SEX & KARMA SEXKARMA.TXT *********************************************************************** I first heard the 'law of Karma' stated in perhaps its simplest and most elegant form many years ago: "What goes around, comes around." Eastern, western, and modern new-age teachings all contain mention of karma in some form or another, usually incorporating at least an aspect of reincarnation to it. For traditional Hindus, (and even 'fundy' Tantrists, which despite its contradictory sound, is *not* uncommon!) the law of Karma and the theory of reincarnation are completely intertwined. Karma is said to follow one from one lifetime to the next, and the working out of karma defines the next incarnation; when all earthly Karma is worked out, the Soul returns to the Source; or the Atman united with Brahman. Although of course I don't and can't know for certain, my personal beliefs do not incorporate reincarnation in the traditional Hindu or Buddhist sense, as the wheel of death and rebirth. Yet Karma is an essential part of my path. In studying Sanskrit, I learned the literal translation of Karma, which most people don't know. It means, simply: action/reaction; or in other words, action brings reaction. Any action you or I perform will bring some type of reaction--whether it is realized at the time or not. Performing an action against the law of whatever country one lives in, being caught, and imprisoned/fined, or whatever, could be called a simple, mundane, and purely earthly form of Karma. In my separating Karma from reincarnation, I break completely with traditional Tantric as well as Hindu tradition. However, I believe the law of Karma is much more subtle than the 'wheel of rebirth.' Every waking moment, to me, *is* Karma. I refuse to worry about what happened in 'another incarnation' or 'what will happen in the next.' Rather, I take Karma very seriously, on a mystic and spiritual level, in THIS lifetime; for me the ONLY lifetime. Perhaps not so for others, but nonetheless, it's the ONLY lifetime you have right NOW. Yogic and Tantric texts both espouse the idea that Karma can be 'dissolved' 'eaten' or transcended through the union of the solar and lunar energies; through 'right action' (*Karma Yoga*), through sense withdrawal, through meditation and absolute stillness of both mind and body; and through participating in the exact same activities which created the original Karma, only with such care and consciousness that the original binding desires are transcended. Personally, Karma as 'binding desire' is the key: if one is controlled by the passions and impulses, rather than controlling them, he/she is truly *bound.* If there is a handle sticking out of your back, any fool can crank it! The main difference between Tantric and traditional Hindu thought is that of 'control'--rather than sublimate desire, the Tantric Yogi/Yogini gains control over it, and thus ascendency. This includes not only sexual desire, but any desire. Something as seemingly silly as a 'passion' for stamp collecting, if allowed to control you, rather than being controlled by you, can create all kinds of havoc both within and without--in other words, you will be BOUND by KARMA. Karmic forces are said to control the microcosm and the microcasm -- the physical and Subtle bodies, and the earthly realm. Tantric teachings do allow incorporation of my own personal beliefs, in that it has been stated: "If a person can live dynamically in the present, past influences can be transcended." This would seem to me to include past influences from THIS incarnation as well as 'past incarnations,' and whether one believes in and accepts reincarnation or not, it is vital to transcend the influences of the past anyway. Things done-to one, as well as things done by one, influence: past abuse as a child, growing up in poverty, etc., all color the perceptions and if not overcome, absolutely forbid the blossoming of the self, blocking any recognition and power of the Self. And this has nothing to do with the concept of 'forgiveness.' Forgiving wrongs committed upon yourself when you were unable to defend against them is not only unnecessary, but ridiculous. The key is to *overcome* not to *accept*. However, I do see Karma in the present as existing on all levels; the physical, mental, and spiritual. Traditional teachings state that through karmic action, 'destiny' can be overcome. I believe that human beings create their own 'destinies.' Yes, you have to 'play the cards you're dealt.' But remember: ACES AND EIGHTS ARE STILL A FULL HOUSE!! As to Karma and sex, the traditional Tantric teachings correlate almost exactly with my own. During Tantric sexual union, it is said that the individual Karmas of the couple(s) converge. Said in another way, the vital forces of the couple certainly blend during Tantric lovemaking, and an exchange takes place which, as in the laws of science, alters both. Scientifically, when two elements are combined, *both* are changed forever. Tantrically, the change depends upon the consciousness of the couple. Jainist Tantra, misogynistic in the extreme, encourages a sort of 'karmic vampirism,' wherein the man (women are believed to be entirely evil, and unable to overcoming karma or achieving enlightenment, in Jainist tradition, unless and until they are fortunate enough to reincarnate in a male body) is not only encouraged, but ORDERED to take all her vital energy into himself during the sex act, while giving her none of his own; thus empowering and strengthening himself while draining his 'partner' dry. To the consciousness of a Tantric Yogini, this type of action goes beyond the 'cosmic jack-off' type of union, where the body is used as a simple vehicle (i.e., 'masturbation' using the body of the partner, rather than on one's own) and into the realms of beyond- selfishness, to depravity. To each his/her, but as a Yogini, I'm not only unwilling, but unable to condone it. Non-Jainist Tantra teaches that *either* partner can use the other for his/her own benefit: such selfishness will result in a negative Karmic exchange. But if a mutual desire for enlightenment dominates, a positive Karmic exchange occurs. For a Tantric traditionalist, this is pretty much a given--as we are taught to recognize and worship the Siva/Sakthi within ourselves, and within our partner(s). Tantric sexual initiations teach this, and it is a subtle, but primary, reason for such initiations: the Initiator or Initiatress, whether initiating *a* partner, or assisting in the sexual initiation of a couple or couples, must be attuned to this, and strive to instruct and correct any karmic imbalance. Purely selfish motivation during Tantric sexual union should not be present. *Purely* is another key word: naturally, one wishes to achieve enlightenment, and physical pleasure during sexual union, this can be said to be 'selfish.' But the seeing of the Inner Divinity of the partner adds an element of 'worship' to the longing for physical and/or spiritual release. A desire to bring pleasure and assist in the achievement of enlightenment in one's partner, as well as in oneself, would be a mutual motivation. The *highest* and most difficult to achieve, type of Tantric union, is when one dedicates the lovemaking completely to the pleasure and liberation of the lover. When a couple is truly in love, this can happen spontaneously; each putting the pleasure and benefit of the other above one's own. It can also be done consciously, whether the Tantric couple has committed for a given time period, eternity, or the duration of the act only. Conscious awareness of the inter- relationship between energy, karma, and sex on the part of each person involved will quickly elevate the sexual union, and lead to enlightenment for each/both/all concerned. Promiscuous sex involves a rapid accumulation of karma, or energy, and can cause changes in one's basic nature; or, conversely, simply lead to a feeling of emptiness and longing for something more. It has been said that promiscuous sex 'clouds the aura.' If one wishes to engage in Tantric Union, the aura is all important, not only for the exchange of positive karma/energy, but for psychic protection as well. Promiscuous sex which seeks to exalt one partner to the detriment of another, has been used as sex magick. But such practices are, in the end, limiting, and likely to lead to delusion, confusion, and the 'coming around' half of the basic 'law of Karma.' ;) In Tantric lovemaking, karmic or energy exchange takes place when the vital life-force moves along the Great Axis (through the Susumna, or central nerve) of the Subtle body. The Tantras teach that *any* emotion can cause this movement, and cause a karmic or energy exchange between those not engaged in sexual union. Anger, for instance, if elevated to the state of true rage, moves along the Axis, and causes a type of Karmic exchange with the object of the rage. Fear is another emotion suited to this type of karmic exchange. Anger and fear are deeply intertwined, and genuine anger/fear karmic exchange is dangerous and debilitating. Pseudo-anger and pseudo-fear, however, have their place. Lila, or play, is often a part of Tantric love, and S/M or B&D role- playing, WITHOUT true anger or fear, and without TRUE domination by either party, can indeed stimulate Karmic exchange, and offer glimpses of transcendental tranquility, over & above their obvious fetishistic sexual arousal (for those so inclined, that is). This type of roleplay, or Lila, however, unless it involves switching (to be mundane!) or re-channelling (to be spiritual), can cause a Karmic imbalance which can be physically or emotionally, and certainly spiritually, unhealthy. While Tantric teachings do not *forbid* or discourage S/M or B&D they are not encouraged either. Rather, if this is one's particular sexual preference, or an element thereof, it can be useful in achieving Tantric Liberation through sex. Note, again, that MOST IMPORTANT is that you control it, rather than vice- versa. Otherwise, whether playing dominant or submissive, you will truly be a slave. Bondage actually deserves its own section, when any elements of domination and/or pain are removed, as it has a long and honorable history in eastern thought! And the Kama Sutra's description of the 'battle of love' is arousing and sweet at once. Final thought: if the couple intends to remain together for any length of time, beyond the duration of the sexual act only, they should discuss and observe how their intertwined Karmas mold events. By channelling desire/action consciously, everyone will truly become 'a master of his/her own destiny.' Hmmmm...too complicated to get into right now, but let me add that complete INNER submission is a sacred Tantric right in itself. This assumes that the *act* of submission generates from a conscious, intentful, and Self-willed motivation. It is powerful indeed, but Yogini Padma is not sufficiently awake to discuss it in the detail it deserves, so will leave you with a quote from the Spandha Karika: "When one very eagerly awaits the command of another, with a firm resolution that whatever is commanded WILL be carried out, then that person shall, through the intensity wrought of eagerness joined with resolution, attain a state of complete inner harmony. Through such a condition of mind, the inhalation and exhalation of breath enters the central Great Axis. Then all mental states fade away and a tranquil consciousness emerges." --Spandha Karika AUM HAM HUNG AUM.D. Yogini Padma Ushas Suryananda; other sources as cited. (c) 1993 Rose Dawn Scott, except as cited.