Question
Are awakening and nirvana one and the same? What place does sexuality have in each? Is sexuality contrary to realizing these states? Does an awakened mind lack sexual desire? Is the sexual act always beautiful in these states? How do you explain a lack of sexual desire in a young man? Thank you.
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
I would say that awakening and nirvana are like a step backward so that a step forward can be taken. Sexuality is only sexuality, just as you have a stomach to digest and a mouth to eat. It is simply functional. If you think about eating during meditation, you are disturbed, but there are meditations specifically focused on sexual energy, the taste of food, or the taste of a good wine. They are specific. As for a lack of sexual desire in a young man, it may be related to hashish use or to being immune to advertising.
Kosen