System of thought originating with Laozi (Lao Tsu, Hsi-tz'u) in 6th or 5th Century B.C.E.

*presents femininity as ontologically and ethically fundamental (254)

(as opposed to what??)

Tao – usually translated as “the way”; the source of everything (even God), the original state of the universe, pure qi (chi)

Tao is invisible, inaudible, subtle, formless, and infinite; thus no suitable word for it, only metapor (240)

How is this similar, different from Christian, Jewish or Muslim notions of God?  Which of these qualities does He share?  Which not?

Liu asserts that God in Taoism as a “derivative category” of the Tao, a father figure (242)

Laozi stresses a preference for the yin (the feminine) as a reaction to male dominance of human history

Femininity, softness, weakness (note the water and stone analogy), wuwei (no action) as the antidotes to masculinity, arrogance, aggression

Also naturalness (ziran) “itself-so” (essence!)  (242)
 

Yin/Yang
Often translated as “female” and “male” but not exactly
 Not really opposites
 Complementary, but not separate
 

Study the symbol – the interpenetration of the two sides
Everyone has elements of both yin and yang in their personality, body (organs, e.g.)
 

Taoism metaphysically believes that the balance and harmony of yin and yang is a universal rule…Taoism also believes that the balance and harmony of the feminine and the masculine in the life of an individual and in the practices of society benefit both females and males.  Neither the absoluted domination of female nor that of male is normal or natural.  These theories imply that men should be more active in remedying the injustices of gender relationships, not simply for the sake of women, but also for men themselves” (254).

Goddesses
Goddesses (including female immortals) figure prominently, almost equal numbers to men

Especially important “Western-King-Female” (249)
Representative of ultimate yin, special patron of women outside the family, protects Taoist nuns, artists and prostitutes (249)

Men and women both as “Libationers” i.e., participants in the liturgical organization, in the Celestial Masters (248)

Due to physiological differences, during meditation men should focus on “cinnabar field” (2 inches below navel) women on the sea of vital force (between the breasts) (249)
 
 

Sexual Relations in Taoism
Sexual activities as a means of increasing vitality, realize longevity, immortality

Abstinence thought to lead to melancholia, illness, depression, even death (250)

Alchemy, metaphor used to describe sexual activities

Art of the bedchamber (sic) figure prominently in Taoist texts

Taoists works reflect an understanding of female sexuality, anatomy from a female point of view (251)