From Betrayal to Oneness

Nearly every major religion teaches that we would be wise to treat each other as we would like to be treated… because eventually what we do comes back to us. So why do spiritual teachers so often exploit others sexually? After all, many possess genuine insight and a gift for inspiring others. It is also evident that they certainly would not want to be used sexually as they sometimes use those in their flocks.

Why don't they treat their sexual partners as cherished equals and revered mates? Why do they sometimes rationalize casual sex, or sexual addiction, as an improvement over the unconditional love of a relationship devoted to mutual enlightenment?

In many cases, it is because they are convinced that they are already enlightened, or at least holier than others, and therefore have risen above the karmic scorecard. This may be a flawed assumption. As Taoist master Lao Tzu once taught,

Don't think that you can attain total awareness and whole enlightenment without proper discipline and practice. This is egomania. Appropriate rituals channel your emotions and life energy toward the light. Without the discipline to practice them, you will tumble constantly backward into darkness.

Here is the great secret:

Just as high awareness of the subtle truth is gained through virtuous conduct and sustaining disciplines, so also is it maintained through these things. Highly evolved beings know and respect the truth of this.

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