Homosexuality and Taoism
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It is difficult to determine a single position on homosexuality in Taoism, as the term Taoism is used to describe a number of disparate religious traditions, from organised religious movements such as Quanzhen to Chinese folk religion and even a school of philosophy. The vast majority of adherents live in China and among Chinese Diaspora communities elsewhere, and so attitudes to homosexuality within Taoism often reflect the values and sexual norms of broader Chinese society (see Homosexuality in China).
The Taoist tradition holds that males need the energies of females, and vice versa, in order to bring about balance, completion and transformation. These energies thought to be best obtained through heterosexual relations. Passionate homosexual expression is usually discouraged because it is believed to not lead to human fulfillment.[1] However, homosexuality is not explicitly forbidden by the Taoist Holy Books, the Tao Te Ching and the Zhuangzi.
Taoism stresses the relationship between yin and yang: two opposing forces which maintain harmony through balance. Heterosexuality is seen as the physical and emotional embodiment of the harmonious balance between yin and yang. Female homosexuality is generally accepted; it is referred to as yin on yin, or cleaning the mirrors, and is considered nurturing for femmininity. On the other hand, male homosexuality (yang on yang) is considered taboo among most taoist groups. And anal intercourse among male is considered to be damaging for the energetic system of the male involved. Interestingly anal intercourse among an heterosexual couple is considered to be ok, even when is the man to take a passive role (through a sex toy, or similar). Because although he is apparently passive, his energy is still yang, active, and penetrating the yin, passive energy of his companion.[2]
Within the history of Taoism, however, homosexuality has found a place at certain times and places. For example, Taoist nuns exchanged love poems during the Tang dynasty.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Wawrytko, Sandra (1993). Homosexuality and Chinese and Japanese Religions in "Homosexuality and World Religions", edited by Arlene Swidler. Trinity Press International, 1993.
- ^ http://www.compassionatedragon.com/taoist_sex_more.html
- ^ http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/china,5.html
