Daoist Training – Qigong & Daoist Training Center

Renewal priest vows 2022

Daoist priests reading their Daoist names

New priests reading their Daoist names 2022

Transmission blessings 2022

Priest Ordination Ceremony 2022

The Mission of the American Dragon Gate Lineage is to promote Daoist priest training and to spread the teachings of Daoism.

Dao Transmission during priest ordination 2017

The Path Of The Daoist Priest

Enter the path of the Dragon to cross the obstacles of life and to emerge as a messenger of hope and peace.

History

Priest Michael was ordained in 2003 as a 22nd-generation Longmen Daoist priest. Longmen Priest Ji Zhi Tong of White Cloud Temple, Beijing, China was the officiating priest. In 2006 after additional Daoist training and studies, Shifu Michael began to train and ordain others as Daoist priests of The American Dragon Gate Lineage (ADGL), which he founded in 2006. Shifu Michael received a second ordination as a 22nd generation Daoshi of the Longmen Dragon Gate sect on December 3, 2016, by Abbot Bernard Shannon of the Temple of Peace and Virtue, and was recognized as an Abbot of The American Dragon Gate Lineage.

Priest Ji Zhi Tong, Ordination Master after the ceremony with shifu Michael 2003

The Three Treasures of the ADGL

Reciting Daoist Scriptures and Meditative Reading

Meditation in the Zuowang Tradition

Intensive Retreats: Group and Solitary Retreats

Serious followers of the Daoist path are encouraged to apply for training to eventually become ordained Daoist priests of the ADGL. Furthermore, it takes a prolonged commitment to the Daoist path to become an ordained Priest, and then to continue that commitment to the Lineage beyond ordination and training.

Most ADGL members live in the USA, several members live in Canada, and one in Australia.

Training Levels – The American Dragon Gate Lineage

Brief Introduction to the Training Program

Details of Training Levels

Novice Phase: A preliminary Daoist training level is required before being officially accepted into the ADGL priest training. An introduction to the history and background of Daoism and the beginning of Daoist meditation practices. Several books are required to read and write brief reports on. After some basic studies, the novice phase continues with reciting and studying Daoist scriptures, going on solitary retreats, and studying precepts, spiritual direction, meditation, and more.

Qigong Studies: For students who do not have a solid foundation in qigong theory and practice, as well as a good understanding of Chinese medicine, they are required to participate in either shifu Michael’s full Qigong Certification (200 Hours) or modified Qigong studies with shifu Michael. Contact Shifu Michael for more details.

The 1000-Day Training: To enter this level of Daoist training, candidates must have completed the Novice phase, and attended an annual retreat, plus submitted a Letter of Application for the priest training of the ADGL.

Ancient Daoist training meditation chamber in China

Ancient Meditation Cave Chamber

ADGL members practice a variety of energy techniques, like qigong, circle walking, martial arts, acupuncture, and other practices that support inner cultivation. A special training focus is to spend time in solitary retreats. Individuals entering the ADGL are expected to have a background in some of these practices.

If interested in joining the ADGL, contact us, and include in your introductory letter to Shifu Michael a brief bio of yourself including your background in qigong, Taichi, martial arts, and any Daoist practices. Thank you.

Use the Contact page for more information.