Sex and spirituality are two topics that have been intertwined throughout human history, yet are often approached as separate entities. While sex is often seen as a physical act, spirituality is often associated with the non-physical or transcendent aspects of life. However, the two are intimately connected, and exploring this connection can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
In this blog, we will delve into the intersection of sex and spirituality, exploring questions, practices, and perspectives on these topics from the point of view of yoga, tantra, mindfulness and christianity. Through this exploration, we hope to offer insights, guidance, and inspiration for those seeking to deepen their understanding of these complex and fascinating aspects of human experience.
Why is sex important spiritually?
Sex is important spiritually because it is linked to the great life force and drive to creation. Humans have a sex drive called “libido,” which is also known as the life force. Sex can deepen, perfect, and sanctify love when it is understood properly. The Hindu Kama Sutra and Tibetan Buddhist Tantra traditions show that sex and spirituality can merge through spiritual development. In Modern Western culture, sex is mostly considered for pleasure rather than for procreation or spiritual development. A mature attitude towards sex involves seeing it as a vital aspect of human interaction and contributing to the well-being of others by following spiritual values such as compassion, humility, tolerance, equality, freedom, and respect.
Spiritual Growth Through Sex
Spiritual growth through sex is a concept that has been explored and celebrated by various traditions throughout history. Here are some examples and quotations that illustrate this idea:
- Tantra: Tantra is a spiritual tradition that originated in India and emphasizes the use of sexuality as a means of spiritual growth. According to Tantra, the sexual energy that we experience during sex can be harnessed and directed towards higher consciousness. As Osho explains, “Sex is the seed, love is the flower, and compassion is the fragrance. When you bring all three together, you have the possibility of spiritual growth.”
- Christianity: Christianity has often been associated with a negative view of sex, but some Christian traditions have also celebrated the spiritual potential of sex. For example, the Song of Solomon in the Bible is a celebration of erotic love, and Saint Teresa of Avila, a Christian mystic, wrote extensively about her experiences of spiritual ecstasy during prayer and contemplation.
- Taoism: Taoism is a spiritual tradition that originated in China and emphasizes the balance between opposing forces, including yin and yang. According to Taoist teachings, sexual energy is a powerful force that can be used for spiritual growth and healing. As the Taoist master Mantak Chia explains, “Sexual energy is the most potent creative force in the universe…By learning to control and direct your sexual energy, you can open the way to a deeper spiritual experience.”
- Modern psychology: Modern psychology has also recognized the potential for spiritual growth through sex. For example, the psychologist Carl Jung saw sexuality as a powerful force that could lead to psychological transformation and spiritual awakening. As he wrote, “Sexual love is a kind of primordial, religious ecstasy…It is a sacred act that can lead to the realization of the divine.”
Why is sex so powerful?
In the Tantric tradition, sex is considered a powerful force that can be harnessed for spiritual growth and transformation. This is because sex is intimately connected to the life force energy that animates all living beings, known as “kundalini” energy.
According to Tantric teachings, when we engage in sexual activity, we activate our kundalini energy, which can then be directed and channeled through our bodies and into higher states of consciousness. This can lead to a profound sense of unity, ecstasy, and spiritual awakening.
However, this power is not to be taken lightly. Tantric teachings stress the importance of approaching sex with reverence, respect, and awareness. This means engaging in sexual activity with a clear intention and mindful presence, rather than simply seeking physical pleasure or gratification.
When approached in this way, sex can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and transformation, helping us to connect with our deepest selves, our partners, and the divine energy that flows through all things.
Why is sex so sacred?
In Tantra, sex is considered sacred because it is believed to be a means of connecting with the divine. Tantric practices involve using sexual energy as a way to achieve spiritual enlightenment and self-realization. According to Tantric beliefs, when two people engage in sexual union, they create a powerful energy that can be harnessed and directed towards spiritual growth. This energy is known as Kundalini and is said to lie dormant at the base of the spine until awakened through Tantric practices.
One practical example of Tantric sex would be the practice of mindfulness during sexual intercourse. By remaining fully present and focused on the present moment, partners can deepen their connection and experience greater pleasure and intimacy.
In Christianity, sex is also considered sacred but for different reasons. Christian beliefs hold that sex is a gift from God and is intended for the procreation of children and the strengthening of the marital bond. Sex outside of marriage is considered a sin and is discouraged. Within marriage, sex is meant to be a physical expression of the love between spouses and a means of fulfilling God’s commandment to be fruitful and multiply.
One practical example of Christian sexual ethics would be abstaining from sex until marriage and practicing sexual fidelity within marriage. By reserving sexual intimacy for the marital bond, Christians believe that they are upholding the sanctity of sex and remaining true to God’s intended purpose for it.
How do people exchange energy during sex?
In Tantra, sexual energy exchange is a central practice that involves the exchange of energy between partners during sexual intercourse, creating a sense of sacred intimacy.
One technique that is commonly used in Tantric sex is the practice of breathwork. By synchronizing their breathing, partners can create a flow of energy between them, which can lead to a more profound connection.
Another technique is the use of eye contact and visualization, where partners focus on each other’s eyes and visualize the exchange of energy between them.
In Tantric sex, partners are encouraged to view each other as embodiments of the divine and to approach sex with a sense of reverence and respect. This mindset creates a safe and sacred space for the exchange of energy to occur.
One example of energy exchange during sex is the concept of “riding the wave.” This involves both partners experiencing waves of energy aka kundalini energy that flow through their bodies during sexual intercourse. These waves of energy can be enhanced through Tantric practices, such as breathwork and visualization, and can lead to intense states of pleasure and spiritual connection and sacred intimacy.
Another example is the practice of “chasing the dragon.”
The practice of “chasing the dragon” involves partners taking turns being the active and passive partner. The active partner initiates the sexual energy exchange by using their breath, touch, and intention to stimulate their partner’s energy centers. This can involve massaging specific parts of the body, such as the chakras or erogenous zones.
Once the active partner has stimulated their partner’s energy centers, they switch roles, and the passive partner becomes the active partner. This creates a back-and-forth flow of energy between partners, with each partner experiencing both the giving and receiving of sexual energy.
Overall, the exchange of energy during Tantric sex is believed to be a powerful practice that can lead to spiritual growth, deeper connection, and even sexual healing.
Does sex affect spirituality?
In Tantra, sexuality is seen as a sacred and transformative energy that can be used to awaken the Kundalini, a dormant energy at the base of the spine. When awakened, the Kundalini can rise through the chakras, or energy centers in the body, leading to profound spiritual experiences and a deeper connection with the divine.
Tantric practices such as maithuna (sexual union) involve conscious, loving, and respectful sexual practices between partners. This type of sexual activity is seen as a way to cultivate intimacy and connection, and to channel sexual energy towards spiritual growth and transformation.
In Yoga, sexual energy is also viewed as a powerful force that can be directed towards spiritual growth. The practice of Brahmacharya, or celibacy, is considered an important aspect of yoga, as it helps to conserve and channel sexual energy towards higher states of consciousness.
However, in both Tantra and Yoga, the misuse of sexual energy can have negative effects on spiritual growth. Casual sex, promiscuity, and sexual addiction can lead to a depletion of vital energy and a disconnection from spiritual practice.
(Read More: What are the methods for preservation of sexual energy for the common sadhaka?)
How to interpret the Bible’s teachings on sex and spirituality?
The Bible teaches that sex is a sacred act meant for marriage between a man and a woman. Sexual activity outside of marriage is considered sinful and can lead to spiritual separation from God. Sexual sin can have negative consequences on an individual and societal level. However, forgiveness and redemption are also emphasized through faith in Jesus Christ. The Song of Solomon celebrates sex as a beautiful and pleasurable expression of love between a husband and wife. To interpret the Bible’s teachings on sex and spirituality, careful study and consideration of various passages and themes throughout the Bible is necessary, seeking guidance from trusted spiritual leaders and prayerfully considering how the teachings can be applied in one’s own life.
How to engage in sexual activities that are spiritually fulfilling?
According to Tantric Sex and Yoga, here are some practical techniques to engage in sexual activities that are spiritually fulfilling:
- Mindfulness: Bring mindfulness to your sexual activity by focusing on your breath, bodily sensations, and the present moment. This helps to deepen your connection with your partner and cultivate a sense of presence and awareness.
- Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact during sexual activity can deepen the connection and intimacy between partners, and help to cultivate a sense of presence and awareness.
- Energy Exchange: Engage in conscious energy exchange by visualizing and directing sexual energy towards spiritual growth and transformation. This can involve imagining the energy moving up through the chakras or energy centers in the body.
- Slow and Gentle Movement: Focus on slow, gentle, and loving movements during sexual activity. This helps to cultivate intimacy and connection, and allows for the energy to flow freely and naturally.
- Partner Meditation: Engage in partner meditation before or after sexual activity to cultivate a deeper sense of connection and intimacy. This can involve sitting face-to-face, holding hands, and focusing on the breath and present moment together
- Breathwork: Incorporate breathwork into your sexual activity by taking slow and deep breaths, and synchronizing your breath with your partner. This can help to deepen your connection and enhance the flow of energy between partners.
- Visualization: Use visualization techniques during sexual activity to cultivate a deeper sense of connection and intimacy. This can involve imagining yourself and your partner surrounded by a golden light or visualizing your energy centers opening and aligning with each other.
- Sacred Space: Create a sacred space for sexual activity by decorating the room with candles, flowers, and other meaningful objects. This helps to establish a sense of reverence and respect for the sexual energy being shared.
- Sexual Continence: Practice sexual continence, which involves abstaining from ejaculation and instead directing sexual energy towards spiritual growth and transformation. This can help to cultivate a deeper sense of intimacy and connection between partners, and can also have physical health benefits for men.
The Spiritual Meaning of Fluid Bonding
Many people have doubt about what this term fluid bonding means from the point of view of spirituality. Here we will clarify the meaning of this from the point of view of tantric sex.
The term “fluid bonding” refers to a practice in which two individuals choose to exchange bodily fluids during sexual activity as a way of deepening their physical and emotional intimacy. This act can involve sharing bodily fluids such as saliva, semen, or vaginal fluid through sex.
From a spiritual perspective, fluid bonding can be seen as a way of connecting on a deep level with one’s partner and of honoring the sacredness of the sexual act. It can represent a willingness to be vulnerable and open with one’s partner, to trust them completely, and to share the essence of oneself with them.
Examples of fluid bonding can include couples who choose to forgo condom use and rely on other forms of contraception, or individuals who choose to engage in sexual activity exclusively with one partner to avoid the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Some individuals may also choose to engage in fluid bonding rituals as part of a spiritual practice, such as through the exchange of bodily fluids during tantric sex or other forms of sacred sexuality.
Overall, the practice of fluid bonding can be seen as a way of deepening the connection and intimacy between partners. It is a personal choice that should be made with careful consideration and with an emphasis on open communication and mutual respect and factoring in the risk of sexual transmitted diseases.
Books on Sex and Spirituality
Here are some books on Sex and Spirituality from various traditions:
Yoga:
- “The Heart of Tantric Sex” by Diana Richardson
- “Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy” by Georg Feuerstein
- “Sacred Sexuality: A Manual for Living Bliss” by Katrina Bos
- “Kundalini: Tantra/ Yoga for Circulation of the Blood” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Tantra:
- “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tantric Sex” by Dr. Judy Kuriansky
- “The Jewel in the Lotus: A Guide to the Buddhist Tantric Tradition” by Sunyata Saraswati and Bodhi Avinasha
- “Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History, and Practice of a Timeless Tradition” by Christopher D. Wallis
- “The Tantric Path of Indestructible Wakefulness: The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma, Volume Three” by Chogyam Trungpa
Christianity:
- “The Christian Kama Sutra” by Lahari Mahasaya
- “The Song of Solomon: An Invitation to Intimacy” by Douglas Sean O’Donnell
- “Sex, God, and Marriage” by Johann Christoph Arnold
- “Intimacy Ignited: Conversations Couple to Couple: Fire Up Your Sex Life with the Song of Solomon” by Dr. Joseph and Linda Dillow
Tao:
- “The Tao of Health, Sex, and Longevity” by Daniel P. Reid
- “The Tao of Love and Sex: The Ancient Chinese Way to Ecstasy” by Jolan Chang
- “The Sexual Teachings of the Jade Dragon: Taoist Methods for Male Sexual Revitalization” by Hsi Lai
- “The Multi-Orgasmic Couple: Sexual Secrets Every Couple Should Know” by Mantak Chia and Maneewan Chia
These books offer insights and guidance on how to approach sex and spirituality from different perspectives, traditions, and practices.
References
- “Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy” by Georg Feuerstein
- “The Kama Sutra” by Vatsyayana
- “The Essential Tantra: A Modern Guide to Sacred Sexuality” by Kenneth Ray Stubbs
- “The Song of Solomon” from the Bible
- “The Interior Castle” by St. Teresa of Avila
- “Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy” by Mantak Chia
- “The Psychology of Kundalini Yoga” by Carl Jung
- “The Spiritual Dimension of Love” by Joseph F. Schmidt, FSC.