Secret of the Golden Flower

Course Description

This rich course delves into the profound teachings of The Secret of the Golden Flower. This is an ancient Taoist text that unveils the process of spiritual transformation and inner alchemy. It gained recognition in the West through Carl Jung. He admired its alignment with his type of depth psychology and in particular his approach to individuation. This is a fascinating journey into the depths of East and West!

This course bridges Eastern Taoist and Buddhist wisdom with Western Jungian psychology. This offers participants a holistic exploration of the Golden Flower’s teachings. It reveals the ancient seekers’ pathway into the Self. Besides that, the course will guide you through the symbolic and philosophical aspects of Taoism, Buddhism and the invisible connection to I Ching’s teaching.

As a facilitator with deep expertise in these traditions, Qi brings a wealth of knowledge in Taoism, I Ching, and Buddhist practices. She  integrates modern depth psychology to help participants understand how to apply these ancient insights to our contemporary life. This fusion of East and West provides a fresh perspective on personal transformation, offering a space for spiritual reflection, insight, and development.

This course is a spiritual treat—a reflective and enriching experience that transcends borders, converging ancient wisdom with modern western psychological understanding. It is ideal for those seeking to deepen their spiritual path through a uniquely integrated lens of Eastern and Western.

This course is ideal if

• You want to discover how timeless teachings of The Secret of the Golden Flower can guide your spiritual and psychological journey.
• You wish to learn how the Taoist practice of balancing Yin and Yang reflects Jung’s process of integrating unconscious material and how this balance can bring harmony and depth to your own life.
• You are keen to experience a "fusion food" approach that combines Eastern spiritual traditions with Western psychological thought, providing practical tools for navigating life’s complexities.
• You want to explore Golden Flowers’ guidance to foster inner peace, clarity, and psychological resilience.

Course Overview

Class 1– The Golden Flower: Symbols of Awakening and Inner Light

The first class explores the foundational symbols of The Secret of the Golden Flower. Central to the text is the Golden Flower, symbolizing spiritual awakening, and the concept of “light” as its guiding instrument. Participants will examine key symbols—light, flower, spirit, and “Heaven’s heart”— and what they reveal about the path to individuation, self-realization. These elements will serve as valuable guides on their inner journey.

Class 2– The Inner Sanctuary: Discovering the Self and the Soul

This session explores the Self as a home for the soul and spirit, revealing layers of identity, spirit, and consciousness. Key concepts are introduced and linked to Jungian terminology, such as comparing Hun and Po with Animus and Anima. These connections provide clarity and depth in understanding the soul’s nature. Through The Secret of the Golden Flower, participants will discover “Heaven within,” an internal sanctuary for cultivating peace, stability, and a deep connection with their core self.

Class 3– The Inner Spectator: Turning the Light Around

Lesson three introduces “turning the light around,” a core meditation technique from the text. This practice guides participants to focus inward, observing their thoughts and emotions. By activating their “inner spectator,” they detach from reactivity, fostering deeper awareness and a harmonious relationship with their mind and heart.

Class 4–  Breath as a Bridge: Consciousness and Life Energy

In this session, participants explore the breath as a bridge between consciousness, body, and mind. Taoist teachings view breath as a channel for balancing life energy (Qi) and cultivating presence. This lesson playfully examines the connection between breath and heart energy, using their interplay to foster grounding, clarity, and alignment in daily life.

 Class 5– Wuwei: Practicing Effortless Action in Micro-Moments

The concept of wuwei, or “effortless action,” is introduced as a way to act in harmony with nature. Participants will learn to integrate wuwei into daily life by embracing spontaneity and detachment. The lesson examines the role of “emptiness” in fostering presence, openness, and responsiveness in life’s micro-moments. This principle encourages greater flow, relaxation, and adaptability across all areas of life.

 Class 6 – Higher Consciousness: The Path of Union between Life and Awareness

This session explores the profound union of life energy and consciousness, offering a path toward higher awareness. Participants will engage with the integration of dualities—Animus and Anima, Yin and Yang, fullness and emptiness, attachment and detachment. By harmonizing these opposites, you can find inner balance, deepen wisdom, and experience a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

Class 7 – The Tao and the Middle Way: Emergence of the True Self

In this final class, we turn to the Tao, the “Way,” and the Middle Way as guiding principles for spiritual rootedness and balance. You will explore the Tao as both the source and the destination of the spiritual journey, embodying the simplicity and wisdom of non-duality. Aligning with the Tao opens the door to the true Self, allowing a grounded harmony to emerge within yourself and your connection to the world.