Examining the Ancient Chinese Practice of Mysticism

Have you ever wondered about the mysteries of ancient Chinese mysticism? How deeply ingrained it is in Chinese culture today, and what it meant for people in centuries past? China has a long and complex history with mysticism; many of the ancient customs are still practiced and incorporated into modern life. In this article, we'll explore just what Chinese Mysticism is and why it remains so popular in modern Chinese culture.

Chinese Mysticism is a set of beliefs and practices centered around afterlife, life after death, and the spiritual world beyond our own. It is deeply rooted in Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, and these three schools of thought together form the foundation for Chinese mysticism. These mystical practices are believed to have existed for thousands of years, and still continue to hold strong in many cases even to this day.

An important part of Chinese Mysticism is the belief that our lives are shaped by the power of the chi. This may sound like something out of a martial arts movie, but in ancient Chinese culture, it was believed that chi was to be respected and revered as much as any other natural force. Chinese Mysticism holds that humans tap into chi in order to gain spiritual enlightenment and power. In addition to this, it is believed that chi can influence important aspect of our lives such as luck, good fortune, and health. This belief in the power of chi has remained central to Chinese Mysticism for centuries.
Elisha Terada @ Unsplash

Practitioners of Chinese Mysticism believe that the world is full of spiritual energy and that spirits, ghosts, and demons have a role to play in our lives. This view is not far removed from traditional religion, and it is believed that these entities exist alongside us, in a way that we have yet to truly understand. Ancient Chinese beliefs also included a strong focus on ancestor worship, with many people believing that the dead remain close to their family and offer guidance from beyond the grave.

One of the key aspects of Chinese Mysticism is the belief in alchemy. Alchemy is the belief that certain elements, when combined in certain ways, can create powerful potions and elixirs that can grant a person special powers and abilities. Alchemy is still practiced to this day, and is often used in Taoist rituals and ceremonies. In some cases, practitioners even claim to have turned lead into gold or have mixed special elixirs that can grant immortality.

Chinese Mysticism also has its own set of rituals and traditions. They commonly involve music, incense burning, and the use of special stones, gems, and crystals. These rituals are believed to help bring good fortune, health, and protection into the home, and it is believed that by performing these rituals, one can strengthen their bond with the spiritual world.

In conclusion, Chinese Mysticism is a complex and fascinating set of beliefs and practices that have been around for centuries. It is deeply rooted in Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, and it revolves around the power of chi, ancestor worship, and the use of ritual and ceremony. Despite the passage of time, Chinese Mysticism remains incredibly popular, and many modern Chinese still practice these mystical traditions.

Alex Ferdean @ Unsplash