Goddess, nü dan, nü dao

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. It traces the myths of ancient goddesses, narrating the relationships between them and the primordial gods, totem gods, guardian gods, nature gods, and gods of love. It also explores the intellectual and cultural lineage between goddesses, witches, and female immortals. The book introduces and briefly analyzes the origins, cultivation methods, rules, and meritorious practices of female alchemy (nü dan). It discusses the arduous journey of medieval Chinese women who underwent physical and spiritual discipline to practice internal alchemy, highlighting their invaluable and admirable spirit. It elaborates on the extraordinary achievements of outstanding female rulers who revered Taoism and female masters who founded Taoist sects in Chinese history. It also highlights the brilliance and cultural value of the poetry, paintings, and calligraphy of female Taoist nuns in the history of Chinese literature and art. This book combines academic rigor with accessibility, as the author strives to interpret the lives of historical women through a compassionate and understanding perspective. It provides valuable insights for general readers seeking knowledge about various aspects of Taoism and also opens up a worthwhile path for research on Chinese culture, women's philosophy, and religion.