Tao Studies Institute

The term “Taoism” is a broad umbrella that encompasses a diversity of traditions (religious and non-religious), teachings, and practices which have been transmitted in a variety of ways and forms throughout the ages. The Ni Family transmits a non-religious, non-monastic form of Taoist self cultivation, (called the "Integral Way"), that is rooted in the Southern Branch of Internal Alchemy Tradition. This form of uncorrupted Taoism focuses on the original essence and the self-cultivation of one’s energy using a variety of holistic techniques and methods to promote health, happiness, longevity, and true spiritual development, thus we prefer to use the simple expression, the Tao, representative of "Truth Above Ourselves" and "Truth Among Ourselves". 


 

 Tao Studies Institute offers two different tracks of learning: A short, informal course, Entering the Tao: Integral Way Course for Spiritual Self-Development, and a longer, more formal course, The Divinity Degree Program.

 

The Entering the Tao course is a three-level home study program that is designed for students who are new to the tradition or who have read one or more books on the Integral Way of life and want to deepen their understanding and experience of the Integral Way by applying its principles in their daily lives. For information on Entering the Tao: Integral Way Course for Spiritual Self-Development, including registration, see below. You may also write to Jono Howard at jonohoward@gmail.com. ​


 

The Divinity Degree Program is a nine-level home study course designed for those interested in learning the Ni family Tradition in more depth. This program offers a step by step, structured path for learning the Integral Way in an academic setting. Courses of study will be offered leading to the attainment of the following Divinity degrees in Integral Way Taoist Studies: Associate of Divinity (AD), Bachelor of Divinity (BD), Master of Divinity (MDiv), and Doctor of Divinity (DD). Currently, only the Associate Degree is being offered.