Biguan (pronounced bee-gwahn) is a special practice in Taoism. It means “shutting the gate” or “sealing off.” But it’s not about shutting a real door. Biguan is when a person steps away from normal life for a while to focus on their spirit. This often means staying alone in a quiet place, eating very little or no food, and spending the time meditating, breathing slowly, and calming the mind.
While some monks and priests used biguan for deep spiritual work, regular people have also practiced it for many centuries. This guide explains what biguan is, how it has changed over time, and how someone today can try a simple version of it safely.
A Short History of Biguan in Taoism
The idea of stepping away from the world to rest the body and spirit is very old in Taoism.
In Ancient China, Taoist hermits would leave busy towns and live in the mountains. They believed nature helped their body’s energy (qi) flow better. Some lived alone for months or years, eating herbs and practicing qi gong.
By the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), some Taoists used biguan to prepare for alchemy, healing, or even trying to live longer. They believed silence, stillness, and fasting helped cleanse the body of bad energy and opened the mind to the Tao.
In Later Centuries, biguan became part of religious Taoism. Different Taoist schools had different rules for it. For example:
The Quanzhen School (founded in the 1100s) used biguan as part of their training. Practitioners lived simply and followed rules like monks. They stayed in temples or caves, fasting and meditating.
The Zhengyi School, which had more priests who lived in cities or towns, often used biguan during special rituals or holy times. It was more flexible and open to laypeople.
Why Do Lay People Practice Biguan?
Not everyone wants to become a monk. But many people feel tired, stressed, or lost in daily life. Biguan gives people time to be still, breathe, and look inward. For laypeople, biguan is less about becoming a sage and more about:
Resting deeply
Letting go of worries
Cleaning out bad habits
Learning about themselves
Reconnecting with nature and the Tao
It can be as short as a weekend or as long as several weeks. The main idea is to spend time away from outside distractions and listen to your body and spirit.
Preparing for a Biguan Retreat
Biguan is not something you should do suddenly. Like planting a garden, you need to prepare the ground.
1. Mental Preparation
Before going into retreat, take time to calm your thoughts. Ask yourself:
Why am I doing this?
What do I want to learn?
What worries or habits do I need to let go of?
Avoid watching too much TV or spending too much time online. Start going to bed earlier and waking up without alarms if possible.
2. Emotional Preparation
Tell your family or friends you’ll be offline or away for a while. Let them know you’re not angry or hiding—just taking time for yourself. This helps prevent guilt or fear during the retreat.
3. Physical Preparation
Many Taoists slowly cut out heavy foods, meat, alcohol, sugar, and spicy items a week or two before biguan. This helps your digestion slow down safely if you plan to fast or eat simply during retreat.
Drink plenty of warm water and avoid very cold drinks.
What to Wear and Bring
Biguan is simple. You don’t need special tools or expensive gear. But comfort is key.
Clothing
Loose, soft clothing
Natural fabrics like cotton or linen
Layers for warmth (you may feel colder while fasting)
Slippers or flat shoes (if walking meditation is part of your practice)
Supplies
A blanket or meditation cushion
A thermos or kettle for warm water or light teas
A notebook or journal (if allowed)
Simple incense (optional)
A candle or soft light
Tissues or cloth for nose-blowing during detox
A bowl and spoon if food is allowed
You won’t need a phone, books, or distractions. The goal is to rest and simplify.
Daily Life in Biguan
No two retreats are the same. But most have a basic structure:
1. Silence
Silence is key. You do not speak, text, or read during the retreat. The idea is to “shut the gate” of words and let your mind slow down.
2. Fasting or Simple Eating
In classic biguan, food may be reduced or removed altogether. This can include:
Eating one small meal a day (rice porridge or steamed greens)
Drinking only warm water or mild herbal tea
No solid food at all, just water (only if healthy and experienced)
Fasting is believed to help the body reset. But it must be done safely and only if your health allows.
3. Meditation and Breathing
Most time is spent:
Sitting quietly
Practicing slow breathing (like abdominal breathing)
Focusing on the lower belly (called the dantian)
Letting thoughts come and go without clinging
- If you have the training, qi gong embodies these practices
Sometimes walking slowly or standing meditation (like Zhan Zhuang) is included.
4. Rituals
Depending on your background, you might light incense, bow three times, or chant softly to center yourself. Some retreats begin and end with a short ritual to open and close the “gate.”
How Long Is a Biguan Retreat?
Beginners: 1–3 days
Intermediate: 5–7 days
Advanced: 10–21 days
Some masters in history stayed for months, but this is not needed—or safe—for modern laypeople without guidance.
You can even begin with a half-day “mini retreat” at home.
Is Biguan Safe?
Biguan is safe when done gently and mindfully. But it’s not for everyone. You should not try biguan if you:
Have diabetes or need regular food
Are pregnant
Take daily medicine that requires food
Have a history of fainting or low blood pressure
Struggle with severe depression or anxiety
Instead, try a quiet day of rest without fasting.
Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, weak, or frightened—eat something light and rest. The Tao teaches us to flow with what is natural, not force things.
Can You Do Biguan at Home?
Yes. While the ancient Taoists went to mountains or caves, you can create a simple retreat in your own room or garden.
Tips for a Home Biguan:
Pick 1–3 days where you don’t have work or duties.
Let loved ones know you’re not to be disturbed.
Turn off your phone, computer, and TV.
Prepare light food or fast if it’s safe.
Set a simple daily schedule (wake, sit, walk, rest, repeat).
Don’t expect visions or big results. Just allow yourself to rest.
Even one quiet day can bring great peace.
Final Thoughts: Biguan Is a Gift
You don’t need to go far away to practice biguan. You just need time, quiet, and care. Whether you’re a student, parent, or office worker, biguan gives you a way to come back to yourself.
You’re not escaping the world—you’re learning how to return to it with a calmer heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Biguan in Taoism?
Biguan is a Taoist retreat practice focused on silence, fasting, and meditation. It means “shutting the gate” to the outside world to reconnect with one’s inner self.
Can laypeople practice Biguan, or is it only for monks?
Laypeople can absolutely practice Biguan. While monks and priests traditionally used it, simplified forms are safe and effective for everyday people.
Do I need to fast completely during Biguan?
Not necessarily. Many modern practitioners eat simple, plant-based meals or drink warm water and herbal teas. Fasting should be based on your health and experience level.
How long should a Biguan retreat last?
Beginner retreats can be as short as a few hours or a weekend. More experienced practitioners may choose several days or even weeks, depending on their goals and setting.
Can Biguan be done at home?
Yes. Many people create a peaceful space at home by turning off distractions, preparing simple meals, and following a structured schedule of silence and rest.