Abstract
Early Taoism inherited the Han (206 BC-220 AD) legacy of sexual art. The content and concept of most ancient texts concerning sexuality were transmitted by Taoists to later generations. Many of these texts deal with techniques of sexual intercourse in order to cure diseases, nourish life, extend one's life span and reach immortality. These texts also instruct the principles and methods for conceiving a good child. Some of them mention the ways to integrate sexual activity and religious ritual to ward off calamities and become an immortal. In addition, these texts provide medical recipes for treating difficulties and illnesses caused by sexual intercourse.
Early Taoist texts, however, express three different attitudes towards the practice of sexual arts. Some Taoists wholly accepted the sexual arts and practiced them diligently. Others denounced sexual arts, rejected its practice completely. Some religious Taoists accepted it partially, but maintained that one should practice the sexual arts with one's spouse.
In general, early religious Taoist attitudes towards sexual arts practice varied from sect to sect, even from individual to individual. It is a fact, at any rate, that some Taoists and Taoist sects regarded sexual arts as an essential part of Taoist practices. The key principle of Taoist sexual arts is the so-called huan-ching pu-nao (making the Essence return to restore the brain), emphasizing the function of healing and nourishing life, but neglecting the function of conceiving a child or giving pleasure.
Keywords
sexual arts, Taoism, health, healing, immortality
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