Taoist depiction of the circulation of "chi" (inner breath) taken from a plank in the White Cloud Taoist Temple in Beijing.

Featured on PDR in the collection Chart of the Inner Landscape (1886)

The Nei Jing Tu (Chart of the Inner Landscape) is a magnificent Taoist depiction of the human body as a microcosm of the universe, in which fundamental forces, ancient spirits and celestial bodies all have their place. The follower of the Tao (natural order) must gently try to bring themselves into closer harmony with it through meditation, breathing exercises, feng shui and other practices. Then the body may become as it is also figured in the chart — an alchemical furnace capable of producing the elixir of life. The chart is designed to help the Taoist “prolong longevity” and, the ultimate goal, “attain immortality and Buddhahood”.

Also appearing in the collection…

Circulation of Ch'i

Date

1886


Source

The Walters Art Museum

More From


Underlying Rights

Public Domain Worldwide

Digital Rights

No Additional Rights


Image Size

805 x 1800

 Download Image