Power of Soul: The Positive Power Of Tao Calligraphy

Johannes, Mayur and Harsha

Power of Soul provides regular weekly classes in a fascinating, transformative and still largely unknown Chinese healing practice

‘My colleagues, Harsha and Johannes, and I have seen so many inspiring personal experiences, some simply resulting in a better, more balanced quality of life and others with remarkable physical outcomes,’ explains Mayur Shah, Master Teacher of Tao Calligraphy at Power of Soul.

‘One lady had been living for years with intense pain and very limited movement after she injured her back and was left with severely damaged discs. Any operation involved significant risk and no guarantees, so she had tried alternative options, such as acupuncture, osteopathy and reiki, but with no lasting success.

‘She came to one of our weekly Tao Calligraphy classes, and afterwards was able to bend and stretch with ease. However, she clearly thought that it was temporary, and said: “Let’s see how I’m feeling in three weeks!” That was in 2018 and she has recently climbed Kilimanjaro.’Dedicated to teaching the work of Master Zhi Gang Sha, a Tao Grandmaster and doctor of Western and Chinese medicine, Power of Soul opened on Turnham Green Terrace in 2018.

‘There was such interest in Tao Calligraphy – people visit from around the UK and Europe – that we needed a permanent base,’ says Mayur. ‘We can accommodate up to 30 people at the Centre on Turnham Green Terrace and the classes are also available online.’

According to Chinese philosophical tradition, Tao is the source and guide to all reality, encompassing the principles of Yin and Yang and emphasising the sense of wellbeing created by living in harmony with the natural order of the universe.

Master Sha himself is the lineage holder of Yi Bi Zi, an ancient “one stroke” calligraphy style (there are no breaks in the lines) that has only ever been known by a few people. In devising Tao Calligraphy, he has built on Yi Bi Zi to create a unique healing tool that is now taught worldwide.

The practice does not involve touching the paintings. Rather, the lines are traced either in person or even via Zoom with the five fingertips held together – they represent the five elements. The act of tracing enables a state that combines meditation and qi (energy) and connects with the power of Tao to effect a positive transformation in the mind and body.

‘When someone attends their first class, we introduce the concept,’ explains Johannes. ‘Some people are immediately sensitive to the energy in the room, others need more time.

‘Most use our teaching to achieve a happier, healthier life, to improve their relationships or reach a deeper spiritual level; even those suffering from a specific physical challenge often stay because of the other benefits.

‘We never say that we are “better” than other practices, we are just different. We don’t diagnose and we’re not medical, we are purely complementary. It’s essential to continue to follow any previous professional health advice and, also, if we feel our approach isn’t right, we say so.’

‘All we ask is that people come with an open mind and an open heart,’ adds Harsha. ‘The only way to understand Tao Calligraphy is to experience it. As Master Sha says: “If you come with 10% of an open heart, you will only receive 10% of the benefits.”’

SPECIAL OFFER:
Power of Soul is offering a complimentary one hour introduction to Tao Calligraphy. This is available in person at the Centre in Chiswick and online. Please call or email to reserve a place.