Goddess · Nüdan · Nüdao

Author: Li Suping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: This book takes women and Taoism as its main themes, showcasing the cultural charm of women in the history of Chinese culture. It praises the philosophy of the great Laozi for its admiration of women's life wisdom; traces the myths of ancient goddesses, narrating the marital genealogy of primordial goddesses with ancestral gods, totem gods, guardian gods, nature gods, and love gods. It organizes the intellectual and cultural inheritance relationships between goddesses, witches, and female immortals; introduces and briefly analyzes the origins, cultivation methods, rules and regulations, and meritorious practices of female alchemy (nǚ dān). It discusses the arduous journey of medieval Chinese women who underwent self-discipline and practiced internal alchemy, as well as the admirable and valuable spirit behind their efforts. It also elaborates on the extraordinary achievements of women who played significant roles in politics in Chinese history, as well as female masters who revered Taoism and founded Taoist sects.