The word "cosmology" refers to the study of the origin, structure, and evolution of the universe. In this context, religious cosmologies are theories about how the world came into being and how it is organized. These theories often include explanations for the existence of life, human consciousness, morality, and the afterlife. One important aspect of many religious cosmologies is the concept of creation, which involves the birth of new beings and objects from nothingness. This process can be seen as both destructive and creative. Destruction leads to chaos while creation brings order. Therefore, the idea that erotic desire participates in cosmic creativity suggests that it has a positive role in shaping the world.
One way to understand this is through the Hindu concept of Shakti. In Hindu mythology, Shakti is the divine feminine energy that creates and destroys all things. She is associated with sexuality, fertility, and creativity. Her power is said to be so great that she can create universes out of nothingness. When she manifests herself, she becomes known as Kali, a fierce goddess who embodies destruction and rebirth. Kali is often depicted as naked or partially clothed, wearing a necklace of skulls and holding a sword in one hand and a severed head in the other. She represents the primordial force of nature, which can both give life and take it away.
Another example is the Taoist concept of yin and yang. Yin represents darkness, passivity, and female energy while yang represents light, activity, and male energy. The two are interdependent and complementary, each containing the seed of its opposite within itself. When they come together, they create harmony and balance. Eroticism is thought to be an expression of this dynamic tension between opposing forces. In Taoist cosmology, sexual pleasure is a sacred impulse that connects human beings to the natural world. It is seen as a pathway to enlightenment and spiritual growth.
In Islam, the idea of erotic desire as a sacred impulse is linked to the concept of haqiqa. Haqiqa means "reality" and refers to the underlying truth behind appearances. According to Sufi mystics, haqiqa is the essence of being, the true reality beyond all illusions and falsehoods. They believed that haqiqa could only be experienced through love and union with God. This love was not romantic but rather transcendental, connecting individuals to the divine source of existence. Erotic desire, then, becomes a way of experiencing haqiqa and unifying with God.
Judaism also has its own views on eroticism and spirituality. Kabbalah teaches that sexuality is a manifestation of the divine creative power. The act of sex is said to mimic the creation of the universe itself - out of nothingness comes new life. Therefore, sex can be seen as a sacred act that participates in cosmic creativity.
Kabbalistic teaching emphasizes moderation and self-control, so erotic desire should never become excessive or destructive.
Religious cosmologies offer different perspectives on how erotic desire fits into their respective philosophies and worldviews. While some may see it as a threat to spiritual order, others see it as a positive force that can contribute to the creation and maintenance of the world. These ideas are important for understanding our relationships with each other and ourselves, as well as our place in the broader cosmos.
How can religious cosmologies conceptualize erotic desire as a sacred impulse that participates in cosmic creativity rather than as a threat to spiritual order?
Cosmologies can view sexuality as a sacred impulse by emphasizing its role in creation and procreation, while also acknowledging its potential for disruption and destruction. This approach recognizes that sexuality is a powerful force that has both positive and negative consequences, but that it should be embraced and explored in a responsible manner.