Sublimation.

 

Sublimation of the sex drive is not the same as repression.

When people encounter religious teachings about controlling the sex drive they assume this means repressing your sexual urges.

But this results in perversion of the sexual energy which then finds expression in unwelcome ways.

Sublimation of your sex drive means enlisting your sexual energy in support of the love that is the source of sexual energy to begin with.

This is not as difficult as it sounds because the soul that is the source of the energy that gives rise to sexual urges resides in the heart.

And that energy is love.

And so sublimation of the sexual energy serves to empower and purify your love for those whom you desire.

This, however, does not mean that sex is banned.

It is still permitted to engage is sexual activities when appropriate.

But sublimation serves to purify your love and provides an alternative where sexual activity is not possible. 

Neither does this mean that homosexual acts are banned.

Sexual acts between consenting adults are always good.

But sublimation in the service of love will respect the wishes, the rights, and the vows of the desired person.

This is not to put yourself at the mercy of force or fear.

Sublimation is purely voluntary.

If it is forced or the result of fear it is merely repression.

And the results will be unwelcome.

But if it is an expression of love then it works for the good of all.

Photo Credit: Shri Vijayadev Yogendra.