The Journal of Taoist Philosophy and Practice

Spring 2017

Immortal Sisters Conference

Healing Chronic Pain with Tai Chi $5.95 U.S. $6.95 Canada Attaining Spiritual Fortitude and more!

The Empty Vessel

Saumya Comer

Why is a Taoist Qi Gong woman’s conference important But how can we apply this wisdom to our physical and and necessary in today’s world? spiritual practices?

Taoism is known for its balance of the yin and yang. The Years of sincere practice are required to translate these aspects of both female and male are interdependently woven Yin teachings into tangible and effective tools for physical together in its historical teachings. Even the earliest records and spiritual development. It is only after being fully steeped of Taoism speak of the unique qualities women bring to the in the more general practices of Qi Gong that one can begin to practice of Qi Gong. Both the Yellow Emperor, Huang Di, and appreciate the more subtle energies of the Yin methodology/ the old sage, Lao-Tsu, are known to have had female teachers. feminine alchemy. Yet despite this history and understanding, Qi Gong has over The Immortal Sisters Conference has gathered together much of the original Yin methodology. a group of accomplished female Qi Gong teachers who have time become overly influenced by the patriarchal way, losing devoted themselves to the exploration and understandings of The written records of female practices that have survived these ancient Yin methodology practices. Each presenter at through the ages are largely metaphorical. Their meanings can the conference has delved into the feminine aspects of Qigong be obtuse. For example, the Immortal Sister Cui Shaoxuan wrote; teachings to her students. in her own way to experience, digest and impart these refined If you want to gain productive energy The Earth and all its creatures are crying out for an inclu- And congeal the jade broth, sion of the feminine into all aspects of life - for the environ- First seek the wax and wane, ment, for the political realm, for health and well-being, and for Grab the golden wave. interpersonal relationships. The time has come for women to come together, clarify their “Yin” perspective and make these What exactly does this mean and how can one apply this teachings available for the greater good. wisdom to the 21st century? Modern commentaries can help. From the translations of Thomas Cleary 1, we can derive that “jade broth” means Conference. PleaseThe time join has us Augustcome at25, the 2017. first ever Immortal Sisters waxing of positive qualities and the waning of negative quali- We will be stronger together. the refinement of essence; “waxing and waning” refers to the life itself. 1 Thomas Cleary, Immortal Sisters: Secret Teachings of ties; and “the golden wave” is the purified creative energy of Taoist Women, (Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books 1989), 63

2 Spring 2017