Sex and Spiritual Enlightenment

Ancient Chinese philosophers gave the act of sexual intercourse the most intriguing expression. It is called, "clouds and rain." The metaphor described heaven making love to the earth, and representing perfect order. The clouds represented the woman's role in the sexual affair, and the rain represented the man's heavenly role on society. However, a practicer of this ancient Chinese philosophy not only associated this behavior as a way of achieving pleasure, but, as a way for a mortal man to become immortal. They believed if a man could ejaculate more than ten times in one given coupling, he would become immortal. If he ejaculated three times or more, he would be able to cure all disease. If he ejaculated two times, all his ambitions would increased greatly. If he only ejaculated one time, he was said to become stronger.

In ancient China, there were three schools of thought. These three schools were centered around Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Confucianism's principle goal was the protection and continuation of the family. Taoism's center goal was immortality, while Buddhism focuses were geared towards achieving perfect spiritual balance by transcending life, death and immorality in order to become enlightened. Sex played a large role in each of these schools of thought. Confucianism and Taoism believed that the opposites of human nature made up life. The opposites appeared in forms they called essences. For example the man's essence was expressed through his semen. Which they believed was spent to enhance and prolong life.

Ancient Chinese philosophers believed that diet, exercise, and sex had to be a harmonious grouping, in order to achieve balance. The most important bonding element to achieve harmony was passion. Therefore, many elderly Chinese men often chose young teenage lovers, to mold and commingle with in order to aid in their immorality. These teenage lovers were taught to provided these gentlemen with heighten exotic pleasure, by way of "pillow books." However, it is not until much later before women's needs were mentioned or even discussed.

For the most part, ancient Chinese cultures were centered around men. "Gambling Wild-horses" and "Winding Dragons" were names given to different types of acrobatic pleasures found in the pillow books. These ancient texts were nothing more than instructional sex manuals, used to teach young woman the how to's to pleasing their man. According to the pillow books, there were thirty different sexual positions.

It was not until the rise of Confucianism were the roles of woman changed. The focus of society change to the health and balance of family unit. Men starting desiring more mature woman, who were believe to be better suited for motherhood. Names like Jade Stalk and Golden Locust, were now given to some of the various ways to pleasure a woman during sexual activity. In ancient Japan, woman at this same time were encouraged to have multiple partners, much like that of the ancient Chinese man. In both ancient societies, brothels played an important role in maintaining sexual harmony. In fact, a Geisha in Japanese culture was considered high society.

It was not until the introduction of Buddhism into everyday society, did the diversity between the three principle groups finally unite. Yearning and love was the key component, and the one common denominator found to be needed. It was believed that yearning and love lived in the hearts of Chinese women and men. These two elements could be found in every aspect of Chinese living, from their education system to their religion. It was the basic belief that everyone yearned for a higher understanding of their social embodiments, and that love led the way. This characterization was seen through out many of the philosophical teachings during the second century bce. It was this balanced connection, which caused them to make the leap in believing that the closeness shared by a man and woman during sexual intercourse, could help them to become more enlightened.

In Buddhism, it is believed that in order to obtain enlightenment, one has to have their heart, mind and soul in balance. Therefore, sexual intercourse was a way for the body to expelled harmful elements from someones soul and mind. Sex was the body's way of cleansing itself of decay, in order to maintain natural healing along the way. They also felt that this expression of love, shared by the man and woman at that moment of climax, was a way to show their love for God, and to feel the of God as well. They essentially developed the philosophy that a healthy sex life, was a short cut to enlightenment. In so doing so, they also came up with the idea that your body was dependent on sex to create an inner wholeness within oneself, and that once this wholeness was achieved that person could be well on their way to accomplishing Buddha.

You know- I'm not sure how I feel about this philosophy. It certainly makes sense to me. However, in the dogma of Christianity's philosophical beliefs- sex has always been our own worse enemy. The concept and idea of needing sex to become completely healed, and to become whole from within, goes against the grain and idea that Jesus Christ is the only true way to become- as the Buddhist would say, "enlightened." Therefore, I am left with many unanswered questions. Even though, I do feel that the attraction of opposites are essential in maintaining balance within the universe. I can actually see how this could possibly work to a person benefit. I am curious to read your thoughts.