Is it true that yoga means avoiding sex completely?
No, not at all!
(1) Some proclaim that yoga practitioners must not indulge in sex at all.
(2) There are others who think that yoga postures make you sexy.
Then what is the correct view of yoga and sex?
The general principles of yoga lay emphasis on a body, mind and the spirit. Physical fitness and control of mind are attained by a specific type of yoga known as Hatha Yoga. It is a very practical yoga and can be fully practised by most people.
What is the philosophy of those who advocate no sex at all?
It is true that some yogis who practise celibacy do believe that sexual desires, whether conscious or sub-conscious are destructive and so must be controlled. They somehow or other believe that if the sexual urge is suppressed, it increases the power of concentration.
How is that possible?
Well, it’s a belief that when you abstain from sex, you can concentrate more, and by this sublimation you increase the power of the mind. Unfortunately, people who are attracted by the mere physical exercise part of the Hatha Yoga, indulge in this sort of philosophy. Actually, those who look at Hatha Yoga in the right perspective realise that it is a form of complete mental and physical discipline which ultimately leads to self realisation.
How can yoga help to suppress sexual desires?
There are many yogic techniques to do so. Hard work is one of them. Exercise is another. Meditation and prayer are a third. Study of religious books is yet another. Some think even plain and simple food would help.
But what about yoga asanas? Do they help?
Oh yes, they do. These asanas are:
Bhadrasana
Ugrasana
Gorakshasana and others.
They all help to reduce the sexual desires.
Is there any other philosophy?
Basically all such philosophies aim at concentration of physical and sexual energies which according to them lead to a kind of transmutation of these energies into the energies of the mind. But for that we need sublimation.
What is sublimation?
Generally speaking, sublimation means working at a sublime or high level. It involves techniques of breath control over and above concentration, and of course yogic asanas.
Can anyone perform these asanas?
No! Not every one. It is advisable to learn these asanas with the help of a yoga teacher.
Doesn’t that all lead to strict observance of an ascetic disposition?
Well, whatever be the meaning of the expression to you, it is positively difficult.
But does it mean you must neglect it and even condemn it?
Of course not! You will do no such thing There is no doubt that the message of yoga is not that simple, particularly for an ordinary householder.
Message? What is the message?
It would be a repetition of all that we have said before. It is nothing but the union of the individual spirit with the universal spirit by adopting those means which cause no harm.
I suppose to attain this self-realisation, you must leave your home, your friends and your life itself?
No, not at all! It does not mean taking a sanyas. It doesn’t mean forgetting your responsibilities to those around you, including your family and society.
Then what is the expected standard?
I suppose there is such a thing as universal truth so that if one lives an unselfish or selfless life he has accepted the way of enlightenment. Gita has propounded various paths or ‘Yogas’ such as Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Gyan Yoga. People follow these paths in varying degrees, according to their inclinations.
But should there be a ‘ No Sex’ life?
My good friend, chastity does not mean complete celibacy as such. It actually means avoiding excessive lust, unlawful lust, marital infidelity and even undue indulgence in sex.
But what is actual philosophy of life vis-a-vis yoga? Has any great scholar given us a clear cut way of life?
It was a great yogi Vatsyayana who in his book Kamasutra has given us a glimpse of this philosophy.
Yes, I have heard of the word Kamasutra but what does it mean?
Kamasutra means the act of love. The book was written hundreds of years ago.
What does it say about man’s life?
According to Kamasutra man’s life is divided into four stages.
Stage 1: Upto the age of 25 when strict celibacy is to be maintained and deep religious study must be undertaken.
Stage 2: Is from 25 to 50 years of age, when one works for material comfort and practises the act of love.
Stage 3: When it begins, man must revert back to religious life and finally in Stage 4; you begin to liberate yourself from the material bondage of desires and attachments.
Is it difficult to observe this way of life?
No, but it depends. The act of love including sex is not wrong at all. Sex which is healthy, free of sin and shame, is a perfectly normal, natural biological need of a healthy human being.
Can this philosophy help to solve some of the sexual problems that worry man?
Why not, most of the sexual problems are psychological problems. Yoga brings in tranquility of mind. It helps to control abnormal emotional stages and practices., such as excess of sexuality masturbation, homosexuality, lesbianism and so on.
A healthy balance between physical, emotional and sexual desires of man is what yoga cares to bring about.
What is the Ultimate Goal?
This balance must ultimately lead to peaceful and contented living for the human race as a whole, free of all the stress and strains which we see in the world today
