Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Once the house is in order, where do I go from there?

Perhaps it is a good idea to begin clearing out things that may obstruct your aim. Maybe employing the reverse vector as Rose puts it and begin a retreat from untruths in your life. Things that you know already to be getting in your way. Things that clutter up both your physical surroundings as well as those in your inner house. Things like habits and addictions that need to be addressed. Often your material surroundings can be a reflection of what is going on in your inner life. Look for dead end patterns, energy leaks. Examine your sex life. This is the center of our energy force and the point of greatest disipation and energy loss. Rose recommends celibacy, a daunting term that is fraught with misunderstanding and heavy religious overtones where it may be as simple as conserving energy and lifeforce and allowing one to gain mental clarity and intuition. Celibacy is not merely refraining from intercourse, but refraining from all sexual activity in thought and action. This is a topic that warrants a thread of discussion all its own and is at the core of Rose's principles and many others throughout the centuries. Keep in mind, those who scoff at the practice, haven't given it much of a chance.

1 comment:

PyramidZen Admin said...

Regarding pilara's inquiry regarding celibacy. You are on the right track in that true celibacy is simply no sex, turning away from thoughts of sex etc. ; however, many of us have families and committed relationships which make celibacy impractical over a long period of time unless both parties are agreeable. Rose recommended vacations from sex for the period necessary to accomplish a spiritual or other goal, for lack of a better term. I never heard him recommend disolving a committed relationship such as a marriage, or doing anything that would compromise the integrity of the relationship. At the same time this doesn't mean that anything goes in the relationship. There is sane sex, and there is also time to abstain from sex for periods of time within a marriage.

Celibacy is a tricky thing. If not managed properly, it can turn in on itself and can result in a variety of abberations ranging from isolation to tremendous anger, or repressed issues. A careful approach to this practice cannot be emphasized enough.

Rose recommended celibacy in a very individualized manner, and knew that it wasn't for everyone. That is not to take away from the importance of its practice, or to give license for compromising a committement, but to make it possible to approach a celibate lifestyle, while still living in the world.

I hope this at least gives a brief overview of the topic of celibacy. It is a powerful practice if done properly, but can be very destructive if not monitored.