AYP Lesson T47 - Masturbation and Yogic Self-Stimulation

Advanced Yoga Practices
Tantra Lessons

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Lesson T47 - Masturbation and Yogic Self-Stimulation (Audio)

From: Yogani
Date: Mon Nov 21, 2005 11:05 am

New Visitors: It is recommended you read from the beginning of this tantra yoga archive, as previous lessons are prerequisite to this one. The first lesson is, "What is tantra yoga?"

Q: I started masturbating since a very early age. (7 or 8 years old). Rarely do I hear anybody mention to start it at such an early age. I am sure there must be some significance of this to spiritual life. Does starting such an early age indicate strong spiritual tendencies (because sex is related to divine)? Or starting so early and loosing so much of semen is some kind of bad karma from previous life that I am suffering?

Another question: I have maintained brahmacharya for the past one month and had a wet dream yesterday. Are there any techniques to deal with wet dreams?

A: Masturbation can be a bane or a boon, depending on what one does with it. For starters, it brings intimate familiarity with one's sexual response, orgasm, etc., so the landscape is well known, though not with a partner, which is a higher level of stimulation.

If masturbation is used for tantric training and cultivation (holdback with blocking), that is the boon. If it is used to drain vitality, that is the bane. This is also closely related to incorporating siddhasana, mulabandha/asvini, and even sambhavi and kechari when ecstatic conductivity comes up in the nervous system. All of these are methods of self-stimulation for cultivation of ecstatic energies within the body, and are commonly used by advanced yogis. So those yogis in the caves are masturbators too. Whether it is uplifting or draining is a matter of what we are doing with it.

The best opportunity for doing good with yogic self-stimulation is by doing it on top rising inner silence (pure bliss consciousness) cultivated in daily deep meditation.

All those years of releasing vitality are of no permanent harm to you. It is what you are doing now and in the future that will make the difference.

On wet dreams (and also premature ejaculation), I get asked that very often. It is a normal part of maturing sexual function, which will take care of itself with development of skill in tantra and with age. Both will naturally yield longer staying power, and more rise of sexual energy for spiritual unfoldment in the nervous system.

All of this applies for both men and women, though the question comes up most often from men due to the energy loss associated with ejaculation. The concern with this is very good, demonstrating rising spiritual awareness and bhakti - sincere desire for God and Truth. If you continue steadfast in your bhakti, following your heart's innermost desire, all you seek will happen.

The guru is in you.