Learn Internal Alchemy

A traditional system of energetic transformation

Learning any system of neigong is difficult without clear instruction. Over a series of courses, Taoist Alchemy Online provides a structured and easy-to-follow means to learn internal alchemy. Through talks and guided sessions students are shown how to build and develop a deep practice of internal power and transformation. Included are the private oral guided instructions necessary to master the practice. See below for info on 2024 in-person retreats.

Wang Liping

All material in these courses has been passed on by Wang Liping. Wang Liping is the current transmitter of the Dragon Gate Lineage, a Taoist lineage that for centuries has been synonymous with the practice of internal alchemy. As a traditional Mountain Taoist lineage, these Taoists are fully engaged in self-transformation and the pursuit of transcendence. Wang Liping’s arduous training was described in the book Opening the Dragon Gate: The Making of a Modern Taoist Wizard.

What people are saying

“The clarity of transmission, the amount of information and finally the effectiveness of what Nathan teaches cannot be compared with anything I have come along in the almost 40 years of my Quest for Taoist & Spiritual teachings.”

Karolos Gikas

“Within the western, English-speaking Daoist internal arts scene, Nathan and his teachings are a gem. Wang Liping's system of Daoist Alchemy is easily one of the most comprehensive and powerful systems of its type that is openly available to English speakers. However, it was only after Nathan started teaching that the material was structured and explained in a way that was accessible and easy to understand. Nathan is a rare individual who has both the conceptual knowledge as well as the important deep, experiential knowledge that can only come from years of dedicated practice and direct experience. With a knack for teaching and an enthusiasm that is contagious, Nathan is an excellent teacher that I can't recommend highly enough.”

Brooks Snyder

“I have attended numerous retreats with Master Wang LiPing and find Nathan's courses and seminars to be authentic and effective.”

Manish B.

FAQ

  • Is Nathan certified to teach Taoist Alchemy for Wang Liping?

    Yes. Wang Liping asked Nathan to start teaching in 2015.

  • Is there student support?

    Yes. Each talk and session has a discussion feature, where you can ask questions and receive feedback. Students also get access to TAO Friends, our private chat group, and TAO Talks, an open-ended talk series.

  • Will I have lifetime access to the courses?

    Yes. Once enrolled in a course you will have lifetime access. Complete each course at your own pace, and get support whenever you like. The length of the courses will vary for everyone, because everyone is different.

  • Are there any requirements?

    You need be able to sit without moving in cross-legged meditation for at least 30 mins-- and session length increases from there. If you have difficulty sitting cross-legged, then I recommend spending some time training your legs and pelvic bowl. Look at stretching, tai chi, dao yin, martial arts, or yoga.

  • Is Taoist Alchemy Online suitable for beginners?

    Yes. However, you will get better results if you have done internal arts before.

  • Can Taoist Alchemy be practiced alongside other internal arts?

    Yes. Except perhaps other lineages of internal alchemy or neigong. But you're fine doing it alongside practices such as internal martial arts, tai chi, qigong, dao yin, and standing practices.

  • Are the methods safe?

    Yes. Like any advanced internal/energetic practice if done incorrectly internal alchemy can be dangerous. However, the methods in Taoist Alchemy Online have been put together in a safe way. The guided sessions passed on by Wang Liping come with various safety mechanisms built in.

  • Is there community?

    Yes. Students get access to TAO Friends, a group of hundreds of fellow practitioners.

  • Is there a mobile app?

    Yes. We now have an app to access the courses and community on the go.

Companion book series

For those who want more, check out the book series. The book series is a helpful companion to the Taoist Alchemy Online program. Currently two volumes are available on Amazon, with more volumes on the way.
Buy on Amazon

Cultivating xing

This book is the companion for Course 5: Opening the Celestial Eye. Every Taoist internal practice needs to balance Ming and Xing. Ming is the more physical part of us (including qi of lower and middle dantians). Xing is our eternal unchanging self (found in the upper dantian). But how do we touch into and cultivate Xing. Volume Two introduces in detail the Xinggong of the Dragon Gate Lineage.
Buy on Amazon

What people are saying about the books

“This humble little book may be the most important thing written in English”

Captain Subtext

“I’ve been looking for something like this for years. Clear concise layout and instructions for this venerable form of self cultivation and practice. The online course is well worth the money as well.”

Tim Booth

“Nathan Brine has achieved a monumental goal for Westerners who want to train in authentic Complete Reality School meditation, indeed those who wish to open the dragon gate.”

Ryan Pimentel

“My desert island book. A useful supplement to the online course, but could also serve as a stand-alone resource. Highly recommended.”

Anonymous

“This is the book that we have been waiting for. In the author we have a dedicated practitioner of Wang Liping's system who not only has years of experience in personal practice, retreats and in teaching the system, but who has also studied Taoism and Chinese language academically. Combined with a knack for teaching and explaining things in an easy-to-grasp manner, Nathan Brine has created a truly exceptional book.”

Brooks Snyder

“Wow! What an amazing book! This is a detailed and clear account of the beginning stages of neidan, which is very rare on its own. Nathan has done an amazing job of taking something that historically is intentionally obfuscated, and brought the teachings to the west in a way that is clear, concise, and easy to read as well as understand.”

J. Church

All Courses

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In-person training

Next retreat Whistler, Canada, October 17-20

Take a deep dive into Taoist alchemy and supplemental practices. The Sea to Sky Retreat Centre is a secluded Tibetian Buddhist space in the mountains near Whistler, Canada (2 hours from Vancouver airport). Participants are selected through an application process. Registration will open later in the summer.

Instructor(s)

Nathan began Taoist practice in 1997, immersing himself in Taoist temple arts, martial arts, meditation, internal work (neigong), energy work (qigong), and internal alchemy. For several years Nathan lived in China and trained full-time with a number of masters, as well as learning Mandarin Chinese. Afterwards, Nathan returned to Canada to pursue academic study of Taoism, where he received an honours degree in Asian Languages and Culture and worked towards an MA at the University of British Columbia, extending his knowledge of Classical Chinese and the Taoist canon. After meeting Wang Liping, Nathan left graduate school and devoted himself wholly to learning Taoist alchemy. In 2015 Wang Liping authorized Nathan to teach and write a series of books detailing Dragon Gate alchemy.

Nathan Brine