Towards A Sacred Sexuality

Here the cosmic rule of sexuality appears in its full breath–And at the same time,   the rules appear which will guide us in the mastery of that terrifying energy in which  the power that causes the universe to converge on itself passes through us.

The first of these rules is that love, in conformity with the general laws of creative union,  contributes to the spiritual differentiations of the two beings which it brings together…

The one must not absorb the other nor, still less, should the two lose themselves  in the enjoyment of physical possession, which would signify a lapse into plurality  and a return to nothingness.

Teilhard de Chardin Cited in Christian Mystics

Matthew Fox offers us some supplementary explanations in these words:

“Sexuality dwells in a cosmic context– not just in a personal or ego or a psychological one. 

Do you experience a cosmic connection when you make love? Teilhard cautions that true human love is not about surrendering one’s autonomy. That way lies a return to nothingness….”

When I first encountered the readings and inspiration that comes with learning from Teilhard,  I reveled in the soaring idealism that is contained in his vision and his understanding of love… 

However, what later made me question his statements was an “old Catholic ghost” that arrived with the cynical question: How can a celibate old man know about erotic love?  

Fox does assist me in further explaining Teilhard’s vision by placing it in a cosmic context; that encourages the approach that recommends that we humans are to use the gifts and graces of sexuality in ways that nurture, affirm, and empower each person to appreciate that their individual energies of creation flow through them. 

Teilhard’s caveat here is one of “losing oneself” or feeling absorbed by the other. Proper instruction and clarifying dialogue after one has practiced these approaches and techniques discourages any such false romanticism or the loss of self. 

The phenomena of “being one together” is a genuine ecstatic state that is a rare and wonderful occurrence. The goal, however, is not a purely sensual or selfish one: It is to merge, blend, and cohere in a gracious and giving way that shares the creative and transformative energy. A more sacred sexuality is made possible when it allows each person, in their own integrity and authenticity, to feel the sense of a cooperative and synergistic bliss. 

I am thankful for my excursions into Eastern mystical practices that have included education in some aspects of Hindu teachings, the Buddhist Tantric methods, and preferably Taoist Tantric practices.  Even with books like the Karma Sutra (often misinterpreted or taken out of context!) that are readily available at the local book store and online, what is often lacking in those pages is the need for ethical and responsible instruction. 

That is paramount, and it is vital to its efficacy and safety. With this caveat against spiritual materialists, and those just wanting to learn how to be the best sexual mechanics they can be, there is the possibility of a genuine transformative experience; when taught by lamas, adepts, and priests who advocate for a higher Tantric way. 

However, it requires practice in the disciplining of breath, visualization, and physical energies for consciousness’s sake; and the dedication to the alchemical work that lies within the honest loving heart, and that is aligned with the ethically clear outlook, and that comprehends the privilege of practices that encourage the shared experience towards enlightenment!