Sprituality and sexual energy
Question
Hi Dhananjay,
I would like to understand better the role of sexual energy in our spiritual development and awakening. I've often wondered why in most practises we are encouraged to be celibate and there must be a good reason for it, but I am unable to find a source that can explain it to me. How does the sexual energy get used in our spritual development and how do we practise to channel this energy for those purposes?
Can you point me to some useful resources to learn more about Brahmacharya and self-realization? I would like to learn more.
Thanking you for your time.
Answer
1. All energy comes from the Atman (soul) which is contained in the Supreme (Almighty), the creator. When this universal energy manifests in the form of cupid between man and woman to bring them together for propagation of the specie, it is termed sexual energy. It is natures means to ensure the propagation of Samsâra (trans-migratory existence in this dualistic world of Maya [illusion]).
When man extends its scope beyond the purpose of procreation into recreation, the very same energy binds him firmly to this illusion called the world, thereby taking him further away from his true self, the greatest source of bliss. The more one moves away from his true self, the more one suffers. Sexual enjoyment which is governed by Mâya makes one assume the world illusion as real and increases ignorance, whereupon, the awareness of ones self which is beyond limitation and beyond dualities dims and disappears.
Since sexual energy comes at the cost of life energy and vitality, drain of energy through this channel leaves very little for the purpose of realizing ones self, the only way to eternal freedom and bliss. That which is unreal cannot liberate and cannot help. The illusion of sexuality is one such. The wise transmute this energy into something higher to overcome bondage, while the ignorant release it through a less worthy outlet and get caught in the net.
2. Read The Science of Yoga by Dr. Taimni. (http://sun-gazing.com/pdf/misc/Science-of-Yoga.pdf). The translations to the aphorisms of the great sage Pathanjali that deal with the means to self-realization (Yoga) are outlined there.
3. Past answers on this portal deal with the methods to Yoga, the method to move towards the self.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)