Spiritual Sex by Walter Last

Sexuality is closely related to spirituality in several ways. In its negative aspects of lust, sexual excess, degradation and rape, it appears as the antithesis of spirituality, and in this light it has been seen in the Christian tradition. However, in its positive aspects our sexuality can open our heart to love, and enable us to have experiences similar to meditative states and mystical bliss during or instead of an orgasm and its afterglow.

In a less obvious way, sexual energies can be channeled upward to develop our energy centers or chakra system and higher energy bodies. According to esoteric and yoga teachings, this is all part of our spiritual evolution. The idea of celibacy for priests, nuns and monks is to spiritualize sexual energies as in meditation, rituals and other devotional practices. While this generally involves conscious exercises as in yoga, Christian mystics commonly transformed their energies without conscious awareness through intense devotion.

If religious celibates fight to suppress their sexuality, they misunderstand the deeper reason for the practice of celibacy, and block their spiritual evolution on that level. If devotional practices do not lead to the transmutation of sexual energies then it is much better to find a natural outlet. Suppression always leads to problems.

There are various yoga and meditation techniques to transform sexual energy into kundalini or spiritual energy by oneself. However, there are also methods of spiritual or sacred sex for couples. Karezza is a western practice that can be adopted for spiritual sex, while in the east tantric yoga is concerned with the transmutation of sexual energies. In Greek and eastern history there was also a tradition of temple priestesses who helped spiritual seekers with ceremonial sex. On a different level ceremonial sex has, of course, also been used or misused in various cults.

Sexual energy is a part of our hidden kundalini energy, which in turn is a concentrated form of etheric or life-force energy. It can be used to create children, or just to have an orgasm, or to fuel achievements in sports or professional activities. However, its ultimate purpose is to facilitate spiritual growth by developing our chakra system and higher energy bodies. Commonly esoteric teachings advise to curtail sexual activity, and portray abstinence as an ideal in order to retain sexual energies for internal development. However, this can easily lead to suppression of sexual energies and emotional deprivation.

The following methods show a middle path between abstinence and conventional sex. In many instances I believe them to be superior to abstinence for developing our higher energy centers. They have the added advantage of satisfying our emotional needs and making possible a joint spiritual venture for couples. Furthermore, most of those with a chronic disease, and especially cancer, are emotionally rather fragile, and benefit greatly from a close-bonding loving relationship. This is also beneficial with heart disease and mental-emotional conditions, such as depression and addictions....

I believe that regularly radiating love, and feeling loved, greatly helps to prevent and overcome cancer and other diseases....Karezza helps us to learn this in an easy and pleasant way....

Is Porn Addictive?

Heavy users who attempt to quit report physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms (shakes, anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping). Sex has addictive properties, and if the porn industry has "gotcha," or someone you love, consider some 12 Step-type support as you withdraw from your dependency. Anyone interested in this subject will want to see Jon Schneider's documentary, A Drug Called Pornography.

It makes a compelling case for pornography's addictive effects, drawing on commentary from health professionals, convicted sex offenders, social critics, and the man on the street.