Who We Are
Taoist Tradition at the Heart of Our Practice
Taoism has developed over thousands of years as a path of ultimate transformation to achieve harmony with the Tao. Our founder, Master Moy Lin Shin, distilled the essence of this tradition into a practical method of Taoist training for achieving the internal alchemical transformation described in Taoist scriptures.
Taoism teaches us many ways to cultivate ourselves and to help others. Quietly practicing the Taoist Tai Chi™ arts together is a form of reverential meditation that can lead to profound transformation and harmony with the Tao. We help people access this transformation through our practices including Taoist retreats, classes in Taoist Tai Chi™ arts instructed for no personal gain, Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian chanting and ceremonies, meetings and education, and volunteering in many ways, including such simple activities as making tea or sweeping the floor. With the right guidance, instruction and intention, Taoism emphasizes that all of these activities are part of the Taoist path. In the end, everything we do is intended to help people along this path, making our way of instructing and guiding practitioners distinct from approaches that simply aim to develop physical health or provide a form of recreation. This unique way of practice brings the teachings of Taoism into our daily lives. The quietness and stillness we experience when we practice the movements together in our Taoist Tai Chi™ practice is profound.
A Charitable, Non-Profit Organization Open to All
All are welcome and encouraged to participate in these Taoist arts as they choose. For more than 50 years, at locations around the world, people from all ages, backgrounds, languages, cultures and walks of life have been learning and practising the teachings of Taoism together. They have diverse motivations, ranging from a simple enjoyment of the Taoist Tai Chi™ practice, to an interest in the health benefits, to the rewards of participation in a friendly and supportive community, to the pursuit of a spiritual path whose roots reach back to ancient China. All our activities are rooted in Taoist spiritual practice, regardless of how people choose to participate.
We value our relationships with the communities where we are active. We often provide instruction to organizations that can benefit from the Taoist Tai Chi™ arts, including hospitals and facilities serving seniors or people with disabilities. We have also supported relief for major disasters, and continue to assist other charities whenever possible to alleviate suffering.
Our Story
Master Moy Lin Shin, Founder
Master Moy Lin Shin, a Taoist master, dedicated his life to alleviating suffering by helping others cultivate themselves through the Taoist arts. Master Moy synthesized a powerful system for cultivating body, mind and spirit based on Taoist teachings as well as training he received from respected teachers in China and Hong Kong. In 1970, he immigrated to Canada where he immediately began teaching Taoist Tai Chi™ arts to all who wished to learn. Today, inspired by this vision, the Fung Loy Kok Board of Directors along with many dedicated volunteers continue to make these arts available in communities around the world.
More Than Movement: A Form of Spiritual Cultivation
Master Moy was always careful to point out that these teachings are more than a set of movements. They are a form of spiritual cultivation and a way of life. They are a path that encompasses practical wisdom and a way to return to a more natural way of living. In earlier times these cultivation techniques were the special domain of monastic practitioners. Recognizing their great benefits, Master Moy wanted to open them up to all who wished to learn.
In 1998, Master Moy passed away, leaving the organization a clear direction and a powerful foundation. In a spirit of learning and working together, his students have continued to develop these teachings in order to share them with others. As Master Moy envisioned, these arts will continue to flourish for generations to come.
Aims & Objectives
Our aims and objectives ensure everyone receives the same quality of instruction and dedicated leadership.
Our mission is to alleviate suffering through the practice of the Taoist training that Master Moy Lin Shin transmitted to us.
We are dedicated to bringing the Taoist arts to every community, so that its many benefits are available to all who wish to experience them.
Practiced diligently, the Taoist arts cultivate good health as understood by Taoism. Our efforts are directed at making these benefits better known and understood, in order to promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being in the community.
Through the Taoist arts and other activities, we endeavour to make the richness of Chinese culture more accessible, and thereby promote greater understanding and respect among people.
The foundation of the Taoist arts is compassion. Our underlying charitable orientation is in keeping with the Taoist values of selflessness and service to others. Our inspiration is the example set by our founder, Master Moy Lin Shin, who dedicated his life to helping others without seeking personal gain. For this reason, all of our instructors are volunteers, and all of our branches operate on a non-profit basis. We also perform other services within the community, and assist other charities whenever possible.
“In cultivating our health we must transform our muscles, ligaments, bones, tendons, spinal column, and internal organs back to their original state.... Along with cultivating the body, we also need to tame our minds (or hearts) and let the Original Nature of goodness shine through.“
