From Sex to Superconsciousness

1. Sex is a fundamental force that can be transformed into spiritual energy

"Sex is coal, whereas brahmacharya, celibacy, is diamond. Celibacy is a form of sex; celibacy is the transformation of sex."

Sex as creative energy. Sex is the primal force of creation, the source of life itself. However, its potential extends far beyond mere reproduction. When understood and harnessed properly, sexual energy can be transformed into a powerful spiritual force. This transformation is not about suppression or denial, but rather a conscious elevation of the energy to higher planes of existence.

The alchemy of transformation. Just as coal can be transformed into diamond under the right conditions, so too can the raw energy of sex be refined into spiritual insight and enlightenment. This process requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to explore the deeper aspects of one's own sexuality. By viewing sex as a sacred and transformative act, rather than a mere physical pleasure, one can begin to tap into its true potential for personal and spiritual growth.

2. Society's repression of sex leads to perversion and neurosis

"Those who have taught man to repress sex instead of understanding it are responsible. Because of this suppression, man's sex energy is leaking from the wrong pores."

The dangers of repression. Society's attempts to suppress and stigmatize sexuality have backfired spectacularly. Rather than creating a more moral or spiritual populace, this repression has led to widespread neurosis, perversion, and an unhealthy obsession with sex. The energy of sex, being a fundamental life force, cannot simply be ignored or willed away.

Leaking energy. When healthy outlets for sexual expression are denied, the energy finds other, often destructive, ways to manifest. This can lead to:

• Pornography addiction
• Sexual violence
• Unhealthy relationships
• Psychological issues
• Spiritual disconnection

By acknowledging and understanding our sexual nature, rather than fearing or repressing it, we can begin to channel this energy in more positive and constructive ways.

3. Understanding sex is crucial for personal and spiritual growth

"To know sex is to be free of it, to transcend it; but even after a lifetime of sexual experience, a man is not able to detect that intercourse gives him a fleeting experience of samadhi, a peek into superconsciousness."

Knowledge as liberation. True freedom from the obsessive pull of sex comes not from denial, but from deep understanding. By fully exploring and comprehending our sexual nature, we can begin to see it for what it truly is – a glimpse into higher states of consciousness.

The hidden potential. Most people go through life engaging in sex without ever realizing its deeper spiritual potential. The momentary loss of ego and sense of timelessness experienced during orgasm is actually a brief taste of samadhi, or spiritual ecstasy. By recognizing this connection, we can begin to use our sexuality as a tool for spiritual growth, rather than being controlled by it.

Key aspects to understand:

• The physiology of sexual response
• The psychology of desire and attraction
• The spiritual dimensions of sexual union
• The connection between sex and higher states of consciousness

4. Love and meditation are pathways to transcend sex

"Love transforms energies. Love is fluid, creative, flowing; it fulfills. And the gratification of love is much deeper and much more valuable than that obtained through sex."

The power of love. True love has the ability to transform raw sexual energy into something more refined and fulfilling. When we approach our relationships with genuine love and care, rather than mere lust, we open ourselves to deeper levels of connection and satisfaction.

Meditation as a tool. Regular meditation practice can help us become more aware of our sexual energy and learn to channel it consciously. By developing greater mindfulness and presence, we can approach sex with a sense of reverence and awareness that elevates the experience beyond mere physical pleasure.

Benefits of combining love and meditation:

• Greater emotional intimacy
• Enhanced spiritual connection
• Reduced attachment to physical gratification
• Increased overall life satisfaction
• Access to higher states of consciousness

5. The three levels of sex: physical, psychological, and spiritual

"There are three levels of sex and I wish to speak about them now."

Physical level. This is the most basic and instinctual level of sexual experience. It is focused primarily on bodily sensations and physical gratification. While natural and necessary, remaining solely at this level limits the full potential of sexual energy.

Psychological level. This involves the emotional and mental aspects of sexuality. It includes attraction, fantasy, and the complex interplay of personalities in sexual relationships. While deeper than the physical level, it can still be a source of attachment and suffering if not transcended.

Spiritual level. This is the highest form of sexual experience, where the act becomes a gateway to transcendent states of consciousness. At this level, sex is no longer about individual gratification but becomes a sacred union and a means of touching the divine.

Progression through levels:

1. Acknowledge and accept the physical
2. Explore and understand the psychological
3. Cultivate awareness to access the spiritual

6. Motherhood as a profound spiritual sexual experience

"A woman becomes quiet, calm and serene inside after she becomes a mother."

The ultimate union. Motherhood represents the deepest possible manifestation of the sexual-creative force. The nine months of pregnancy create a profound spiritual and energetic connection between mother and child that goes far beyond mere physical reproduction.

Transformation through motherhood. The experience of carrying and nurturing new life within oneself often leads to a natural decrease in sexual desire and a shift towards a more serene and spiritually-oriented state of being. This demonstrates the potential for sexual energy to be transformed and elevated to higher purposes.

Spiritual aspects of motherhood:

• Deep sense of connection to the creative force of the universe
• Intuitive wisdom and heightened empathy
• Natural shift from self-centered to selfless love
• Embodiment of the nurturing divine feminine principle

7. The journey from lust (kama) to enlightenment (Rama)

"The journey to kama is also the journey to Rama. The journey to lust is also the journey to light. The tremendous attraction for sex is also the search for the sublime."

Embracing the journey. Rather than seeing lust and spirituality as opposites, we must recognize them as different points on the same continuum. The energy that drives our sexual desires is the same energy that, when refined and elevated, leads to spiritual enlightenment.

Stages of transformation. The path from kama to Rama is not about suppression or denial, but rather a gradual refining and redirecting of energy. As one progresses on this journey, the gross physical attractions begin to give way to more subtle and spiritually fulfilling experiences.

Key steps in the journey:

1. Acknowledge and accept sexual desires without judgment
2. Cultivate awareness and presence in sexual experiences
3. Develop love and compassion in relationships
4. Practice meditation and energy cultivation techniques
5. Gradually shift focus from physical to spiritual gratification

8. Tantra and ancient wisdom offer insights into spiritual sexuality

"Tantra made early attempts to spiritualize sex, and, although we banned thinking about Tantra thousands of years ago, the monuments of Khajuraho and the temples of Puri and Konarak are living testimonials."

Ancient wisdom. The Tantric tradition recognized the spiritual potential of sexuality thousands of years ago. Rather than repressing or denying sexual energy, Tantra sought to harness and elevate it as a means of spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Living testimonials. The erotic sculptures found in ancient Indian temples such as Khajuraho are not mere pornography, but rather serve as meditation tools and reminders of the sacred nature of sexuality. These artworks depict sexual union as a divine act, with the figures often exhibiting expressions of deep spiritual ecstasy.

Tantric principles for spiritual sexuality:

• Cultivate reverence and awareness in sexual acts
• Use breath work and visualization to direct energy
• Practice non-ejaculatory techniques for men
• Emphasize the union of masculine and feminine energies
• View the body as a temple and sex as a sacred ritual

9. The importance of approaching sex with reverence and awareness

"At the time of coitus we are close to God. God exists in the act of creation that gives birth to a new life, and so one's attitude ought to be like that of a man going to a temple or to a church."

Sacred union. By approaching sex with a sense of reverence and spiritual awareness, we can transform it from a merely physical act into a profound spiritual experience. This shift in perspective allows us to tap into the divine creative energy that flows through all life.

Mindful practice. Bringing greater consciousness to our sexual experiences involves cultivating presence, awareness, and a sense of the sacred. This doesn't mean that sex should become overly serious or ritualized, but rather that we approach it with respect and an understanding of its deeper significance.

Ways to cultivate reverence in sexuality:

• Create a sacred space for intimate encounters
• Practice conscious breathing and energy circulation
• Focus on connection and presence rather than just physical sensation
• Express gratitude for your partner and the experience
• Meditate or pray together before and/or after lovemaking

10. Transforming sexual energy can lead to higher consciousness

"If a person can remain in the coital position, can remain in that samadhi, in that submergence for three hours, then one single act of intercourse is enough to free him from sex for the rest of his life."

The ultimate potential. While the idea of remaining in a state of sexual union for hours may seem far-fetched, it points to the immense spiritual potential contained within the sexual act. By learning to prolong and deepen our sexual experiences, we can access profound states of consciousness and spiritual insight.

Practical application. While few may achieve the advanced states described, we can all benefit from bringing greater awareness and presence to our sexual experiences. By treating sex as a form of meditation or spiritual practice, we can begin to tap into its transformative power.

Techniques for transforming sexual energy:

• Practice slow, conscious breathing during sexual activity
• Focus attention on the energy centers (chakras) of the body
• Cultivate the ability to separate orgasm from ejaculation (for men)
• Explore non-goal oriented sexual practices, emphasizing presence over climax
• Integrate meditation and energy cultivation practices into daily life

Last updated: September 21, 2024