A sexual energy practice ... Does it remain, above all, a method of spiritual development?
The first sex manuals came from China. Sex manuals are concerned with the best ways to make love, to prolong the sexual act, to have fun, to have children and to maintain good health. These manuals are easy to use and contain precise illustrations. They are intended for beginners, and the advice is aimed at both men and women alike.
“The Tao of sexuality consists of healing, increasing and transforming sexual energy. Women learn to release the energy and power of their ovaries, men the power of their sperm, to circulate these energies consciously in the body, leading to orgasm.” Thus writes Maitreyi Piontek, the pupil of Mantak Chia, in the Tao of the Woman.
The sexual union symbolises the unity of the earth and the heavens.
Like tantrism, The Chinese Tao has produced many writings on sexuality, that describe a kind of “internal alchemy”. Some of the complex sexual techniques described in these ancient works, are also incorporated into techniques to achieve immortality. Here again, these are written in symbolic texts. Taoism is based on a sense of unity with the world, living in the unity of the yin and yang, the masculine-and feminine double polarity. It should be noted that originally, the term "yin" referred to everything related to sex; it is only later that a purely feminine meaning was given to it. The expression "yin Tao" means "principles of the sexual life". The development of this consciousness is conducted using energy techniques such as qi gong, massage, relaxation, breathing, meditation and working on sounds
History
From the 3rd century BCE in ancient China, Sex manuals were already in circulation: collections of instructions for a sex life in accordance with the principles of the Tao. The expression "Tao of the art of loving" refers to this way of life.
Since very ancient times, the Chinese have given special importance to their sexuality, considering that the genitals were the places of residence of a considerable storage of energy. They thought it was possible to unify body and mind, to achieve longevity and immortality. They have always considered that sexuality is as essential to life as is breathing.
According to the Tao, man must eat, drink, rest and work sufficiently, but not too excessively, to live in harmony with the universe. He must also have a satisfying sex life. For the Taoists, there are certain principles to respect in terms of sexuality, in order to live in good health and to find the harmony between mind and body.
The Tao of the art of loving appeared in ancient China at a time when society evolved from matriarchy to patriarchy, men and women were then on an equal standing, as well as being sexual partners.
Sexuality is never considered a sin, but a natural act.
