yin - The Taoist Mantis

The Feminine in Taoist Philosophy

The feminine plays an important role in Taoist philosophy. Taoism emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of yin and yang, the feminine and masculine principles. While many philosophies and religions have historically placed a greater emphasis on the masculine, Taoism recognizes the equal importance of both forces. In fact, Taoism challenges traditional gender hierarchies by valuing the feminine as an equal and essential force in the universe. This offers a more balanced and holistic view of the cosmos, where both masculine and feminine energies contribute to the dynamic harmony of existence.

The Tao Te Ching itself uses feminine imagery to describe the Tao, highlighting its nurturing, receptive, and life-giving qualities. The Tao is often described as the "mother of all things", emphasizing its role as the source of creation. Taoist history also reveals the significant contributions of women to the tradition. Female Taoist masters and practitioners have played crucial roles in transmitting teachings, developing practices, and achieving spiritual enlightenment.

A Core Taoist Concept

The mysterious female is closely connected to other core Taoist concepts, particularly wu wei, effortless action. Just as the valley effortlessly receives and nourishes all that flows into it, the mysterious female represents a state of being in harmony with the Tao, allowing things to unfold naturally without force or resistance. This concept is also reflected in the image of the "low-lying estuary" in TTC Chapter 61, which symbolizes humility and receptivity.

The mysterious female is also linked to the concept of inner alchemy in Taoism. Inner alchemy involves energetic practices aimed at cultivating and refining one's vital energy (qi) to achieve spiritual transformation and immortality. The mysterious female, as the source of primordial Qi and the embodiment of yin energy, plays a crucial role in this process.

The concept of the mysterious female shares a profound connection with the concepts of the "gateless gate" and the "spirit of the valley". These concepts converge to illustrate the core principles of Taoist philosophy: embracing emptiness, cultivating receptivity, and living in harmony with the natural flow of existence.

Conclusion

The "mysterious female" in Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching stands as a powerful symbol of the feminine principle in Taoist philosophy. She represents the source of creation, the nurturing embrace of the Tao, and the ever-present potential that underlies all of existence. She embodies the yin principle, the receptive and yielding force that complements the masculine yang, and is associated with emptiness, humility, and effortless action. The mysterious female is also connected to key Taoist concepts such as wu wei, inner alchemy, the gateless gate, and the spirit of the valley. These connections highlight the importance of cultivating receptivity, embracing emptiness, and living in harmony with the natural flow of existence.

Understanding the mysterious female is crucial for grasping the essence of Taoist philosophy and its practical implications for cultivating a balanced and harmonious life. By integrating the qualities she represents, individuals can deepen their connection to the Tao and live in accordance with its wisdom.

Some other articles I wrote on yin qualities:

I see Tai Chi everywhere. The perfect balance between Yin and Yang is visible in all of nature’s cycles and patterns. New life pops up around me, born from the remains of other things that passed on. Movement born from stillness, and everything eventually returning to the source. These perfect patterns produce, impregnate and govern human beings as much as anything else, and anyone who realizes and experiences this is blessed. To realize Tai Chi in a Yang-dominant person, they should therefore embrace the Yin. This article focuses on one very interesting Yin quality:

acquiescence

a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others

Male or Female?

It is important to understand that both male and female qualities are present to some degree in every person, regardless of their gender. For this reason we talk about these male qualities as Yang and their complementary female qualities as Yin, thereby making them easier to relate to without gender-based bias getting in the way.

Acquiescence vs Resistance

People have a tendency to resist anything that does not align with their intentions, which includes most changes. This tendency produces imbalances in mind and body that, over a lifetime, can cause both mental and physical health problems. Of course we can visit our shrink and|or osteopath to look at these problems, but it is also important to address the root problem to avoid further troubles. One might learn to incorporate acquiescence into their way of life to bring balance and harmony. To illustrate, consider the image of a bamboo that bends under the pressure of the wind rather than breaking or being uprooted.

Acquiescence can be defined as: ‘a readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others’. If resistance is the Yang side, then acquiescence is its Yin complement. When your brother wants to grab the remote control for the TV from your hand - you can fight for it (resistance) or just hand it over (yielding). One action produces strife whereas the other brings peace among the siblings, for however long it lasts.

The power of yielding

In the martial arts that I practice (Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Ba Gua), we are taught to yield and listen for an opportunity to present itself. Whenever someone is launching an attack at me, I could block that attack and then strike back with more power, which is the Yang response and very easy to understand and apply. There is a lot of hard contact and aggression when following this approach and one will quickly reach their limits (stronger opponent, getting older, injuries). In contrast, the Yin approach is to yield to the attack, to only slightly redirect its path so consequently it cannot find its target. At the same time, to borrow energy from the attacker and use that to uproot the opponents center. This response is smooth and playful and makes the opponent wonder how they were defeated by a physically weaker body. Anger can turn to surprise, then frustration and then to the realization that they were only fighting themselves to begin with.

Tai Chi as an art can be extremely instrumental in demonstrating a principle. When practicing push hands with a student, they basically try to push me over. They feel my hands, look for resistance and follow the path of resistance to find my center. Sometimes I allow them to find my center so they can push me over and the game starts again. Sometimes I yield and borrow, expand and redirect so they are pushed over and the game starts again. Either way - a lesson is learned.

Yielding in everyday life

They say you practice Kung Fu until you become Kung Fu. You practice Tai Chi until you become Tai Chi. If we look at ourselves as practitioners of life, then we can say that we practice living until we become truly alive. At any moment during the day we can find ourselves in a situation that might trigger resistance. Consider your options - can you find it in you to yield? Are your interests in the long term not better served by accepting the situation and can you see the opportunity that yielding brings?

If you think that yielding is cowardly or you feel it is not manly enough or are afraid that your peers might think you're gone 'soft' - Let those thoughts go...

Tag: yin

The Mysterious Female

Some Translations