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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