Grotto-Heavens & Wholesome Earths in China

The mountains of China have long been places of great inspiration and support to Taoist practitioners. Their potent energy and deep quietude provide a context in which meditation and Inner Alchemy practice can be especially fruitful. Their beauty inspires poetry, or perhaps instead the dropping of all language, in an awed silence.

A Tang dynasty text on Taoist "Grotto-Heavens & Auspicious Sites" lists 10 major, 36 lesser and 72 auspicious sites. The phrase "Grotto-Heavens and Auspicious Sites" or "Grotto-Heavens and Wholesome Earths" or "Grotto-Heavens and Blissful Realms" refers to specific locations within China's sacred mountains, which are said to be governed by Immortals. More generally, it can refer to any landform whose spiritual energy is potent – making it a sacred space for Taoist practice. The Grotto-Heavens and Wholesome Earths have much to do with both the terrestrial branch of Fengshui, and the practice of "aimless wandering" through places of great natural beauty.

The ten greater grotto-heavens are as follows:
Mt. Wangwu grotto, (Henan)
Mt. Weiyu grotto, (Zhejiang)
Mt. Xicheng grotto, (Shanxi)
Mt. Xixuan grotto, (Sichuan)
Mt. Qingcheng grotto , (part of Huashan, Shanxi)
Mt. Chicheng grotto, (Guangdong)
Mt. Luofu grotto, (Guangdong)
Mt. Gouqu grotto, (Jiangsu, in Lake Tai)
Mt. Linwu grotto, (on Maoshan, Jiangsu)
Mt. Kuocang grotto, Zhejiang)