Chungliang “Al” Huang (b.1937) is a Taiwanese philosopher, dancer, performing artist, Tai Chi master, and educator known for his East-West cultural synthesis and contributions to Taoist philosophy and movement arts. He founded the Living Tao Foundation and International Lan Ting Institute, promoting Chinese wisdom traditions globally.
Born in Shanghai, China, Huang’s family moved to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War. He later studied architecture, cultural anthropology, and choreography in the U.S., blending Eastern philosophy with Western artistic expression. Encouraged by Alan Watts, he became a Tai Chi teacher, integrating philosophy, movement, and mindfulness. His teachings emphasize fluidity, balance, and harmony, influencing martial arts, dance, and personal development. Huang collaborated with Joseph Campbell, Huston Smith, and Gregory Bateson, fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Notable works include Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain (1973,) which popularized Tai Chi in the West; Tao: The Watercourse Way (1975,) co-authored with Alan Watts, exploring Taoist principles; and Thinking Body, Dancing Mind (1994,) applying Taoist wisdom to sports and life performance.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Chungliang Al Huang
Many people treat their bodies as if they were rented from Hertz-something they are using to get around in but nothing they genuinely care about understanding.
—Chungliang Al Huang
Topics: Body, Mankind, Man
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