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Esoteric Daoist Training
Embark on the Way ► Traversing the Way ► Inner Circle
The Temple of the Original Thunder is dedicated to producing highly proficient practitioners of the Daoist Arts through the study and practice of Neigong, Qigong, Baguazhang, and Esoteric Spirituality.
The Temple of the Original Thunder offers a non-sectarian principle based approach to Spiritual Alchemy taught through the lens of Daoism with a focus on practical application of ancient wisdom teachings and energy cultivation for the modern day.
Striking a balance between traditional terminology and modern explanation, this training delivers real results—guiding you on a path of energy cultivation, realization, and self-mastery—becoming the version of yourself most capable of actualizing the future you want most with grace and ease.
Jacob Dygéus
I stumbled upon Sifu Kelly at a seminar in 2019 and was introduced to his lineage and teachings. Since then, I have followed his weekly classes in both Daoism and Baguazhang. I can truly attest to the authenticity of his teachings. Everything that he teaches works, if you are willing to set aside time to produce desired results. The teachings include both the broad strokes, and the extreme details, always with desired repetition of both theory and practice. Sifu Kelly truly demystifies knowledge which makes it accessible and there is no question he will not answer to aid in your personal development. As a non-native English speaker I have no problem engaging in class, and it is a great value that all classes are recorded for your own review or time zone challenges. However, I would absolutely recommend showing up to class regardless of where you are in the world, to get the experience of direct interaction with Sifu Kelly.
Embark on the Way
Level 1 Online Daoist Course
Original Thunder Daoism begins with Embark on the Way, a 12 week training focused on establishing the skeleton of Daoist Work—the foundational structure that maps out the path to spiritual awakening through self-mastery, energetic alchemy, and transformation of fate into destiny. The primary focus of this program is to cultivate yourself in such a way where you become the Dominant, Sovereign Creative Force in your life.
During these 12 weeks, you will learn a variety of profound and transformative exercises to cultivate awareness, build and refine energy, and apply practical teachings and tools that bring immediate results—helping you to skillfully navigate your experience with grace and ease.
The Daoist roadmap to conscious evolution begins with the cultivation of Xing and Ming, which then gives rise to De, and leads to the realization of Dao. The practices we work with are organized within this framework:
Xing – Your original nature—the Who you are beneath thoughts, beliefs, and stories. Xing practices focus on letting go of conditioned identities and reconnecting with the essence self through presence and observation.
Ming – Your life’s energy and direction. Ming is about self-mastery: refining your energy, transforming fate into destiny, and skillfully using your body, speech, and mind as tools for spiritual development.
De – The compassionate activity and effortlessly nourishing aspect of the Dao; Grace. De arises when Xing and Ming harmonize in a marriage of surrender and resolve. De is clarity in motion, virtue without pretense, grace without effort.
Dao – The Absolute, Mother of All Things, The All Without Other, the Sourceless Source of All Sources, The Divine.
Taylor Williams
Learning Daoism from Sifu Kelly has been truly life-changing. He has a rare gift for distilling profound Daoist wisdom into clear, practical tools for daily life—tools that have helped transform my body, speech, and mind in ways I never could have imagined. I met Sifu Kelly at a time in my life when I had no clear path forward — physically, mentally, and emotionally, I was not in a good place. Looking back after years of training with him, I feel nothing but deep gratitude. Today, I’m more grounded, joyful, and in tune with my body and life with each passing day. His guidance gave me not just knowledge, but a lasting friendship and self-mastery—he’s been a true teacher, mentor, and the essential catalyst for the person I’ve become.
Traversing the Way
Level 2 Daoist Course
Original Thunder Daoism continues with Traversing the Way—a 12-week training that builds upon the foundational work of Level 1. Where Embark on the Way gives you the tools and orientation to realize yourself as the sovereign, dominant creative force in your life, Level 2 goes deeper. It introduces more comprehensive teachings, refined Daoist terminology, and an expanded understanding of metaphysics and energetic mastery.
A central focus of Level 2 is the cultivation of the Baozhu—the Precious Pearl. Known in other traditions as the Philosopher’s Stone, the Homunculus of Western alchemy, the Pearl of Great Price, the Most Secret Name, or the Chintamani (wish-fulfilling jewel) in Buddhism, this inner spiritual nexus is a core teaching in esoteric work across traditions. In Daoism, it goes by many names and appears in subtle, hidden references throughout classical texts.
The Baozhu represents the alchemical heart of the practice—the luminous result of refined essence, energy, and awareness. It is that which transforms the “lead of your experience” into “spiritual gold.”
Nancy Ann Brighton
I was stunned with this young man’s knowledge and joyful teaching style 8 years ago and I haven’t stopped learning since.
His teachings helped me better understand "the meaning of life" and "how things work" from a Daoist spiritual context in such an easily understandable way with humor and authenticity. I will be forever grateful—he’s taught me how to heal myself.
Thank you Sifu Kelly.
Sean Wolf
Coach & Author - Body Restoration Clinic
I have trained with Kelly for six years now, and have used many of his teachings to help others while skillfully navigating life.
I highly recommend his course!
Inner Circle
Ongoing Training, Mentorship, and Mastery
The Inner Circle is for those who feel a deep resonance with the teachings, the teacher, and the community—and who wish to go deeper into The Great Work. It is for those committed to mastering the principles, embodying the teachings, and continuing their spiritual and alchemical training with more personalized guidance and mentorship.
Within the Inner Circle, the curriculum is guided by the evolving needs and interests of the group. It includes deeper review, refined practice, and advanced teachings not available in Levels 1 and 2. The goal is not more content—but deeper transformation and embodiment.
Upon completing Embark on the Way and Traversing the Way, students may request an interview to join the Inner Circle.
Free Lesson on Coherent Flowing Power
through Governing the Body, Speech, and Mind
Lama Lar
Spiritual Director - Grace Essence Mandala
I have been teaching esoteric work for over 50 years and Kelly's approach to Daoism is the best I've encountered. Kelly Lake's program on esoteric Daoism from the Temple of the Original Thunder is an excellent choice for those who want a Daoist Work Path to embody real ability and mastery in Daoist Work. Kelly's engaging teaching style, and deep knowledge and accomplishment in Daoism, and Esoteric Work, are a powerful combination.
The Alchemical Path to Conscious Evolution
Registration
Course is currently in progress and registration is closed. The next training opportunity will be in early 2026.
Daoist Mysticism
Level 1
monthly payment plan
$157
3 Monthly Payments
Daoist Mysticism
Levels 1
10% Discount
$423
ONE TIME PAYMENT
Daoist Mysticism
Levels 1 and 2
monthly payments plan
$157
6 Monthly Payments
Daoist Mysticism
Level 1 & 2
15% Discount - Best Deal
$800
ONE TIME PAYMENT
Program Details
Each 12-week program combines live instruction, video lessons, and community support to help you integrate the teachings deeply and consistently.
- Live Classes:
Every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Mountain Time, taught via Zoom. Links and reminders will be sent to your email each week.
[Time Zone Converter] - Video Lessons:
Pre-recorded teachings and follow-along practice videos will be released between live classes to support your training throughout the week. - Community Forum:
Ask questions, share insights, and receive guidance directly in the private student forum. - Video Library Access:
When you sign up, you’ll receive access to the full video library, which will include:- Live Class recordings
- pre-recorded teachings and practice videos
2025 Schedule:
Level 1: Embark on the Way
July 12 – September 27
Saturdays, 10 AM–12 PM (MT)
Level 2: Traversing the Way
October 4 – December 20
Saturdays, 10 AM–12 PM (MT)
About Kelly Ryan Lake
Sifu Kelly Ryan Lake D.M.Q. (China) is the Founder and Head Instructor at the Temple of the Original Thunder, a self-mastery school providing training in Chinese Internal Martial Arts, Qigong, Neigong, Meditation, Alchemy, and Esoteric Spirituality.
Originally beginning his path in the Japanese Martial Arts at a young age, Kelly's journey led him to quickly find home in the Chinese Internal Arts. While his time with the Japanese Tradition was short lived, it is worth mentioning as the core principles had made a lasting impression as his training continued with a Seven Animal Kungfu System.
From there, Kelly would dedicate himself to the practice of the Chinese Internal Arts of Baguazhang, Taijiquan, Qigong, and Daoism; Eventually earning the title of Sifu in the Martial Tradition and Daoshi in the Daoist Tradition. During this time, Kelly found a home in his spiritual studies at the Grace Essence Mandala under the guidance of his teacher, Lama Lar.
Today Kelly enjoys teaching and practicing throughout the week. Always exploring, learning, and deepening his understanding of these priceless traditions.
- 2011, received 1st Lu in the Daoist Tradition
- 2012, Doctorate of Medical Qigong Therapy
- 2015, received 2nd Lu in the Daoist Tradition
- 2015, Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- 2016, Sifu in the arts of Baguazhang and Taijiquan
- 2016, Passed California Acupuncture Board
- 2016, Boxing and Kickboxing Instructor
- 2017, Founded the Temple of the Original Thunder
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