The word "sacred" is often used to describe objects or people who are considered holy or divine.
What about the idea of being able to make something sacred out of a human act such as sex? This is exactly what some religious and spiritual practices do. They believe that sexuality can be a tool for connecting with God or the universe, but also for experiencing the full range of emotions associated with it. While many religions consider lust and sexual pleasure sinful, others see them as a way of expressing love and intimacy. In this article, I will explore how certain traditions view sexuality and why they see it as an opportunity to connect with the divine.
The Meaning of Sacredness
According to most religions, sacredness refers to something that is worthy of worship or veneration because it has been imbued with holiness or divinity. It can refer to objects like statues or relics, places like temples or shrines, or even natural phenomena like mountains or rivers. But it can also refer to experiences like meditation or prayer, which bring a person closer to their faith. Some traditions see sexuality in this same light - as an experience that can connect them to the divine.
Spiritual Traditions that Demonize Desire
Many major world religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, have historically demonized sexual desire. They see lust and pleasure as temptations from evil forces that must be resisted.
The Quran says: "Do not approach adultery - indeed, it is a shameful deed." Similarly, the Bible states: "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled." These teachings suggest that sex should only happen within the context of marriage and is meant for procreation rather than pleasure.
Sexuality as an Act of Love
Some religious traditions take a different approach to sexuality. Hinduism, for instance, sees intimacy as a way of expressing love and devotion between partners. In fact, the act of making love is seen as a form of worship, where couples are able to connect with each other and with the divine through physical union. This is reflected in the sacred text known as the Kama Sutra, which provides guidance on how to achieve ecstasy through various positions and techniques. It encourages couples to explore their bodies and desires together and to embrace the sensual pleasures of being human.
The Divine Feminine
Another tradition that views sexuality as sacred is Tantra, which originated in India around the 6th century CE. In this practice, women are seen as embodiments of the divine feminine, capable of channeling spiritual energy through their bodies. Men are then encouraged to see them as holy objects to be worshipped and cherished. The goal is to achieve enlightenment by fully experiencing all aspects of life, including sexual desire. This means exploring the sensual and erotic dimensions of our nature, without shame or guilt.
While many religions demonize desire and see it as sinful, others view it as an opportunity to connect with the divine. Some see sex itself as a spiritual experience that can bring us closer to God or the universe, while others see it as a way of honoring the female body and its ability to manifest the divine.
Whether we choose to embody sacredness through sexuality depends on our own beliefs and understanding of what it means to be human.
What does it mean to embody sacredness through sexuality in spiritual traditions that demonize desire?
In many spiritual traditions, embracing one's sexual desires is seen as an act of purity rather than sinfulness. This viewpoint comes from the belief that sex is not something dirty or shameful but instead a way to connect with the divine and express our true selves. By fully engaging in this connection, we can experience the profound beauty and power of sexual energy.