The primary purpose of Taoism is to help an individual cast off the confusions of society and reconnect with Nature. This is not only in a philosophical sense, but also within the animal part of human existence – including sex. For centuries, Taoists have practiced various techniques to enhance the sexual aspect of life with benefits including better health and a happier outlook on life. These techniques have become popularly known as “Tantric” – an Indian term that covers the art of sexual performance. Taoists maintain that this part of existence is so important that it rivals the necessities of breathing and food consumption (and is thus labeled “the Third Burner”).
It is important to note that the classical Taoist view of these “Tantric” practices is different from the popular Taoist perspective – which has been poisoned by Confucius and Buddhist beliefs. For example, Buddhists believe that the life energy of semen should be preserved and saved, while classical Taoists, by contrast, think this is an absurd notion and that semen should be rotated as part of the male-female union. To a Taoist, preserving semen only results in stagnation with detrimental physical and metaphysical consequences. After all, when did you last observe an animal in nature preserving its semen? Indeed, with Nature as our model, a robust sex life is essential to mortal existence.
The primary purpose of Taoism is to help an individual cast off the confusions of society and reconnect with Nature. This is not only in a philosophical sense, but also within the animal part of human existence – including sex. For centuries, Taoists have practiced various techniques to enhance the sexual aspect of life with benefits including better health and a happier outlook on life. These techniques have become popularly known as “Tantric” – an Indian term that covers the art of sexual performance. Taoists maintain that this part of existence is so important that it rivals the necessities of breathing and food consumption (and is thus labeled “the Third Burner”).
It is important to note that the classical Taoist view of these “Tantric” practices is different from the popular Taoist perspective – which has been poisoned by Confucius and Buddhist beliefs. For example, Buddhists believe that the life energy of semen should be preserved and saved, while classical Taoists, by contrast, think this is an absurd notion and that semen should be rotated as part of the male-female union. To a Taoist, preserving semen only results in stagnation with detrimental physical and metaphysical consequences. After all, when did you last observe an animal in nature preserving its semen? Indeed, with Nature as our model, a robust sex life is essential to mortal existence.
How Sexual Energy is Cultivated
As you have read elsewhere on this web site, to understand any Taoist concept – from martial arts to holistic healing – the core principle involves cultivating hidden energy called, “chi”. And it is the same idea that forms the basis for Tantric exercises. Taoists discovered that certain sexual practices performed with people with whom you share commonality, can further increase and clarify your individual chi. Indeed, depending upon your partner, you can nourish your chi in ways that cannot be done otherwise.
There are two basic types of chi: male energy (yang) and female energy (yin). In the act of making love, you unify these two energies through a process of rotation that casts off stagnation and – at the point of common orgasm – creates a momentary connection with Universal Chi. The attendant joy and physical pleasure is a manifestation of this chi connection and carries deep benefits.
Taoist “Tantric” or sexual yoga uses different positions and techniques to enhance the sexual experience. By helping you find the optimal process for a robust exchange of male and female chi, sex becomes more productive and satisfying. Sexual stamina is increased as performance improves. Both you and your partner experience greater joy from sex.
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