What is Taoism?
Taoism originated in ancient China and can be viewed as a philosophy, a way of living - with no dogma, no gurus, no church. Taoism is unique in that the feminine is integral to it - represented in its mythology, history and core principles like the Mysterious Feminine - representing ultimate emptiness, from which time and space and all creation came. In fact, the Tao itself was said to be feminine or Yin - the Mother of all Beings. Yin is an embodiment of the principles of surrendering, listening, receptivity, intuitive flow. There was a real reverence and respect for the feminine - “softness overcomes hardness’ as written in the Tao Te Ching, a Taoist book of wisdom, the second most translated book in the world after the bible.
The ancient Taoists were the first sexologists and led the sexual revolution a few thousand years before the sexual liberation movement of the 1960’s. Their observations on the female sexual response was extremely detailed and mirrors the findings of early modern sex researchers like Masters & Johnson and the Kinsey Institute.
In the era of the Tang Dynasty, women played a special role where they could reveal the higher secrets of the Tao - they were holders of the tradition. Women transmitted the teachings of herbs, magic, sex, healing and esoteric practices. Taoist women founded schools like the Highest Clarity School set up by Wei Huanan. Lao Tzu, the great Master who wrote the Tao Te Ching is said to have had a female teacher.
Taoism has a lot to offer our modern world on its very empowering and revolutionary approach to sex. By releasing the ingrained burdens of morality and embracing the power of this health-giving force, one can lead a life of exceptional vitality and robust health.
Discover more about Taoist Sexuality and the Feminine in this fascinating article Máire Ní G wrote for Herstory.
Who is Máire Ní G?
Máire Ní G is a certified Universal Healing Tao Instructor - teaching Inner Alchemy practices to women all over the world. She runs an online programme called Feminine Sexual Alchemy - the next one starts on October 18th. www.femininesexualalchemy.com