Reading from "Inner Paths to Outer Space," I was struck again and again by the concept of foreign intelligence. I know what they (the writers in the book) are talking about, and most readers probably do, too, if they allow themselves to. You don't have to take chemicals to find alternative reality/knowledge. I find it comes with simple meditation and, if I loosen up, often on a good, long walk. It is not usually spectacular. It is often only a sudden realization that you don't really understand the reality that we are in - that the sun is out there in space, and that in that infinite space is us, here on earth, strange impossibilities... it is hard to say exactly what I mean to say, because I am talking of alternative thinking, but most will understand what I am trying to get at. We have all been there, and that is the bridge. One more simple step, and something else begins to open up. Because it is not of our normal thought patterns, we cannot really describe it, but it is there, another integrated perception and one that is just as accurate - if not much, much, more so - in describing the real state of being.
That topic can never be exhausted - but another rose in regard to seeking the alternatives, and that is the topic of sexual abstinence. This is so common to spiritual seekers that it must be explored more fully. I touched on it before in this blog, but I had forgotten that this prohibition is not only among well-known religions as well as among American Indian groups, but also among the new religions that are arising so quickly in South America, particularly among those using "ayahuasca," a mixture of plants that produce hallucinogenic experiences. With most of these, there is no question: the prohibition does NOT proceed from some type of Puritan morality. Outside of preparing for ceremonies where they use ayahuasca, there is no mention of sex being immoral or debased. No, it is just to make the experience better, safer and more enlightening. But why? Some traditions have it that men lose important spiritual energy when they ejaculate, but this would not apply to women. And although one might guess that sex can be selfish and detract from the seriousness of the situation, the prohibition is against sex well before the ceremony, not immediately before (or during, of course). To me, if sex is seen as a distraction, it would seem preferable to get it done with and out of the way a day or two before, so that there would not be an obsession with it. But no.
What is it? Does sex absorb our consciousness to such a point that it must be avoided several days or even weeks before an important spiritual event? If it does, I cannot tell, at least not in normal marital relations.
I have to think about it more - again - for next time. For now, I hope to have another essay for the web in the next few days. FK
That topic can never be exhausted - but another rose in regard to seeking the alternatives, and that is the topic of sexual abstinence. This is so common to spiritual seekers that it must be explored more fully. I touched on it before in this blog, but I had forgotten that this prohibition is not only among well-known religions as well as among American Indian groups, but also among the new religions that are arising so quickly in South America, particularly among those using "ayahuasca," a mixture of plants that produce hallucinogenic experiences. With most of these, there is no question: the prohibition does NOT proceed from some type of Puritan morality. Outside of preparing for ceremonies where they use ayahuasca, there is no mention of sex being immoral or debased. No, it is just to make the experience better, safer and more enlightening. But why? Some traditions have it that men lose important spiritual energy when they ejaculate, but this would not apply to women. And although one might guess that sex can be selfish and detract from the seriousness of the situation, the prohibition is against sex well before the ceremony, not immediately before (or during, of course). To me, if sex is seen as a distraction, it would seem preferable to get it done with and out of the way a day or two before, so that there would not be an obsession with it. But no.
What is it? Does sex absorb our consciousness to such a point that it must be avoided several days or even weeks before an important spiritual event? If it does, I cannot tell, at least not in normal marital relations.
I have to think about it more - again - for next time. For now, I hope to have another essay for the web in the next few days. FK
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