"Women in Taoism have differed from the traditional patriarchy over women in ancient and imperial China."
In Taoism, women have held vital roles as practitioners of the religion and served as leaders in Taoist communities.
Lao Tzu: The founder of Taoism and author of the Tao Te Ching, which is the primary text of Taoism.
Yin and Yang: The concept of dualism and the complementary nature of opposing forces in the universe.
Wu Wei: The principle of non-action and the idea that one should align themselves with the natural flow of the universe.
Taoist Cosmology: The belief in the cyclical nature of the universe, which involves the interaction between the Five Elements (Water, Fire, Wood, Metal, and Earth) and the Yin-Yang energies.
Taoist Ethics: The principles of virtue, compassion, humility, and simplicity, as well as the importance of cultivating inner peace and harmony.
Taoist Spirituality: The practice of meditation, rituals, and the use of talismans and charms to cultivate spiritual power.
The role of women in Taoism: The role of women in Taoism is often overlooked in traditional texts, but there are several Taoist goddesses and female immortals that play important roles in the tradition.
The influence of Taoism on Chinese culture: Taoism has had a significant impact on Chinese art, literature, philosophy, and medicine.
The modernization of Taoism: The introduction of Taoism to the West and the modernization of the tradition, as more women have assumed leadership roles within it.
Criticisms of Taoism: The criticisms that Taoism has received for its dualist approach and lack of emphasis on social action and involvement.
Philosophical Taoism: This is also known as "Daojia," which emphasizes the cultivation of the inner self, leading to the attainment of perfection or immortality. The central focus of this branch is on meditation, ethical conduct, and the study of ancient Chinese texts, such as the Tao Te Ching.
Religious Taoism: This is also known as "Daojiao," which incorporates a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses, an elaborate system of rituals, and a wide range of practices that are aimed at spiritual and physical well-being. The central focus of this branch is on the regulation of life force (qi), the cultivation of longevity, and the attainment of a happy afterlife.
"Some Taoist schools recognized women's transcendental abilities to communicate with deities."
"The Highest Clarity School was founded in the 4th century by a woman, Wei Huacun."
"The Tang dynasty (618–907) was a highpoint for the importance of Daoist women."
"One-third of the Shangqing clergy were women, including many aristocratic Taoist nuns."
"The number of Taoist women decreased until the 12th century when the Complete Perfection School... put women in positions of power."
"Sun Bu'er was ordained as the only woman among the original disciples of the Complete Perfection School."
"Women Taoists practiced and discussed nüdan, involving gender-specific practices of breath meditation and visualization."
"The Queen Mother of the West is a Taoist divinity with a long tradition in China."
"He Xiangu is one of the Eight Immortals, a Taoist divinity associated with xian immortality."
"Mazu is the protectress of sailors and fishermen in Taoism."
"Deities frequently granted women with revealed texts and scriptures."
"The Complete Perfection School ordained Sun Bu'er as the only woman among its original disciples and put women in positions of power."
"Nüdan involved gender-specific practices of breath meditation and visualization."
"Women Taoists practiced and discussed nüdan in the 18th and 19th centuries."
"The Highest Clarity School recognized women's transcendental abilities to communicate with deities."
"The Tang dynasty (618–907) was a highpoint for the importance of Daoist women."
"Wei Huacun founded the Highest Clarity School in the 4th century."
"The number of Taoist women decreased until the 12th century."
"Mazu is the protectress of sailors and fishermen in Taoism."