COURSE

Buddhist, Yogic And Daoist Cultivation Techniques And Comparisons

This course is designed as a seven-day lecture series that discusses the cultivation practises and core theories of Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Daoism, Yoga and also Western heroic philosophy. On each day you will learn about the essence of each philosophy and be given a take home exercise.

Awakening Happiness Wisdom Spirituality Mindfulness Meditation Spiritual Health & Happiness Spirituality Mindfulness

Meet your Teacher

Shaun Ramsden

Perth WA, Australia

Shaun Ramsden completed one of his undergraduate degrees at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. He has three other degrees and a post-graduate diploma in Buddhists studies. He has also done informal training in Chan and Thai Forest Buddhism. He has formal studies in Chinese calligraphy, Chinese history and pranayama (from the Krishnamacharya Yogamidram). He had lived in East and South East Asia for a total of 18 years. He can read, write and speak Mandarin fluently and has also studied Pali at a university level. He has trained in Wu/Hao and Yang Taiji, Tiger Claw, Yin Bagua, Monkey and White Eyebrow kung fu. He has also taught Wing Chun, Qigong, Taji push hands and Song Xingyi in formal classes. Shaun has written papers (meditation, Asian Studies, history) for numerous peer-reviewed journals, has published a book called the Balance of Emptiness and another on Chinese medicine in Mandarin and has also done an in-depth translation and textual analysis of the Dao De Jing.

7 Days

2.8k students

4.9 stars

30 min / day

Awakening

English

Lesson 1

Day 1: Introduction

This lecture begins with a "welcoming" disclaimer, followed by describing my background, studies and qualifications. We will then cover the course structure and content and discuss if this is the right one for you. The lecture then formally begins and we will cover two introduction topics: 1. How the origin of meditation is non-action. 2. Definitions: Ancient meditation words and their meaning.

Lesson 2

Day 2: Theravada Buddhism

Lecture 2 begins with the history of early Buddhism, followed by an outline of Theravadan Buddhism. We will then cover the essence of Theravadan Buddhism, how to practise it, followed by a guided awareness meditation.

Lesson 3

Day 3: Mahayana Buddhism

Lecture 3 is all about Mahayana Buddhism, which is the "evolution of Buddhism under foreign conditions." We will cover key areas such as the 3 features of all Mahayana Buddhism, Buddha-nature (which is the essence of Mahayana Buddhism), key features of Tibetan Buddhism, mind training, ideas about breath training, their key practises, followed by some take home chanting to try.

Lesson 4

Day 4: Daoism

Day 4 covers everything related to Daoism, such as the two types of Daoism, defining what Daoism is, discussing its core practises and how the essence of Daoist training is related to the abdomen. We will talk about this idea of open, close, cat, cow and injury prevention, and go through a problem with their practise, followed by the essence of Daoist living. Finally you will be given a take home practise, teaching you how to use the centre/core.

Lesson 5

Day 5: Yoga

Lecture 5 starts by talking about the 4 types of yoga, the 8 fold path and cakras. These discussions are followed by examining the 2 models of Hathayoga and Hathayoga characteristics. We will talk about the yogic breathing practises such as as natural breathing and the importance of a long breath out. Finally, we will review some yogic meditation practises, followed by going through a take home practise exercise.

Lesson 6

Day 6: Differences and Similarities Between Buddhism, Daoism and Yoga

In lecture 6 we will compare and contrast Buddhism, yoga and Daoism. One such example of the comparisons made is in relation to breath training where the Buddhists observed the breath, the Daoists breathed like babies and yogis aimed to extend the in an out breath. We will also discuss the core similarity of non-action that all these philosophies have and many other variations between the differing schools of thought.

Lesson 7

Day 7: The Dragon and the Gold

The final lecture covers some new ideas such as the Western method of cultivation versus the Asian method and how we need to incorporate both ideas in our daily life. We will talk a little about Indo-European history and then bring all the ideas together for a concluding discussion and where to find more information in regard to further studies.

4.9 (71)

Recent Reviews

Dpattison

October 12, 2025

Amazing course! It really clarifies the historical and practical differences between these traditions. I appreciate your scholarship with these philosophies as well as caution with these practices.

Rebecca

May 8, 2025

A wonderful introduction to these closely related traditions! The teachers deep knowledge was evident throughout the classes. I especially appreciated his offering resources to continue learning in each tradition. The added bonus of describing the western tradition also helpful for context. I thoroughly enjoyed this offering and highly recommend it.

Ann-Marie

April 29, 2025

Have listened twice. Have a bout three books to order after listening to the last class!

Gavin

February 28, 2025

A must experience

Jason

January 20, 2025

This was really insightful and had many helpful topics. I will be repeating it after some time integrating..so good Thank you

Jan

December 18, 2024

Very informative and well delivered 🙏🏻💫

Laura

December 14, 2024

Excellent. A huge amount of information packed into 7 lectures, all presented clearly. Really helped me finally get the differences between these practices straight.

Barbara

October 26, 2024

Very informative. Appreciate learning about the cautions as well as the benefits of the various approaches.

Mike

September 3, 2024

Very Informative and useful. Thank you

Joanne

May 9, 2024

I enjoyed thoroughly .. Thankyou for your extremely generous sharing of study and knowledge .. Extrodinary really !! Warm wishes to you Joanne

Gustavo

April 4, 2024

Great. ..very informative. His delivery I find very effective. I'll have to listen again to the book list.. I am very interested in Buddhism. Gustavo Santa

Ann

March 21, 2024

Very informative, well spoken Thank you

Tim

February 26, 2024

Thank you 🙏. That was a very interesting analysis of, and comparison between, the main schools of Buddhism, Yoga and Daoism. It would also be interesting to compare the western development of secular mindfulness to these major philosophies. Thanks again. 👍

jeff

January 25, 2024

A good overview of the subject. I enjoyed the academic treatment.

Matt

January 10, 2024

I enjoyed that series. Thank you.

Nada

January 4, 2024

Thank you Shown for all the info about different Buddhist/ other religions. 👏👏🍀🎄

Tito

October 30, 2023

Wonderful review and comparison of the 3 philosophies

Julie

September 30, 2023

Excellent course thank you 🙏😊🌻🦋

Veronika

August 18, 2023

Standing ovation! Truly. This was so helpful and grounding for me.

Kathie

July 9, 2023

A brilliant framework from which to start building an understanding of often contradictory approaches. Shaun speaks humbly from a position of great knowledge.

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