At the mountain peak
Global seekers dive into Taoist culture at Tianma peak in Hubei
As sunlight piercing through the mist and illuminating the forest at the Tianma peak in Shiyan, Central China's Hubei province, Alan from Ireland and six others faced the rising sun, adjusting their breathing and stretching their bodies.
This marked the beginning of their 15-day immersion in traditional Taoist culture.
A group of people from different countries, captivated by Chinese traditional culture, has journeyed to the Tianma peak in August.
The peak, as one of the 72 peaks of the Wudang Mountain, home to a famous complex of Taoist temples and monasteries, has attracted hundreds of foreigners from all walks of life since 2005, including corporate executives and film actors.
According to Hubei Daily, in their exploration, participants can study the Taoist classics, the Book of Changes and Tao Te Ching, and learn about sound therapy, fire therapy, and herbal medicine in practical sessions.
Most foreign participants have their own jobs and live in their countries. Some visit the Tianma peak annually as a regular vacation spot, integrating it into their lives.
Others, like a participant from Portugal, have changed career paths upon returning home by opening a wellness school, while a German participant started his own publishing house to translate classic Chinese cultural texts for international readers.
Alan from Ireland, who has spent over seven years intermittently on the mountain, said: "Here, one cannot only practice Chinese martial arts, but can also learn traditional Chinese medicine and play traditional Chinese instruments, which offers a comprehensive experience of Chinese culture."
Lola from Russia, who resides in London, began practicing Chinese martial arts at the age of nine with the aim of alleviating asthma and sinusitis, and gradually fell in love with Chinese culture. In 2013, she opened a Chinese medicine health center in London, attracting hundreds of Britons each year.
Like Lola, Simona from the Czech Republic opened a TCM health center in her hometown after graduating from university, and she has been running it for 29 years. She hopes to delve into the core of Chinese medicine and learn its health principles to achieve well-being through self-adjustment.
Alan said he first came to the Tianma peak in 2011, and the following years of exploration helped him overcome his spiritual struggles. "Chinese traditional culture values harmony in diversity and does not emphasize adversarial thinking. Many are moved by this inclusivity, including myself.
"This inclusive and open-minded approach is precious in our society," he said.
Lu Huimin contributed to this story.
