Taoist Sexuality and the Feminine

“Woman is stronger in sex and constitution than man, as water is stronger than fire” Su Nu ~ Sexual Advisor to the Yellow Emperor, Huang Ti circa 2600 BCE

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.

When it came to Taoist practices, women were viewed as having a more natural ability to connect with it and draw in the forces of nature, Heaven and Earth. It was said that a woman could reach enlightenment far quicker than a man. In the era of the Tang Dynasty, women played a special role at this time 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.

Tao translates as “The Way” - the way of nature, the way of not forcing. Taoists were great observers of the natural world and saw our internal processes as a microcosm of nature, Earth and the Universe. The famous Yin- Yang symbol represents the balance of the masculine and the feminine - two polar opposites, yet complementary and interdependent. One does not exist without the other.

The poet and mystic Sun Bu’er (12th century) took to Inner Alchemy Taoist practices at the ripe age of 51, after she had raised her three children and contributed to her community. Sun Bu’er practiced diligently and was soon a well-respected Taoist adept of great spiritual abilities. Her Taoist title was ‘Calm and Clear Free Human' and she played a central role in the revival movement of Inner Alchemy Taoism. Sun Bu-Er later became known as one of the Immortal Sisters (a term for female adepts of the practice) and was one of the Seven Masters. She is attributed to playing a key role in the revival of Inner Alchemy Taoism and one of the most accomplished masters of the tradition.

Sun Bu-Er embraced the practices later in life, around the time of menopause. This is viewed very positively in the Tao and was known as ‘the Second Spring’ - a time of real liberation for women. In these modern times, women who follow the Taoist practice frequently report a symptom free menopause, primarily because the practices focus on the production of sex hormones, recycling internal energy and emotional balance. For women who are in their reproductive years they can experience pain-free periods, devoid of PMS after just a few weeks of practice. This is in stark contrast to our Western culture which sees pain during menstruation, PMS and hot flushes as normal and women are expected to soldier on.

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. The art of lovemaking in the Tao was viewed as central to one’s physical and mental health, and a path to longevity. This was in sharp contrast to other religious doctrines worldwide, which viewed sex as an issue of morality.

Sexual energy in the Tao is seen as the most powerful energy we have - after all it has the potential to create another human being! The goal of (Inner Alchemy) Taoist practice is to preserve, cultivate and harness this life-giving essence which leads to a long and healthy life. For those inclined towards spiritual development, sexual practice is used to accelerate heightened states of consciousness and fast track enlightenment. Sex becomes an expression of a deeper cosmic balance - the harmony of Yin and Yang.

In the Tao, sexual skills were to be practiced and developed. The Yellow Emperor had three sexual advisors, three of whom were women. There was a strong emphasis placed on female satisfaction which required a man’s deep awareness and observation of his lover’s arousal level. Initiated men trained to delay their ejaculation and followed the advice of giving “a thousand loving thrusts” to satisfy the inexhaustible desire of a woman. Sexual anatomy was described in poetic and loving terms and were to be lavished - the vagina was known as ‘Jade Fountain’, breasts were called ‘Bells of Love’ and the clitoris was called ‘Yin Bean’. Alchemy practices such as Ovarian Breathing were also known as Sexual Kung Fu - a nod to its potency and the martial arts branch of Taoism.

One of the Eight Immortals, Lan Caihe was gender fluid

There’s no taboo in the Tao when it comes to sex and sexuality - it was never a matter of morality but a matter of health and wellbeing. Taoism took a very liberal and inclusive approach. One of the Eight Immortals, Lan Caihe was gender fluid. Lan was a homeless street entertainer who shared knowledge of medicinal herbs for longevity and is still celebrated today with the emblem of the basket at Chinese New Year.

The role of women was somewhat written out of history in part because of the Taoist principle to do the sage’s work and then retire. No accolades or praise or acknowledgement were sought. Spiritual works were done in secret and never spoken of.

The Confucian era heralded a time of rapid descent for women and their role in society - this was a dogmatically patriarchal model, which continued through to the modern Communist regimes. Thomas Cleary, a scholar of Chinese classical culture refers to Confucianism as “masculine authoritarianism” and to Taoism as “feminine nurture”. Sexual practices took a darker turn and there is literary evidence of a kind of sexual vampirism being practiced.

Kuan Yin, Taoist Goddess of Love & Compassion

However, behind closed doors the Taoist Inner Alchemy practices were preserved, practiced and passed on. Luckily, they are available to us now with the help of some great Taoist masters like my teacher, Grandmaster Mantak Chia who brought this wisdom to the West. One of the jewels of Taoist teachings is in creating the inner harmony of yin and yang - the balance of the masculine and feminine within. This helps to dissolve any charge of the battle of the sexes and embrace mutual respect and a deep honouring for each other.

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 in Máire NÍ G’s free masterclasses on the 29th and 30th March 2022: https://www.femininesexualalchemy.com/free-masterclass

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 April 9th 2022. Discover more: www.femininesexualalchemy.com

Watch the conversation on ‘Taoist Sexuality: Ancient Feminism for Modern Mastery’ with Herstory Founder Melanie Lynch and Máire Ní G.