SEXUAL SECRETS

The sexual secrets for consciously inducing and maximizing the experience of ecstasy are most eloquently presented in the Taoist tradition of China. The Tantric teachings of India evolved synchronously and there was a two-way exchange of techniques and ideas. Tibet received the teachings from both India and China, perfecting the mysteries over a millennium. We consider the Taoist and Tantric traditions as representing the most clear and directly relevant sexual secrets for the present-day needs of the West.

The decision to compile and synthesize the sexual secrets into a concise contemporary context was inspired by our observation of the changing attitudes toward sexuality in our society. The growing interest in the expansion of consciousness and self-awareness has led many to search for liberation through sexuality. Sexual taboos and inhibitions have been broken through in an effort to free sensual enjoyment from feelings of guilt. While this is a step in the right direction, it is dangerous unless accompanied by emotional maturation.

Liberation, especially sexual liberation, must be oriented in a positive spiritual direction. If not, when the novelty of new sexual experiences has worn off, emptiness and meaninglessness inevitably results. Western psychiatrists and psychologists have remarked on the increasing incidence of this feeling of emptiness as the root of neurosis in our all permissive society and are aware of the need to help reestablish meaning and creative direction in the life of the individual. Partly in response to the feeling of spiritual emptiness, the West has become conscious of the validity and profound insight of Eastern mystical practices. Yoga and meditation have become household words. The proliferation of encounter groups, sensitivity training, T'ai Chi, Transcendental Meditation, Gestalt Therapy, and other awareness therapies throughout the United States and Europe has resulted from an authentic need to recover a deeper, more conscious experience of life.

Unfortunately, the long-established norms of sexual behavior in the West have created psychological barriers that restrict inner growth. These "hang-ups," inculcated by parents and social institutions, have doomed many people to lives of permanent frustration. A desperate attempt to conform to a conventional, though possibly unnatural, "norm" of sexual behavior restricts individual development and may lead to furtive perversion and damaging guilt feelings. Yet an honest breaking with the expected standard, in a bid for personal liberation, might have led, up until recently, to alienation or even ostracism. Thus, many have seen the need to expand the parameters of the norm, to cut away the restrictions of convention and the limitations of habit. By exploring the sexual potential of ourselves and others, we can come to consciously know the alchemy of ecstasy. It is our opinion, and the philosophical assumption of this work, that this process of self-development should be undertaken in a spiritual context, with a sense of purpose and higher direction.

Only in recent years has the West become aware of the depth of wisdom expressed in the Tantric and Taoist teachings concerning sexuality. Unfortunately, however, the sudden surge of interest in this largely esoteric literature has brought with it numerous misconceptions about sexual practices. These misconceptions have arisen from an ignorance of the subtle or allegorical meanings of many parts of the original texts, which were a carefully guarded secret only revealed to those who had successfully passed initiation rites. Furthermore, the bulk of the literature has only been accessible to scholars, with the result that lay people have had insufficient opportunity to explore the original material. A secondhand and often inaccurate acquaintance with the teachings has led Western sexologists and popular writers on sexual occultism to jump to premature and often erroneous conclusions.

The core experience of Tantra is the sexual secrets. Tantra is a philosophy, a science, an art, and a way of life whereby sexual energy is consciously and creatively utilized. The mystical treatises, known as the Tantras, contain a broad spectrum of practical techniques for enhancing sexual awareness and achieving transcendence. The hidden potency of the sexual act is the seed of all creativity. Through an understanding of the practical teachings of Tantra, a whole new experience of life opens up. Emperors, kings, and queens had one standard of sexuality for themselves and another standard for their subjects. The sexual secrets were, in the past, reserved for rulers and initiates, who needed to wield power intelligently. Power was achieved through sexual experiences that served to strengthen vitality. The energy found in these practices was consciously channeled to enhance integrity, clarity, and wisdom.

The well-being and prosperity of a country was once believed to be directly related to the vitality of the king. The sexual secrets were not readily available to the general population, although they did find expression in Spring Festivals, fertility rites, and forms of pagan worship. Paganism had sexual energy as its firm foundation; many of the rites and rituals were based on a profound understanding of sexuality.

We did not write this blog for those who wish to gain power over others by manipulating or using the power of sex for purely worldly ends. The sexual secrets should not be used selfishly. Many of these secrets have been jealously guarded to protect against their misuse. This concealment has resulted in the gradual dispersion of half-truths about mystic sexuality, Tantra, and Taoism, which, in the long run, has done more harm than good. Therefore, we are revealing knowledge that in the past has required initiation, as we believe the ethical cornerstone of this teaching is individual responsibility. Ultimately, progress in Tantric evolution is barred to those who have not shouldered this responsibility.

This is a blog for couples or individuals wanting to become couples. It is for those who wish to use the sexual bond as a means to liberation and who desire to transcend the limits of the individual self. It is especially for those to whom love and trust are synonymous and who wish to give, as well as take. The sharing of the ecstatic experience is the key that unlocks the sexual secrets.