ePub Lust for Enlightenment: Buddhism and Sex by John Stevens in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This book explains that the sex act is natural; and can be beneficial and an aid to Spiritual Enlightenment.By jwildSex is a natural; beautiful and creative aspect of life. For the most part; Religions throughout history have had a negative view of sex; and have viewed the sex act as a detriment to spiritual enlightenment. Even masturbation has been viewed in a negative way by most Religions. CELIBACY over SEXUALITY has been the norm for many religions. For the most part; the puritanical repression of the sex drive by most Religions has created a very sexually disturbed world. In this book; Zen scholar and Aikido instructor John Stevens explains sexuality from a Buddhist perspective starting with the life of Shakyamuni Buddha ( Gotama the Buddha) ; and progressing to other forms of Buddhism such as Tantric Buddhism; Tibetan Buddhism; Zen Buddhism and more. Gotama the Buddha taught that desires; including sexual desire; if not conquered; then you have no hope of liberation. Stevens explains that Buddha's teaching on having--- NO DESIRE WITH DETACHMENT--- has been followed by a select few Buddhists. Many Buddhists throughout history have been very sexual due to the difficulty of trying to be celibate. Also; Stevens explains how-- THE SEX ACT-- has been incorporated into some forms of Buddhism as a-- BENEFICIAL AND AN AID TO ENLIGHTENMENT.22 of 24 people found the following review helpful. a very good bookBy biscuitsJust for the record; my real name is D. Green. Now about the book...This book was like nothing I have seen before on the subject of Buddhism. With that said; let me say that Stevens; even though he is a Westerner; has done a heck of a job breaking down the romanticized stereotypical Western view of Buddhism. What I mean is that; the author looks past the trendiness and glamour that is often associated with Buddhism and its followers in the west.Stevens orchestrates a look into the uncovered side; the not so tready and not so glamorous side of the religion. He uncovers the reality. Buddhist nuns and monks indulging themselves in wild acts of passion. The common "Temple illnesses." Zen monks; their famous courtesans; and the children they fathered. The wild sex lives of past Dali Lamas. And even the sex life of the historical Buddha (of course; before he realized his Buddha nature). Its all within these pages. But do keep in mind that this is only a review.What Stevens' also does; which is as equally important; in addition to uncovering the truth; is provide just explanationsto why all these things happened. The Book reminds readers that nothing is never as it appears to be; which oddly enough seems to be very apart of the Buddhist prospective and belief system. Thus; making this book an important read for any one who is a Buddhist (especially Western Buddhist) or anyone who is remotely interested in the religion/philosophy.I would not be surprized if this very book is banned in certain parts of the world. ...5 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Interesting topic!By G. StuccoBig on all things Japanese; the author teaches in a Japanese University. I enjoyed his book. It is an intriguing topic. The puritan elders upheld that enlightenment and sexual activity are incompatible. However;Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana) says that ruthless suppression of the natural propensity to seek union with a member of the opposite sex sours people; making them morbid; compulsive and neurotic. We should re-direct and transform our natural desires instead. Now the question is: are the teachings of the tantras to be taken literally or just imaginatively? In Tantric sex there is always a sense of detachment; an emphasis on transcending the physical form of one's partner; and focusing on his or her impersonal; universal aspects (see Sexual Secrets). Check out The Prayer Mat of the Flesh by Li Yu.