MASTURBATION (Self-Gratification)

A solitary woman fondles her Jade
Gateway. Shunga painting on paper,
Meiji, Japan, circa late eighteenth
century.

Until recently, open discussion of masturbation was taboo. Masturbation was referred to euphemistically as self-abuse, playing with oneself, the solitary vice, or self-gratification. Many are the children who have endured lectures about the "sinful dangers" of this practice. Such warnings, at an early and impressionable age, often cause neuroses later on in life.

The atmosphere of "sin" or "guilt" surrounding the act of masturbation can produce a kind of vicarious thrill or rush, rather like that felt in committing a punishable crime. Fear can be immediately stimulating, but its long-term effect is debilitating.

During the last several years, there has been a tendency to bring sexual matters out into the open. Masturbation has emerged as a topic that people are willing to discuss. An analysis of popular sex-oriented magazines indicates a groundswell of interest in this particular aspect of sexuality. The once "solitary vice" has been elevated into a "therapy," a "variation of love-making" and an important part of the repertoire of sexually liberated lovers. What do Eastern teachings have to say about this volatile subject?

Sexual fantasy or dream, depicted as
arising from the throat region. From a
Japanese print of the eighteenth century.

First of all, a clear distinction is drawn between male and female masturbation. Second, mutual masturbation between a man and a woman is not considered masturbation per se. Since it is not looked on as an end in itself, it is categorized as foreplay. A different view is taken of mutual masturbation between two men or two women. We shall examine each of these situations thoroughly.

Both Taoist and Tantric teachings agree that "semen is a man's most precious possession." It is not to be carelessly wasted. The medical texts state that ejaculation of this vital essence by a male who has not yet reached maturity is potentially detrimental to his health, since important body elements are dispersed. The Charaka Samhita says, "If a young boy, whose body elements are not yet fully formed, practices masturbation, he is liable to lose vitality. If he continues to do so, then his body will become weakened and his internal organs damaged. This is particularly true up to the age of sixteen years, by which time the male body is completely formed."

Masturbation involves the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of an individual. If practiced as a solitary exercise, the breath and imagination perform a major role. Though self-gratification can be momentarily stimulating, there is no long-term benefit to a man. His physical reserves become depleted without an opportunity for replenishment; that is, there is no opportunity for "compensating" by absorbing vital fluids or energies from a partner. Any ecstasies are short-lived without the support of a shared experience and an exchange of energies. Solitary sexual practices produce a particular kind of psychic field that remains fixed within the sensation realm of the sexual center, without either ascent or transformation of the raw creative energy.

"Semen gets diminished by old age, anxiety, diseases, strain of labor, fasting, excessive sexual intercourse, and masturbation. By wasting, fear, suspicion, grief, seeing deformities of others, by lack of response in a woman, by not bestowing sufficient thought on the subject of sex, and by abstention from sex, a man is rendered incapable of mating." [CHARAKA SAMHITA]

Many factors may stimulate the desire for masturbation. As the sexual center becomes activated, a young boy is inclined to explore his sexuality by playing with his Lingam; in this way, he becomes familiar with the workings of his body. This form of sexual exploration is harmless, provided the urge to ejaculate can be controlled. Auto erotism without ejaculation can help a young man gain control of his sexual energy and introduce an awareness of the interrelationship of breath, thought, and the emission of semen. This helps strengthen sexual confidence, which is a major ingredient of a healthful sex life. Familiarization with the stages of arousal prior to ejaculation can teach a man how to gain control of his sexuality; he is then adequately prepared for transcendental heterosexual experiences in the Taoist or Tantric tradition. Retention of breath and visualization of the sex energy circulating and nourishing the body are the key to the control of ejaculation.

Eastern teachings unanimously advise against the practice of male masturbation with ejaculation. The texts advise that a man living segregated from women should practice Yogic postures, breathing, and meditation, so as to internally transform his sexual energy. The Yoga head stand, deep breathing, visualization of the Subtle Body, and repetition of Mantras all help the male sublimate his sexual energy.

The medical treatises cite instances when masturbation with ejaculation is condoned. For instance, an unhealthy diet can create "devitalized" semen, which cannot be successfully sublimated. If sublimation is not possible, then it is better to ejaculate than to "hoard morbidified life-essence." Another medical reason for ejaculation is if the Subtle Pathways of the body have become "blocked"; a symptom of this is extreme lethargy. The Taoist and Tantric view is that only lustrous, healthy semen is fit for internalization, and that this is built up by Yogic diet and lifestyle.

A man who is not having sex may find that sexual pressures build up to the point where physical release is advisable. It is certainly unnatural for a young man to suppress his sexuality; if he cannot find release through the Yogic disciplines of sublimation and transformation, or through heterosexual contact, then masturbation with ejaculation is the final resort. In the ancient world, men married early and the Act of Love was cultivated almost from the onset of puberty. Masturbation was therefore unnecessary. The physical symptoms normally associated with "growing up," such as pimples, boils, and skin eruptions, are an indication of sex energy striving for release. The alchemical view of this is that the vital "mercuric" energy (the semen) is polarized into a "sulphurous" substance that the body rejects through the skin. For those who are unable to practice the Yogic teachings of sublimation and transformation, or who are unwilling to radically change their lifestyle, heterosexual love-making with emission of semen is far better than release through masturbation. If sex with a woman is not possible and sublimation is impracticable, then masturbation with ejaculation may be necessary. It should not become a habit, however. Healthy semen contains vital nutrients, trace elements, amino acids, and vitamins in purified form. Sperm should never be carelessly discarded because it is the living essence, containing all the physical and spiritual attributes of man.

Ejaculated sperm can live outside the body for quite some time. It should not be treated disdainfully. Tantras state that sperm should be honored; there is a psycho-physical link between a man and his sperm long after ejaculation. The Kaulavali Tantra advises that"sperm ejaculated through masturbation should be positively endowed by one's mental attitude to it. Sperm should be ritually returned to the elements of its origin, or used for a magical purpose such as the empowering of amulets." The term "elements of its origin" means the earth, water, fire, or air. Ancient pagan customs such as the scattering of semen on fields, under trees, into waters, or into the sacrificial fire, or of rubbing preparations mixed with semen onto the body, echo this view.

Chart showing the stages leading to male orgasm.
There is a steep increase in sexual excitement during
early foreplay, which levels off and then rises as
ejaculation is approached.

Chart showing the stages leading to female
orgasm. Excitement is steady, rising to a peak
during climax, and creating a series of peak
experience waves over subsequent orgasms.

The eastern teachings regard female masturbation as a phenomenon totally different in its effects from male masturbation with ejaculation. The primary difference is woman's "unlimited supply of Yin-essence" as compared to man's finite Yang-essence. The female body is replenished and its vital elements balanced after the completion of each lunar cycle. In the course of a month, a woman is revitalized and nourished by her natural harmony with the forces of the moon.

 Woman embodies all the senses in their exalted form and narcissism is natural to her. The Nine Spirits of Woman are nourished by the release of erotic energy through the female body. Auto erotism in woman increases the flow of Yin-essence and helps her gain control over sexual reflexes. Women have many effective methods of self-gratification; for example, simple rocking movements stimulate the sexual center. Some women can reach orgasm by gently caressing parts of their body, the breasts and Yoni in particular. Deep rhythmic breathing can bring a woman to orgasm, as can erotic fantasy. The Yoni is the gateway to her Temple; masturbation is a way for woman to nourish her own eroticism and learn to please the deities that dwell within her.

"The male is moved by the life-force of the female, and his Jade Stalk is excited to action. The woman is moved by the life-force of the man, and the liquid of her Secret Cavern begins to flow.These are the arousals caused by the natural qualities of the male and female forces of the cosmos. They are something that cannot be duplicated by human Will alone." [ISHIMPO]

Once the Yin-essence is awakened in the body of woman, it needs appeasement. A woman requires longer than a man to become sexually excited; yet once stimulated, she can have many orgasms in succession. The mental attitude is most important. Bliss waves can be built up within the body of woman, carrying her Transcendental Spirit to new heights. The peaks of ecstasy are more easily scaled in the body of woman than in man. The chart above illustrates the multiple orgasmic nature of woman and shows a comparison with male orgasm.

Solitary satisfaction for a woman does not require the introduction of a Lingam substitute into the Yoni. Ancient Indian texts suggest that natural organic substances such as fruits and vegetables are better than fabricated substitutes; one text recommends the stalk of a plant, which, when soaked in hot water, swells up and takes on agreeable warmth and texture. In China and Japan a variety of sexual aids were developed for female self-gratification. We describe these fully in the section entitled "Sexual Aids."

Mutual masturbation and love-play.
A Chinese painting of the
nineteenth century.

The importance of the mental attitude toward masturbation cannot be overstressed. Guilt must not enter the exploration of this form of sexuality. Remember to circulate and dedicate the energy to a higher purpose than mere sensualism. Offer your pleasure to Lord Shiva, visualized in the mind's eye. Offer the Bliss-waves of orgasm to feed the gods and goddesses within the body. Mentally resolve a desire for transformation and spiritualization. Let the sex energy ascend to the sublime. This strengthens the Subtle Body at the same time that it vitalizes the physical body.

Fantasy is an important element of masturbation. Perverse fantasies can damage the psyche and induce complex psychological problems. Positive creative fantasy should be cultivated during masturbation; a woman can visualize Shiva the Yogic ideal, or hold in mind a "view" of herself making love with an idealization of her Lover-archetype. 

Chinese lady using an artificial Lingam affixed to her foot.
From a Chinese print of the Ming dynasty.

Traditionally in Japan and China, a wife would have a replica of her husband's Lingam made of tortoise shell, horn, or wood, with his name beautifully inscribed on it. Such an object was greatly cared for and kept in a specially made box. The woman used this object, known as Harigata, for masturbation or for sex with co-wives of the household, the principal wife taking the male role. Thus during the prolonged absence of the husband, a means of self-satisfaction was available that incorporated his actual form. If you insert anything into the Yoni, first "empower" it by meditating upon it as the ever-erect Shiva Lingam, the cosmic symbol of transcendence. Mutual masturbation between women can be used to potentize the vital essence. Sexuality is enhanced, provided the mental attitude is nourishing rather than vampiristic. When the Yin-essence is circulated and exchanged between women, there is a doubling of potency, a feminization that manifests itself throughout the body. The women involved become more generous, selfless, and compassionate, and their bodies take on enhanced female qualities. Between women there is a natural intimacy, a sharing of innermost feelings, rarely found among men. Taoist texts state that when women share, their "complexion becomes very clear, shining like the full moon, and their eyes sparkle brightly." A Tantric saying declares, "Soft things become softer when brought together, as in women; hard things blunt each other, as with men."

Mutual masturbation between boys or men is associated with initiation rites in certain primitive tribal societies. These rites of initiation are believed efficacious in establishing patriarchal unity. Aggression is commonly played out, accompanied by forceful verbalization or chanting. A Karmic bond, or sense of sharing, is brought about. In various African tribes mutual masturbation is allowed between boys as part of their puberty rites. However, it is condemned after adolescence. Secret societies are sometimes founded around masturbatory rites celebrating the power of death. None of the higher Eastern mystic teachings requires such an activity, since the real transcendental bond is with the female force, the Shakti, which is considered paramount. Though it is true that instances of mutual masturbation between males occur in the context of magical occultism, these are of a very low order and are associated with black-magic rites performed for selfish rather than transcendental ends.

What has been referred to as mutual masturbation in a heterosexual situation is not really masturbation at all, but foreplay, leading up to penetration and mutual orgasm. Often is it linked to oral sex, in which case the emission of vital essence should be absorbed by the partner's mouth. When the male Yang-essence is absorbed within the body of a woman, it is transformed into Yin. When the female Yin-essence is absorbed by the man, it is transformed into potentized Yang. Mutual masturbation in a heterosexual context is one of the most important ways of harmonizing mood and body essences. 

Various modern so-called Tantric works deal almost exclusively with learning to prolong orgasm through disciplined masturbation. The idea is to masturbate until reaching the moment of orgasm, and then exercise self-control by "holding back." Ancient Tantric texts do not in any way support this view. Orgasm control is best achieved within the context of a couple, as part of the Battle of Love. Breathing exercises, Yoga postures, and meditation all serve to transcend the limitations of an overabundance of sexuality, without the need to cultivate masturbation as an outlet.

"Do not expel your semen needlessly. Do not expel your semen forcefully, as if dashing something down from the heights. You'll upset the five main bodily organs, injure the life-energy  channels, and give rise to every kind of ailment as a consequence." [ISHIMPO]