Art as Self-Cultivation: A Conversation with Deng Ming-Dao

Guest: Deng Ming-Dao (Daoist philosopher, author, and artist)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Deng Ming-Dao, esteemed author of the Wandering Taoist and several other Daoist-based books—(including our favs Spiritual Warrior and 365 Tao), joins Leta and Jaye as they have an inspiring conversation together. This episode explores the concept of how art isn’t separate from self-cultivation—it is self-cultivation. Ming-Dao dives into what it means to self-cultivate and how creating art, practicing Tai Chi, or even making mistakes can be the fire that transforms us.

From poetry to Tai Chi to painting—everything becomes part of the Alchemical process of becoming our authentic selves. If you’ve ever wondered whether your creative life is as important as a spiritual practice—this podcast is for you.

Key Topics Discussed Self-Cultivation as Repair

• The Chinese concept of self-cultivation literally means "repair"
• How life and socialization tear us down and obscure our natural self
• Why Daoists believe our natural self is already perfect
• The parallel between health in Chinese Medicine and spiritual wellness

Art as Personal Transformation

• Why every piece of art changes the artist who creates it
• The continuous process of learning through creating
• How mistakes in the studio become opportunities for growth
• The discipline and perseverance required for artistic practice

Qi and Artistic Expression

• The ancient Chinese concept of "lively movement and qi resonance" in art
• How an artist's qi becomes visible in their work (especially calligraphy)
• The difference between original energy and reproduced forms
• Art as alignment with the energy of the universe

Tai Chi as Art Form

• How Tai Chi transforms martial violence into self-cultivation
• The role of qi circulation in both Tai Chi and artistic practice
• Why practitioners from the same school look different (personal infusion)
• The connection between movement, medicine, and creativity

Expression as Human Nature

• Why every human being gives testament to their experience on earth
• The role of creative expression in reconciling individuality with the collective
• Cave paintings as evidence of humanity's innate creative impulse
• How great artists help us put overwhelming feelings into form

The Challenge of Daily Practice

• Why significant achievement requires daily commitment
• Breaking free from society's consumer mentality
• The difference between external motivation and internal necessity
• Understanding practice as the ultimate gift to yourself

Authentic Inspiration and Inner Voices

• How to distinguish between authentic inspiration and other mental chatter
• The reality of multiple "voices" within ourselves
• Why inspiration is just the beginning, not the end
• The role of problem-solving and technical skill in bringing ideas to form

Memorable Quotes

On Self-Cultivation:

"Self-cultivation is about recovering from those problems and getting back to your natural self. The Daoists feel that your natural self is perfect."

On Daily Practice:

"You're not doing this for a job, you are not doing this for a certificate. You're not doing this to be famous. You are doing this for yourself, and until you understand that, it's always going to be difficult."

On Consumer Culture:

"We have been so warped by our society that our only role is to be a customer... We need to get away from this kind of materialism and return to ourselves."

On Artistic Inspiration:

"Just because you get inspired is not the end of it. It's just the start of it... The voice is an idea. It's not a form. Your job as an artist is to make it form."

On Expression:

"Every human being has to work to live... But is that all you have to do? Everybody gives testament to their experience on this planet."

Practical Takeaways

1. Understand Art as Repair: View creative practice as healing and recovery of your natural self
2. Commit to Daily Practice: Recognize that significant growth requires consistent daily commitment
3. Practice for Yourself: Do creative work for your own development, not external validation
4. Embrace Qi in Your Work: Align your creative practice with life energy and universal flow
5. Learn to Distinguish Voices: Develop the ability to recognize authentic inspiration through experience
6. Accept the Problem-Solving Process: Understand that turning inspiration into form requires technical skill and perseverance

Resources Mentioned

• AlchemyLearningCenter.com - Hosts' website with courses and resources
• New Book: "Cultivating the Thirteen Ghost Points" by the hosts
• 365 Tao: Daily Meditations - Ming-Dao's daily practice book
• The Wandering Taoist - Available as audiobook
• Scholar Warrior - Currently being read by the hosts
• Hua Shan and Wudang Shan - Traditional Daoist mountain lineages

About the Guest

Deng Ming-Dao is a Chinese American author, artist, philosopher, teacher and martial artist. He is the author of eight books, including 365 Tao, Everyday Tao, Scholar Warrior, and Chronicles of Tao. His books have been translated into fifteen languages.

Background & Training: He studied qigong, philosophy, meditation, and internal martial arts with Taoist master Kwan Saihung for thirteen years, and with two other masters before that. From a young age, he studied Taoist internal arts such as Qigong and Kung-Fu.

Artistic Career: He is an award-winning graphic designer and fine artist whose work is in several collections, including those of the Brooklyn Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Currently transitioning into retirement, he paints daily and continues his writing practice, focusing on landscape paintings that combine Asian ink and watercolor techniques.

Episode Themes

• Art as Spiritual Practice
• Self-Cultivation vs. Socialization
• Daily Practice as Transformation
• Qi and Creative Expression
• Authentic vs. Consumer Living
• The Artist's Journey of Discovery

What's Coming Next

This conversation continues in Episode 144, Part 2, where the discussion deepens into topics of healing through art, the role of artists in society, and practical guidance for reclaiming creativity in daily life.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who has ever questioned whether their creative pursuits "count" as spiritual work. Ming-Dao's insights reveal that art isn't separate from the spiritual path—it may be one of the most direct routes to recovering our authentic nature.