Marnia Robinson writes: "Take, for example, the ancient Tibetan Buddhist myth, The Great Stupa. It confirms that passion is indeed the reason for mankind's fallen state, and says there are three paths to liberation:
~the overcoming of passion through renunciation ~the neutralization of passion by pouring all one's energy into selfless service ~the conquering of passion through controlled indulgence. That is, using sex itself in such a way as to transcend passion's treacherous downward suction. It says that the third path is the fastest and most powerful path, although also the easiest one to fall from...until one masters it. The myth, which is very old, predicted there would come a time when the unstable energies produced by increased indulgence in passion would create chaos at both seen and unseen levels across the globe. The first two paths, celibacy and compassionate service to others, would no longer open the door to enlightenment, though they would remain useful spiritual disciplines. Why? Because general unrest would render impossible the necessary degree of inner stillness. Instead, only the third path, balance with a partner, would serve. Apparently a loving relationship, devoted entirely to the goal of transcendence, can create enduring inner peace and stability. In this way, we can reconnect the broken circuit of gender and permanently rise about our built-in sense of lack. By contrast, celibacy still allows gender polarity to create severe longings in many of us, if only for simple loving touch. And I suspect this trait is less a product of moral weakness than a result of the easily inflamed body chemistry that we have bred into ourselves for millennia. These bothersome longings may also mask intense yearnings for reunion with our Source. The silver lining? Many of us are apparently now primed for shared enlightenment should we care to use our urges for a higher end." from Marnia Robinson's Peace Between the Sheets, pg 137-8 Balinese medicine man Ketut from Eat Pray Love: To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8csr68LjUM&feature=relmfu