Conference Call for Papers

	"The Ultimate Tao is the Self " Grand Master Wei Ren Feng
	THE TAOIST GATHERING Call for Papers Abstract Submission Form - MS Word Format Abstract Submission Form - PDF Format Zhi Dao Guan, The Taoist Center, in Oakland, CA, will host the Seventh Annual Taoist Gathering on October 22-24, 2010 at Samuel Merritt University – Health Education Center in Oakland, CA – a weekend devoted to the study, practice, and promotion of Taoism. Our themes have been: Invitation to come down from the mountains (2004), Student (2005), Teacher (2006), Seeker of the Path (2007), Renewal (2008), and Being and Becoming (2009)….. The theme for the 2010 Gathering is YOU ARE WHAT YOU PRACTICE. What is your practice? How do you live your life as a Practitioner? How do you, as a Taoist, deal with stress, disappointment, and conflict? How do you practice – exercises, mindset, meditation, reading - what do you eat? What is your practice? Who are you? We invite you to submit an abstract for consideration for inclusion in this important conference. Given this year’s topic, we are especially interested in presentations that are interactive with the audience. Presentations are 50 to 90 minutes in length with some offered to the general audience and others in concurrent sessions. The purpose of the Gathering is to: Encourage a more in depth understanding of Taoism by providing a forum for discussion of provocative, reference-based presentations on Taoist philosophy and approaches to studying Taoism Demonstrate the multiple aspects of Taoism – spiritual, physical, ceremonial, alchemical, and medical Continue the development of an international community of Taoists with common goals of sharing Taoism and promoting Taoism as a spiritual, healing path Criteria for selection of abstracts for presentation at the Gathering: 1. Author is a Taoist practitioner/scholar 2. Presentation is based on published Taoist teachings rather than a personalized or anecdotal presentation 3. Abstract is clear in its purpose and scope of what will be covered 4. Bibliography that supports the paper is included with the abstract Please submit your typed abstract on the enclosed Abstract Submission Form (you may make copies) and mail/fax/email it to Zhi Dao Guan no later than April 15, 2010.