[Mantak_Chia,_Michael_Winn]_Taoist_Secrets_of_Love(BookFi.org)

apply Jung's elaborate intellectual models to daily problems of
sexuality.
So we search in vain within Western psychology to find the
practical disciplines and principles we need in order to reconcile
the conflicts which face us in the sexual realm. This is a simple and
ordinary dilemma. But when we want to harmonize our sexual and
love relationships with our spiritual goals, our situation seems especially
poignant. Time and time again the sexual function proves
to be a disruptive influence, generating conflict and division in our
lives. It should not be too surprising therefore that celibacy has
become an appealing alternative to so many who wish to follow a
spiritual path while remaining worldly men and women.
These facts become even more obvious when we observe the
behavior of the gurus, swamis and other teachers in "New Age"
spiritual circles. The numerous examples of apparently celibate
spiritual teachers born and raised in the puritanical context of traditional
oriental cultures and suddenly set loose in the American
"new morality" is simultaneously sad and funny. We frequently
hear of this guru or that master who has fallen into the temptation
of sexual relations which their disciples. Scandals have now become
almost commonplace in the ashram and dojo. One does not
need to become cynical about this in order to recognize that the
sexual instinct is bound to find its expression in rather prosaic and
predictable ways no matter what the official spiritual dogma may
condone or prohibit. This has been true one way or another
throughout the history of the institutionalized Judeo-Christian
churches, as well as in the New Age spiritual scene, embracing as it
does so much of the Buddhist and Hindu life-styles. In regard to
sex, institutional religion, old or new, has little to offer us.
Turning to examples of the teachers of sexual tantra, the gap
between theory and practical knowledge becomes rather obvious.
We hear of the marvelous and ecstatic rewards of tantric inspired
relationships. Our New Age spiritual bookshelves and periodicals
lend themselves increasingly to the interest and fascination with
esoteric sexual practices.
But what is the real purpose of esoteric sexuality and where
can one find real knowledge and practical instruction in these publications?
How is it possible for someone to actually apply these
rituals in a form that is applicable to ordinary life and relationships?
And how much do we really understand of the actual esoteric
teachings when they are removed from the larger religious and
ritualistic context of the Hindu and Buddhist traditions?
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