Tai Chi and Immortality
- Cem Batırbaygil
- Feb 9
- 2 min read

A common and important goal of most Taoists is to achieve immortality rather than enter the normal afterlife. This goal is not easy to achieve; various tasks must be completed throughout your lifetime to qualify for immortality. The two different categories of requirements for immortality are: Internal alchemy and External alchemy.
External alchemy, special breathing techniques, in sexuality , yoga To master it is to try to produce the elixir of immortality by consuming refined metals and complex compounds, and to develop medical skills. In Taoism, a person's spirit or energy is intertwined with the vital energy that feeds your soul. Purifying the body of impurities can increase this energy. Apart from these requirements, it would be best to live an honest, moral and kind-hearted life.
Internal alchemy involves complex visualization, strict diet, specific sexual exercises, and self-control. A strict diet is followed to kill demons in the body and to stimulate and conserve energy. The body is purified by consuming refined substances such as jade or gold. Many different types of meditation revolve around the common idea of breathing. Much of a Taoist's time is spent in meditation. Carl Jung was among those who interpreted internal alchemy in a purely spiritual rather than physical sense.
The philosophy of Tai Chi is based on the basic principles of Taoism, and in this philosophy, immortality holds an important place in terms of both maintaining physical health and achieving spiritual balance. Tai Chi practitioners develop the body, mind and spirit as a whole to achieve long life and inner peace.
Energy (Qi) : Tai Chi places great emphasis on the concept of "Qi", the life energy circulating within the body. The smooth flow of Qi promotes health and prolongs life.
Harmony and Balance : By promoting balance and harmony, Tai Chi practice indirectly contributes to immortality by reducing psychological stress and maintaining physical health.
Mind-Body Connection : By uniting the mind and body, Tai Chi allows individuals to establish a deeper connection with themselves, resulting in spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
In Tai Chi philosophy, immortality can be interpreted as spiritual integration and inner peace, beyond extending physical life. For this reason, Tai Chi practitioners continue this practice, aiming to increase the quality of life and achieve spiritual balance.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism_and_death#:~:text=Taoism%20is%20also%20known%20for,have%20attempted%20to%20achieve%20immortality.