death, they return to him. God is the omnipresent energy of life. In my perception, 'Chi' is another word for 'God'.

Sincere condolences and thanks for allowing us all to learn from this. 🌹

🙏. Sending love to anyone having an especially difficult time right now. Remember that you are not alone! Reach out cto friends, family or even a therapist if necessary. You got this!

My condolences!! I'm starting to think I'm Taoist

Im so sorry about your grandfather i hope your doing well with kung fu and always remember us on youtube love you

Yes, condolences to you George. My beloved son died on March 7, 2020. Seeing this video helped a lot. Thank you George and Master Gu.

I've been a Taoist for 5 years and I continue to gain strength and serenity from it as everything my senses tell me is an example of the Tao. I too have wondered about the soul dispersal theory. That's not too bad of a possibility, but I'd prefer to explore the universe as a ghost.

Oh, George... 😭 I feel your pain. This is such a beautiful message. Sending a hug your way too. Go gently ❤️

My condolences, George. I recently lost my grandmother back in December after having taking care of her during her final two years of life (separate from her taking care of me throughout my childhood) and the past six months have been very difficult without her presence, but I do appreciate this, as this just resonates with me so much more than the countless number of people who have told me she's in heaven somewhere looking down at me. Thanks for your content. It has exposed me to so many ideas and philosophies that have helped through one of the toughest times in my life.

Wow, condolences. That final speech at the end, i can feel your pain through the video.

Giving new meaning to the phrase "I feel you"..... Nice! My heart goes out to you and your family George! What has happened to all those people dying alone because of the lockdown is the greatest tragedy of all.... I can't imagine how hard this is on everyone, and I hope we soon figure out a better way.... I think you've found a beautiful way to cope, and i'm very much in agreement about this perspective! Thanks for sharing!

The loss of someone dear to us is never easy and we are never prepared for something like this. I am sorry for your loss, George.

Sorry for your loss George. Thank you for the video, it helped me, i lost my Mother a few weeks ago. Mommy was just 62. But I like this video. Very beautiful video. Thank Master Gu too from me please. 🙏

My I share my love energy to you keep your mind and heart open just know that spiritually he is with you! 🥋🙏🏼🌞

George, I've been following your journey for a couple years now and deal with similar issues (in my case both anxiety and depression) and you and Master Gu have been so helpful in my journey. I'm sorry to hear of your loss, and though I can't know what you are going through exactly, having lost my father to lung cancer a couple years ago, it is fresh in my mind how hard it can be losing someone close to you, and I can only imagine how much more difficult it would have been to not be able to say goodbye. We are so very lucky to live in the future where we have things like video calls and whatnot. I'm sure it would mean a lot to your grandmother for you to call her, regardless of what you talk about. Apologies if the above sounds presumptuous or overreaching, just wanted to offer something a little more than a simple "my condolences" to someone who's had such a profound effect on my life.

I like the idea of Chi but as a rational atheist I have to ask is this energy measurable after death? My Grandma has a heart-Op next week and I really hope she makes it.

Thank you Mastar Gu and George, lost a sibling just before lockdown. While rembering him and how he liked butterflies, a big butterfly came and sat on the table inbetween us for a moment. was so comforting. Beautiful video, feel you George.

I feel your loss brother, much love. I also resonate with what you said, it’s all true. Our loved ones are out there around us. Consciousness never dies.

Ey bro love this channel and the work you are doing! I'm a nursing college student in utah and my want for information led me to Taoism. This new philosophy (new to me) has empowered me so much. I've been wanting to hear the prespective of other westerners and its been really hard to find tbh but I found this channel and I'm grateful for it and I'm grateful for you G keep up the good work

My grandmother passed away about 2 weeks ago. Same as you I was in Thailand unable to get to her and could only say goodbye to her through a phone. About the same time I got a big yin yang tattooed on my back to represent the good and bad within myself and the positive and negative around me. I'm glad I found this channel as I have always been interested in Daoism but found it hard to learn about. Very cool

Aughra: 'Who sent you?' Jen: 'My master, wisest of the mystics.' Aughra: 'Where is he? Around here?' Jen: 'He's dead.' Aughra: 'Could be anywhere then.'

I feel my heart melting into softness as I watch this video. Such tenderness and expansiveness and grace are radiating from your film. Behind the softness of my heart, I am find a deep stillness. Such a sacred tribute, George... A pure blessing for us all...✨❤️✨

The ALL plays the character of your father, you, the Master Gu, the Disciple, me, and the RU-vid comment reader. The death of these characters is an illusion. Nice vid! Wu-Wei

My condolences

You have my condolences George. You are an awesome human being.

Thank you George for this and so many other videos. My condolences to you on the loss of your grandfather. I was close to mine too and still miss him to this day. As someone approaching 55 I am really encouraged that there are thoughtful and wise sources of light emerging in younger generations. Please continue to be yourself.

My condolences to you. I lost both my parents last year within 4 months of each other. I grieve their passing but I know their energy is still around inhabiting something else and that comforts me, We are truly one. We just take different forms.

I’m so sorry for your loss my friend he is very much alive sometimes just feel when your outside with nature or alone the stars and the moon perfect for the energy to gain strength

Although I see that this is true, I also find it distressing to share this chi with the chi of Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmler, Jack the Ripper, the deceased Hamas rapists and murderers, etc. So what of the chi of such persons? How does it "blend" with and effect that of the Dalai Lama and other such venerable persons?

Our energy never dies... our experiences will live with a new body... and the quality of our experience in the after life depends on the quality of our experience in this world...

So from a Taoist perspective, could you give us an insight to what you believe ghosts or shadow people maybe. I'm only asking because I have had personal experiences with them before in the past.

MASTER GU.LOVE YOU THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR LOVE AND WISDOM !!! 💖💖💖💖💖💖

My condolences, George

Its very comforting for US to know theres something else after this experience.This has given US religions throughout the ages..... and as bad as some say they are.......they are really just as good if not better. For most Humankind.....Faith is a crucial part of OUR existence....Hope and Love are crucial as well...and out of these 3.....(Love).....Thank you for this awsome video on ☯....My condolences to you friend.

While I am not a Wudang Daoist, I tend to use Daoism as a framework with Chinese Folk Religion mostly. I tend to believe we have spirits, the Daoist texts speak of 3 parts: Physical Body (Jing), Energy Body (Chi), Spiritual Body (Shen). I think while our energy body might disperse, the spirit body remains and acts as our intuitive being or consciousness. Even if you just have a "Where there's smoke, there's fire" approach, religions the world over recognize the concept of a spirit even when they never touched one another (or didn't since the last glacial maximum). What may occur is that spirits grow through Daoist cultivation, transcending us to a higher state. Either way, I see it slightly differently than perhaps early Celestial Masters did, or perhaps I haven't yet realized it's the same idea but said very differently.

Deepest sympathies, George... Beautiful video... Defo one of your best. All the best from Japan. We are all one.

Wow, so interesting! I always felt like that’s what’s happening when we die. Kind of like reincarnation but in a more abstract way, without the soul staying together as it was. Never knew there was a religion/philosophy that said the same

The Supreme Lord is not responsible for good and bad things happening to us. There is greater happiness from developing your love for the Supreme Lord than there is from trying to enjoy this world. God is the most loving person. You will be happy when you have developed your love for Him. Cultivate your love for the Supreme Lord through meditation and you will be happy now and later. Unfortunately, many people read different books about reincarnation, which confuse the issue. In the Bhagavad-gita, chapter 2, verse 17 states: "Know that which pervades the entire body is indestructible. No one is able to destroy the imperishable soul." The living entity is not the body. We are not seeing each other. We are only seeing the bodies. You must understand that we are not the body. The body is like a machine that we are temporarily using. This is not a belief. We are talking about the highest science here. Krishna also explains in the Bhagavad-gita how a person within one life migrates from a baby body to an adult body and then to an old body. The cells have changed in the body. You are not the brain either.

George all the best to you and stay strong!

Hi George. So Sorry to hear about your Grandpa. But take comfort in knowing that he is always with you. When my daughter was born I held her up to the Moon & Stars. When my Mum passed away, I looked up to the Moon & Stars and felt her there, and when I pass away. I hope that my daughter will always know that I am with her. All she has to do is to look up to the Moon & Stars. Remember the Dao is the Universe, never-ending. He is always with you!

So beautiful ❤. When my dad died it was very sudden, we were estranged sadly due to his mental health. Someone punched my dad whilst he was out and my dad fell back and hit his head, so tragic and violent for his passing, I was traumatised by this news. A week after he died, he came to me in a dream, in the dream I died and he was transforming forms, a white butterfly, a white cat and then a white bird. I followed him to a place between worlds, there he sent me the most profound feeling of love and forgiveness through his eyes into my whole being, in that moment I felt my Dad whole and healed from his mental health ills here on the planet and I knew he never left me, that he was even closer to me before, I don’t know how this translates to oneness, I felt him individual but also as an intrinsic part of the whole. I woke up weeping at the purity and beauty of it.

Nice thoughts. Condolences for your grandfather. The wu dang mountain background is beautiful

Sin is universal problem. Sin is ubiquitous. Humanity contaminated by sin. Sin in us by default, not learnt, not taught. Sin manifests in many forms - evil, crime. Sin is the opium. The origin of sin is unanswered. My journey. Sin is pre-existing in all. Nobody taught us to sin. Sin pre-dates The Bible. The Bible explains origins of sin. The Bible provides remedy for pre-existing sin, through Jesus Christ death and resurrection. The Bible is best selling book in the world for this reason. Sin is real, The Bible is relevant. Sin is born at every child birth. Sin is disease of heart, and Jesus Christ is the cure. Satan is the enemy, came to steal, kill and destroy. Misleads us to blame good loving God. God is not the author of evil. Media, Police, Defense, Judiciary, Penitentiary, Security, Contracts confirm sin exists. The origins of life, natural laws, sin, morals, purpose, meaning, conscience, music, creativity, intelligence, beauty, color, nature, water, air, light and amalgamation, remain unevidenced - elsewhere. We love truth when it enlightens us, but hate when it convicts us. Instructing to "Heart wash" from sin is not "Brainwash". God created universe, placed natural laws, made humans in His image, gave talents, instructed to multiply and explore - The Initiation of Science. Science is the legitimate child of natural laws. Without natural laws science has no foundation. We are created with good purpose and meaning. We are good. Then sin entered through satan and we all fallen. Disease, despair, deformities, deficiencies, depression, stress, guilt, greed, hate, anger, rebellious spirit, spiritual death entered. Sin plays spoilsport. Unloose the Soul from the tight knot of sin. Soul outlasts death. Sinners cannot save themselves from sin. Jesus Christ, the Holy God, intervened, willingly died on The Cross and resurrected, for remmissions of our sins, to save us from sin and hell. We are weak at the core, however we try to portray otherwise. We need Holy God's help, who is willing to help with open arms. Unable to find any motive any reason for Jesus Christ to die willingly on Cross and resurrect - except His love to save us from pre-existing sin and hell. Nobody died for our sins and resurrected - except Jesus Christ. Exclusivity Jesus Christ claimed: "I am The Way, The Truth and The Life". "I am The Resurrection and The Life". "I am The Good Shepherd". Jesus Christ has the authority to forgive sins. Religion says "Do". Jesus Christ says "Done". Religion is man's attempts to 'search gods'. Jesus Christ came from heaven in 'search of man'. Salvation from sin and hell is not earned through works or deeds or pilgrimages or rituals or ceremonies or traditions or cultures or meditations or public displays or hypocrisy or making personal sacrifices or making animal sacrifices. Salvation from sin and hell is free, but not cheap. Because Jesus Christ laid His life on The Cross, and resurrected. God loves the sinner, but hates the sin. Just like a parent loves child, but hates disease in child. We are saved by God's grace, not by our works. Karma is getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we don't deserve. Only Grace can be pre-fixed with word Amazing. Amazing Grace. Karma is not Amazing, it is depressing. GRACE: Getting what we don't deserve - i.e. forgiveness of sin, eternity in heaven through Jesus Christ. MERCY: Not getting what we deserve - i.e. punishment of sin, separation from God, eternity in hell. Other side of death is eternity. Either in hell; or in heaven through Jesus Christ. God offers grace and mercy for free through Jesus Christ death and resurrection. Jesus Christ suffered, ridiculed, spat-on, humiliated, crucified on The Cross, and therefore He understands our pain. He raised victorious, we will too. Those who endure till end are victorious. Jesus Christ coming again to judge all. The doors will be closed. Jesus Christ reveals every mystery, answers every question. We all deserve to know the truth. He is The Alpha and The Omega. He judges everyone. One day every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The First Christmas - Jesus Christ came to earth from heaven to save us from pre-existing sin. The First Good Friday - Jesus Christ crucified to The Cross, died willingly for remission of our sins. The First Resurrection Day, also linked to Easter - Jesus Christ resurrected from death. Jesus Christ made entry to Holy Heaven free through Him. Repent of sin and be saved. Easy. The First Coming of Jesus Christ - He is Lamb, slaughtered for remission of sins to save us from sin and hell. And resurrected. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ - He will be Lion, The Judge. The Lamb and The Lion. Jesus Christ forgave all who crucified Him, and now forgives all, even who reject, ridicule and mock Him. He loves all unconditionally. Believe, trust, repent of pre-existing sin in Jesus Christ that He died for remission of our sins and resurrected, and coming back to judge, accept Him as Lord and Saviour, and be saved from sin and hell. Any time, any where. Even now. Simple. Nothing to lose, everything to gain. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. I found God loved me regardless of sins, weaknesses and rejections by others. As sinner I cannot save myself through deeds. He believed me and has faith in me. I am not in competition with others. God loves you all, individually. (My journal. Journey to life - after testing all 'isms' and religions, after failing to find origins, purpose and meaning of life, after swallowing pride, egos, anger, hate, depression.)

Thank you for this video! I love Taoism and everything it has to offer---the Tao Te Ching is my favorite book.....I do have to say though, that the idea of the energy dispersing into everything comes very close to the atheistic viewpoint somehow. That is what makes me sad after all but I feel it is the truth anyways....It feels like this: if we take your current body and seperate all the atoms and disperse them all over the planet...sure one could say that you are still there somehow but in a different form, but really it feels like nothing is really left of you other than your memory in the brains of your loved ones....

Dear George, thankyou for your video and please accept my condolences for you and your family. LIke you, I am a pilgrim on the Tao, trying to make sense of something that is made doubly difficult by the fact we are not Chinese. This might seem obvious but it is more than just a language issue and cultural difference. The Chinese understanding of the spirit is different from us but if we understand, it does help. In Daoism they talk about the 3 treasures: Qi (energy), Jing (material essence, eg; DNA) and Shen (spirit). A helpful analogy to understand this is to think of a candle:- Jing is the wax body of the candle and the wick; the flame and heat is the energy/Qi but the light given off by the candle is Shen - the spirit of the person. In life all 3 cannot be seperated and the practice of Qigong (when fully understood) is to cultivate all 3. In death, the energy and the light do not die or disappear. They become one with the Tao. Look closely at the Taiji symbol (Taiji Tu). Yin is the material world; Yang is the spiritual world but both are seperate but together. The spiritual world is not some far off heaven in the clouds - it is right next to us. It is this crucial belief that makes Daoism different from Judaean religion (Christianity, Hebrew, Islam) and also Buddhism and Hinduism. Only when we meditate do we 'feel this' because only when we meditate do we quieten 'the monkey brain' and we open ourselves to the bigger spiritual consciousness of the Tao. At one time on the Wudang mountain (during the Ming dynasty) Daoist priests would have been able to communicate with the spirits of those who have passed on. The practice was banned during the Qing dynasty and the PRC government arent keen on it either but the practice still continues in Daoist temples in Taiwan, to this day. Ask Master Gu to teach you the 'Secret of the Golden Flower' meditation. Seated meditation is just as important to Daoist monks on Wudang mountain, as Taiji/Gong Fu training. I would recommend practising this everday and then you will truly understand. PS: the candle analogy was taken from the book 'Qigong Bible' by Katherine Allen, (one of the leading lights of Taiji in the UK) who also sadly passed on in 2020.

Well acupuncture can help with heart break. Plus some chinese herbs. When your balanced all pain goes away.

Yes I feel that to people ho dyed are close to me!My old friend was my 2)Mom cause I lost my mom us I was 16!She was such a Beautiful Soul,us she dyed in Florida I feell so powerless!The night she dyed,I woke up from on Aauummmmmm.....very deep in the belly sang us a Tibetan Monk would sing,it was the at-most peaceful and beautiful Ooohhmmmm..I ever heard!I wish I can here this again!

GEORGE MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR LOVE ONES, MY PRECIOUS DAUGHTER LOST HER DADDA 2016, WHOM WE ALL MISS DEEPLY, YOUR GRANDFATHER AND MY DAUGHTER'S DADDA; ARE ANGELS WATCHING OVER US ALL, MY FRIEND RECOGNISE THE SIGNS; MESSAGES FROM YOUR GRANDFATHER, ALL LOVES ONES who HAVE CROSSED OVER; ONLY TO RETURN BACK HOME, IN WHICH; TO EACH INDIVIDUAL CREATES THEY OWN HEAVEN !!! MY FRIEND A BIG HUG GOES OUT TO YOU !!!!! LOVE.LIGHT.HEALING BE YOURS ALWAYS !!!💖💖💖💖💖💖

The title kinda threw me off a bit. I don’t believe master Gu was referring to reincarnation at all. From body to energy in another form- yes!!!!! But reincarnation, no. Thank you for the wisdom straight from the source. So sorry for your loss. Glad you have this mindset. Thanks for bestowing it onto us.

From the taoist works I have read, this kind of "scattering" of the spirit into larger Nature is not how taoist view the after life. It's a little more complicated than that. In Chinese culture and medicine, there is the idea of multiple spirits (five). In folklore and taoist alchemical works like The Golden Flower, the two main spirits are called "Hun" and "Po". It is said that Po is heavy and Yin and sinks into the Earth when a person dies. The Hun however is Yang, light and rises up. After a while, the Hun will be called back to reunite with its other part which was left in Earth. This is the process of reincarnation. The alchemical tradition is diverse but basically aims at purifying the Po during life and transforming it into a whole with the Hun. This is akin to the idea to dissolve your karmic bounds. Karma in this philosophy is not simply "action-reaction" nor a moralistic law, but is the nature of heavy Qi (emotions of suffering) which produces typical patterns in life and binds one to a reincarnation process over which one has no command. The taoist alchemists aim at resolving this by creating a fully immortal body whilst alive by using the physical body as a cauldron (Ding). Therefore, when their physical body dies, they supposedly are free to do as they wish being unbound by karmic relations. Also think of the numerous supposed immortal Daoists that are being prayed to as deities for help and inspiration, or the age long worship of ancestors and the meticulous rituals that had to be done when some passed away in order to avoid them becoming a dangerous ghost that would come to haunt. The generalisations we are hearing in this video are in my opinion not representative of what Chinese culture has to offer on the matter of life and death. It is much more elaborate and complex!

My condolences George 🙏 As a Mystic and Rosicrucian, we see the same, because it is the same, but we call it the "Vital Life Source", or as you said correctly spirit, from the mind of God. Thank you for your beautiful videos, Peace Profound 🙏

There is a movie called Powder, one of my favorites where Powder explains to the Police chief that his wife didn't just go somewhere but instead, She went out in to everywhere! Was just before Powder ran in to the storm & disappeared in to pure energy & was no longer visible to the eyes but the sense of him permeated all who knew him. I described much the same to my Daughter that the Soul is electro magnetic. Having cared for both my elderly Parents through cancer & dementia, dying was not a problem for me because i had been in retreat with Brahma Kumari's for over 11 years, what i was unprepared for was the immense suffering & pain that i witnessed. Broke me in too pieces. I had no time to grieve my Mum because my Dad had cancer too & dementia so i had to keep going but i wasn't the tower of strength that some can be, when Dad left the body a vacuum appeared whilst i was driving to go see my Dad at funeral parlor & it sucked my Soul out of the body, i lost me. I felt myself go in to an abyss in the road, i quickly turned on hazard lights & thought i pulled in to the curb but no, everything stopped in the middle of the road. I missed my Dad's funeral & was in hospital for some time. That happened two years ago this august, i am learning how to breathe again "i use oxygen", how to walk again "i use a walker & walking stick" & dealing with unending fear(s) & panic. Interestingly, i thought i had prepared intellectually, physically & spiritually, now begins my journey George, i will walk, i will breathe & i might find putting my leg up on a fence more difficult than you, i have fallen a few times during Qigong but i know how to fall now & i will get there, i cannot say about conquering fear & panic yet as it is a work in progress but i am here & inspired. Blessings to You George & Master Gu. 🙏

This belief makes no sense. What happens to all those who commit evil in the world? The murders, pedophiles, adulterers and stealers? It’s silly to think people will become part of nature after death and face no consequence for their actions in this life. Imagine your child is raped and murdered and the killer ends up as a tree next to you for enternity?! A true God would judgment the world for their sins (big or small). There is only one true God and he has provided a way for us to be saved. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, believe and repent ✝️🙏

Universal life energy. Universal life energy is the spirit. It provides conscience and morals and standard. Something only God has, animals and creatures and nature do not have standards, are not connected by spirit, cannot connect the Divine Spirit, or even understand Him. The Holy Spirit is a divine Spirit Who existed throughout creation and even created the first man making human eternal like God by the eternal Spirit He brought forth into Adam. Spirituality is defined by connection to a Divine Spirit, not to nature. nature offers no morals, no support, no relationship. Calm and tranquillity comes from meditating and growing in Spirit. But again that requires that person to be connected to a Divine Spirit.

I think the Buddhists have it right when they reject the concept of soul. I have come to accept and believe that there is no individual consciousness, but just Consciousness, and what we are is simply a particular form of being. We never really die because we never really exist (as individuals) to begin with. Our sense of self is a kind of illusion created by having access to memories (of being conscious), reinforced by stable and predictable cognitive patterns derived from our mind, which give us things like personality. We are trapped in this bubble, like a moth in the vicinity of a lamppost, and very fearful of leaving it by dying. But in the end, it's all just thoughts, kept together semi coherently for as long as the body and mind live, which is not forever. To me, this perspective is freeing. IMO, the most toxic idea in the Western culture is this idea that "we have only one life and we'd better make it count". Instead I propose that we can experience everything that can be experienced, in this life and countless others, and that the wisest thing we can possibly do to ourselves is helping create a world in which we want to live, which in practice means enjoying our current life, but in moderation, that is without sacrificing that of everybody else, including all sentient life forms.

Wait, he said (the 3rd speaker) We are it, that? Qi from past relatives?? They are part of the Tao, we are part of the Tao, does all life energy become me in this Life and my Qi becomes part of another life tomorrow? Seeking understanding???? Humble I am

The NDE experiences pretty much sum it best. We continue no doubt. What waits is 100% idiosyncratic. Consciousness never dies.

What is the opposite of "death" ? Western cultural answer: "life" vs Eastern cultural answer : "birth". Like the Yin-Yang symbol, both birth and death are found within the circle of Life.

Yes sir I would like to respectfully submit that consciousness is intensified, rather than dispersed or weakened, post mortem. Your grandfather, just as Master Gu in your piece alluded, is even more powerful now than before. "He is so powerful, that he is now Chi" The vibe I received from hearing Master Gu say that --- was that the body is a poor container for the Spirit -- when it must leave. For me, with respect, consciousness is not dispersed because it has no body , because to disperse would imply that the body is more powerful than the consciousness. I feel, regardless of your spiritual or faith foundation, that t is the other way around, I respectfully submit. I feel your loss, and would like to simply respectfully and heartfeltly offer , that your grandfather's own spiritual beliefs just might have frame worked his own experience as he entered the next realm just the same. Powered by what his Chi : his Soul would experience through the light of Christ. You are right. There is more to each of us beyond this realm. Than a minimalistic definition of a physical identity and lifetime could possibly define. God Bless you . Thank you for receiving these comments. c.

" Know that which pervades the entire body is indestructible. No one is able to destroy the imperishable soul. For the soul there is never birth nor death. Nor, having once been does he ever cease to be. He is unborn, eternal, ever existing, undying and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain." Bhagavad Gita, chapter 2. Warriors who know this are fearless. Thank you for your post, I love the TAO and still practice, it also brought me to Bhagavad Gita.

The Spirit body leaves the physical and is dispersed to be with everything we attached ourselves to in our physical lives. Animals have ultrasences we humans don't have. Through their innocence and sensitivity, Spirits have a way of contacting us. My mother sends me swallowtails, white butterflies, dragonflies, and humming birds. The way they fly around me and linger around my location brings comfort she's still with me. Her visits always bring the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. I will always try the best I can to live prosperously, so that I can continue to feel her smile and her warmth. I'm no Taoist but I hope this helps, Brother.

Energy can not be destroyed,only changed. Death is an ilussion. How can life die? Life is life. When life does all that is needeed,it leaves the body,so body drops,but life goes on living...respect from Slovenija.

Sorry to hear about your Grandfather, George. Thank you for what you and Master Gu bring into our lives. What’s with the dislikes? Must be Abrahamics.

My condolences brother George. I will make a meditation for opa George also. Wonderful video and explanation.

My condolences ...thank you for sharing your insights. Wishing you continued peace

Dr Scott Jensen Dr Pamela Popper Dr Annie Bukacek Dr Donald Yealy all of these would agree with Tao and not the CDC or WHO family is roots in the ground condolences George I think because of something that happened to me there may be God? I absolutely don't know - balance with both of these

Thankyou George...i have just found your channel...sooo sorry for your loss...my Mum as a rare cancer and we cant even visit her to give her a hug and kiss...ive always thought out of the box as they say ...ie homeschooling...buddhism...quiqong...gurus in India but never been as lucky as you as ive learnt on internet.. these are challenging times and i would love to hear your thoughts on the virus...blessings from the uk x

I am a Buddhist. Again, I find that Taoism and Buddhism are explaining the same very thing, but in other terms. In Buddhism, we believe in the three natures of a Buddha, respectively of the existence. There is Dharmakāya, which is the base of existence, the most subtle level of the Universal Inteligence, also called The Fundamental Light or Rigpa. Dharmakāya is basically described as the Dào of the Sky in Taoism. The second level is Saṃbhogakāya, the part of existence that manifests. This is where everything that can be seen is produced. Some buddhas like Amitābha or Bhaiṣajyaguru manifest here, in their respective realms. This is pretty much like the Qì in Taoism. The final level is Nirmāṇakāya, the manifested world, or Saṃsāra, the world of suffering in which we live right now. So same thing, different terms. This shows that there is one universal truth, seen and spelled out in different words by different masters for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Condolences. You're Grandfather also continues through you, as he is part of you. Thich nhat Hanh still speaks with his parents, long since left their physical body. His parents remain part of him.

After spending 40 years in one flavor or the next of Christianity before leaving it, I find this viewpoint, this perspective to be so much more holistic and, yes, comforting than that of wondering if someone is "in heaven" (a doctrine that their bible doesn't even support) or in the grave waiting for some judgement day. I would love to be able to find a place to learn more about Taoism. I do a lot of work about persons in my genetic line so this seems a very useful way to think about those who have gone that I never knew. I would say condolences but it doesn't seem appropriate. More like congrats that you had such a wonderful person in your life and in our world.

You don't really know what happens after death. You haven't died before or if you have you don't remember. If you find wholeness you cannot disperse afterward. It is all a mystery.

My condolences to your late grandfather 🙏 ! This is a really nice video about Taoism & it's thoughts about death and all ☯️🙏☯️ !

Poignant insight regarding Taoism, but I cannot completely agree or disagree, Bruce Lee wrote about the Toa, but also supplemented some aspects of zen Bhuddism into it, personally i think its a source of infinite energy, but i don't think psychopath/evil comes from the Toa, while i aggree that we all stem from the source of chi we arent one galvanized collective that becomes one mind, lastly becoming an etherical energy form spirit is plausible, but i don't thinks it's forever, incarnation into the material physical world is highly probable after all chi gives life and when it's time to die it takes back chi for rest or the next vessel...well that is my opinion considering the abrahamics rule through fear and research i've done, there was even a book within the original bible that was banned because it spoke of reincarnation.

There is no life and no death. Take care of your attachments while you seem to be in a body, specially the attachments to the illusion of separateness. What is loving another? The problem lies in thinking you can love other. There is no other than you, than Tao. Duality is a dream. All you see is you. It doesn't matter than no one will believe perception isn't truth. Find out what never changes., what is Truth, Freedom, Knowledge and Peace.

Lost my grandpa New Years 2020 was hard enough then before the restrictions An things going on now saddened to hear. But feel you are approaching it well with a quest of understanding sorry for your loss. May your future days be field with joy of good memories.

My condolences George 🙏💕🌸 but I have no doubt your grandad is doing just fine and is with you 😊 onwards 🙏

My condolences. Thank you for making this beautiful video during such a trying time.

Honestly, even if this all talk about the spirit is not real, thinking this way has so many positive effects on life. I now believe in all of this, the soul, reincarnation even, and this idea made a lot more fearless and made me appreciate and respect ALL life even more. It's such a massive privilege to be here, in this moment, in this body, and get to know other peoples (souls) and this planet, and other life as well (dogs are just so great :p). I am glad your grandfather had the opportunity of being here and getting to know you and all his loved ones, I am glad you had the opportunity to meet him and have experiences together (I never got to know my grandparents). As one of my favorite lines in a Tool song say: "recognize this as a holy gift and celebrate this chance to be alive and breathing"

Thank you. This gave me solace upon witnessing the slow agonizing death of a baby whale. I subscribed and will study Taoism and Chi.

Fantastically special way of expressing this message. Thank you.

Understanding that all life force is qi and that it doesn't disappear but simply mutates and disperses upon our deaths also helps one understand that all life and after life is interrelated, that we are all one, that there is no division between ourselves and our loved ones, the animal and plant world, the clouds, the moon and stars. I find this realization to be incredibly comforting. Mitakuye Oyasin, Sioux prayer meaning, "To all my relations..." Peace be unto you my friend . . .