Listening to Bǎopǔzǐ,
Master Embracing Simplicity
Entering the inner teachings
of Daoist alchemy and spiritual realization
With guest-teacher Louis Komjathy 修靜
Sunday 17th May at 9am-1pm (EST) / 15h-19h (CET)
1 bilingual (English-French) seminar x 4h (Replay included)
+ Downloadable course materials
Access duration : 1 month
Listening to Bǎopǔzǐ
1 seminar x 4h
+ Downloadable course material
The Bàopǔzǐ nèipiān (抱朴子內篇), or Inner Chapters of Master Embracing Simplicity, is one of the major works of medieval Chinese Daoism. Written in the fourth century by the scholar, alchemist, and Daoist practitioner Gě Hóng (葛洪), it represents an exceptional synthesis of the spiritual knowledge and practices of its time. At the intersection of philosophy, religious discipline, and alchemical experimentation, the text presents the conditions and methods for attaining inner transformation and spiritual immortality, while offering a profound reflection on the relationship between the human being, nature, and the Dao.
The work is especially distinguished by its detailed exposition of external alchemy (waidan), centered on the preparation of the Golden Elixir (jindan). Yet its importance extends far beyond the technical domain. The Bàopǔzǐ nèipiān also explores the ethical, psychological, and spiritual foundations of Daoist practice. It emphasizes the necessity of personal integrity, disciplined cultivation, and authentic transmission between teacher and disciple. Through a series of dialogues, arguments, and illustrative examples, Gě Hóng articulates a coherent vision of spiritual realization grounded in harmonization with the fundamental laws of the cosmos.
This lecture, presented by Louis Komjathy, editorial director of the Daoist Translation Committee (道教翻譯學會) and co-founder of the Daoist Foundation (道教基金會), draws upon the first complete annotated English translation recently published by Square Inch Press. It will provide an introduction to the historical and doctrinal context of the work, as well as a structured overview of its principal themes. Beyond its historical significance, the Bàopǔzǐ nèipiān emerges today as a living source of inspiration, offering meaningful perspectives for a contemporary understanding of personal transformation, spiritual cultivation, and the dynamic relationship between knowledge, practice, and wisdom.
By giving renewed voice to this foundational text, the presentation invites us to listen to the Master Embracing Simplicity not only as a witness to an ancient tradition, but as a potential guide for present-day reflection on self-cultivation, inner discipline, and harmonization with the deeper processes of life.
Seminar Structure
This seminar will be taught in English by Louis Komjathy, with simultaneous French translation by LoAn.
Part I — Foundations: Text and Author
Part II — Contemporary Relevance
Discover the living wisdom of the Bàopǔzǐ
Join Louis Komjathy for a rare introduction to one of the foundational texts of Daoist spiritual cultivation
and explore its relevance for contemporary life.
Regular rate
33€
This rate reflects the fair value of the course.
Reduced rate
21€
For participants
with limited financial resources.
Limited places available
— please choose with awareness. 🙏
Solidarity rate
45€
For participants with the financial means
to support access for those with limited resources. Thank you for your practice of hidden virtue ✨
