Taoist Music and Sound Healing

"Taoist Music and Sound Healing" is designed for inclusion in Bachelor of Taoism curriculum. 


Course Title: Taoist Music and Sound Healing

  • Course Type: Elective
  • Credits: 3 semester credits


Course Description:

This course explores the ancient principles of Taoist music and sound as a path to inner harmony, energetic balance, and healing. Students will study the historical, philosophical, and practical dimensions of Taoist sound practices, including the Six Healing Sounds, qigong chanting, and the use of traditional instruments such as the guqin and xiao. Emphasis will be placed on experiential learning through guided practice, sound meditations, and the integration of music into daily spiritual cultivation.


Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand the role of music and sound in Taoist philosophy and practice.
  • Perform and apply the Six Healing Sounds (Liu Zi Jue) for internal regulation and emotional healing.
  • Explore the energetic properties of tone, pitch, and vibration within Taoist cosmology.
  • Analyze the spiritual significance of traditional Taoist instruments.
  • Facilitate basic sound healing sessions using Taoist principles.


Topics Covered:

  1. Introduction to Taoist Cosmology and Vibration
  2. The Philosophy of Harmony and Resonance
  3. The Six Healing Sounds (Liu Zi Jue)
  4. Breath, Intention, and Vibration
  5. Taoist Chants and Mantras
  6. Music of the Immortals: History and Context
  7. Instrumental Study: Guqin, Xiao, Bells, and Bowls
  8. Healing Sound Practice Circles
  9. Sound, Space, and Ritual
  10. Designing Personalized Sound Healing Practices


Methods of Instruction:

  • Lectures and audio-visual presentations
  • Guided sound meditation and breathwork
  • Hands-on practice with Taoist instruments
  • Group chanting and resonance circles
  • Readings from classical Taoist texts and modern sound therapy literature


Assessment Methods:

  • Participation in practice sessions (20%)
  • Reflection journal or sound diary (20%)
  • Midterm project: Sound and energy mapping (20%)
  • Final performance or healing session design (30%)
  • Peer and self-assessment (10%)


Prerequisites:

None, though prior coursework in Taoist foundations or meditation is recommended.