Online Reference For Body, Mind & Spirit

Term: Taoism

DEFINITIONs:
1.  A spiritual philosophy that began in China based on the writings attributed to Lao-tzu (who flourished in the 6th century b.c.e.). Its primary book is the Tao Te Ching. As a philosophy, Taoism stresses contemplation, a mystical with nature, wisdom and learning, a simple life, and the concept of wu-wei or non-action and allowing things to take the course that they will. Religious aspects of Taoism developed around the 3rd century c.e., and incorporated some Buddhist concepts as well as a system of monasteries. One of the monasteries, the Sil Lum monastery (also known as the Shaolin monastery) is considered the home of the martial art of kung fu and the many other arts derived from it.
AUTHOR:  Donald Michael Kraig

2.  A Chinese spiritual tradition that shares some common elements with Tantra, including the recognition of sexuality's sacred dimension. As a general rule, however, Taoist sexual practices focus more on health and longevity than on attaining mystical states. In the Taoist system, there is frequently an emphasis on non-ejaculatory sex for men, based on the belief that the semen contains vital energy that must not be depleted.

AUTHOR:  Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson
SOURCE:  Great Sex Made Simple, Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson (Llewellyn Publications)