SEX
AND MEDITATION
When thinking of these two subjects together, we must determine exactly what we are thinking about.
The creative sexual drive is second in the lineup of instincts following the first instinct of the will to survive. The instincts can not be ignored, but can be channeled into other purposes
We need to separate instinct from emotion, in that we can add many emotions with our instincts. While emotions can be on many levels in our make-up, instincts are at our root-and any attempt to shunt these instincts, unlike our emotions, just causes the instincts to surface in other ways. Not dealing with our instincts causes instability of the self, often resulting in perversions of all kinds, especially where sex is involved
Perfect balance and harmony within ourselves, the universe, and all life is what we are bringing about through meditation and loving kindness. An almost impossible feat if we ourselves are functioning in an unbalanced atmosphere.
So how do monks and nuns living in Buddhist temples control themselves, we may ask. Well, they make their precepts, and go through a ritual and purification process, usually resulting in a loss of the sexual creative drive. They then transmute this creative energy, through prayer and meditation, into loving kindness, right thinking, and right actions.
To give an example, let me explain further:
Jea has in the past taken the full ordination of 227 precepts, and due to the practice of many years of meditation, can give observations, along with experienced details, of the effects of the initiation and life in remote temples, and what was experienced concerning the sexual drive. I can truthfully say, not once could I bring up any sexual desire, even when as a test trying to do so.
Now to get on with it- So, with living under these conditions outside of the social structure is one thing, but how are we to deal with this when we are living in the fast paced social arena of today.
"Have sex, stay happy, and enjoy a balanced and harmonious life." It is always better to have the same partner these experiences can be shared with. While maintaining a good balance and harmony, continue meditation, right thinking and actions, and enjoying your life. Soon you will have complete control over any emotions, and much of the creative sexual drive will have automatically been converted into a different and loving energy, for yourself and anything or anyone else in you life. With proper thinking and actions new channels open in which to use this creative energy
If the warm feeling of arousal rises while in meditation, great, acknowledge you are still alive and let it go, concentrating on good deeds and prayers for friends and loved ones. Once this method has been mastered, be prepared for the wonderful things that are changing in your life and eventually these sexual thoughts will not enter you meditation.
After several months of meditation, you will now have become accustomed to the wonderful experiences taking place around you. If desired, your sex life will have improved dramatically and you may have learned other ways to use the creative force, through the transmutation of energy, and the learned control and concentration of yourself and your controlled thinking.
If you still feel the need to become celibate (which I don't understand why, if you have a willing and committed partner), or you desire a different kind of life, or just want to be alone for a while, there should be no problem as we have learned not to shunt or deny the existence of this wonderful creative sexual instinct, but to transmute the energy to a different use. At this point, we will really know the joys and truth of life and understand the creative force and what may be accomplished with this new understanding. This is certain- you will know, anything you desire to know, if you continue this practice of balancing and bringing into harmony the second of the natural instincts.
We understand now, we are concerned with meaningless sexual intercourse, and the inability to determine any connection with the divine, when we waste ourselves in empty union with another. To Have sexual relations with another, where we cannot realize the influence of the divine spark, is like committing spiritual suicide. The same could be said with performing continuous sexual relief without a meaningful partner.
This creative sexual energy, we may have wanted to deny months ago, may well be the tremendous reservoir that keeps us healthy and happy the rest of our life. Understanding true sexual union and the benefits involved cannot be an understated wisdom.
SPECIAL NOTE:
While aware, that those who have become celibate for religious or spiritual reasons, and have done so voluntarily, this is an admirable and a good thing for many of us, but not all of us.
What about those of us that still live in the social fabric of today, and are given the opportunity along with the means to reproduce.... Unfortunately, in a few cases, some individuals living in a celibate environment, speak against sexual union of any kind. They have forgotten how they came into this earth, and they also misunderstand the sexual current, due to narrow, rigid thinking (of the individual).
In most religions, information is found relating to sex and can be translated many different ways. Most of the time, this information is vague and left to the individual to interpret for ones self.
We must remember, we live in a world of duality, and we have been given means and tools to procreate sexually (and responsibly). So, we could believe, we are supposed to approve of responsible sexual union.
IN the holy books, mention is also made of a woman for the man- and a big deal is made of the sexual areas of the body. The woman is capable of conceiving, and she is also given breasts to feed the young who have been given life- keeping in mind, that this life contains the divine spark for the creator. In the holy books, it also mentions children and offspring - LET'S SAY, we are encouraged to have responsible union with our mate and procreate, when desired and responsibly.
Let's take a look at misinterpretation and translation, regarding the procreation process. In some religions, we find mutilations of the self, both emotionally and physically. In some books, it may state, if it offends thee, cut it off- or, cut the bridge, or something similar.
WE need to ask: Why we were given the tools to mate and create life - and how and why new life is, and was given the divine spark of approval.
Being equipped educationally, and with reason, we should be capable of reproducing young and enjoying union with our partner. If someone speaks against this- then it should be acceptable to ask, from where does this person speak, and can they explain exactly from what waters they draw their reason against procreation of life.
Living and associating in, and with religious orders and groups, is not a good enough reason to speak against sexual union- the celibate life is not the same as a spiritual living. Few individuals are capable of true spiritual living and obtaining the highest on their own. The union of the opposites is necessary to achieve the highest mark, for most of us.
Mating and companionship is desired,accepted and approved in the social structure of society. Along with many benefits and comfort of a comforting companion when at times is desired and needed. Instinctual functions are given us for a reason - otherwise we would not them.
The procreational instinct is exactly that- an instinct and will not go away. We were given this instinct by the creator to sensibly use, and it is when we do not use it properly and carefully, problems arise in society, religious orders, and within ourselves.
Hopefully, each of us can draw from spiritual sources, what is right and good for us, and let it not concern us if our neighbor believes differently.
IT could also be said, in some instances, " The light shineth in the darkness- and the darkness comprehendeth not."
