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mattb23
Australia
99 Posts |
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Bodhi Tree
2972 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 20 2013 : 11:33:56 AM
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Thanks for the link, Matt. I just watched the TED talk on the website about recovering porn addicts, and how addiction can affect brain structure negatively.
Having experienced a few forms of addiction myself, I think I was really attracted and drawn into AYP because of the positive spin on addiction. In the very first lesson, Yogani kind of hints at bhakti being a divine addiction: a craving and a deep desire for more and more of some eternal presence that has qualities of bliss and ecstasy.
For me, it continues to be a path of seduction, as I continually yearn to find ways of getting deeper into the depth of my consciousness, and there is great pleasure the deeper I get. Otherwise, why would I bother? I think God designed the whole paradigm to lure us into a spiral of divine addiction--baiting and tempting us to succumb to the most sublime pleasure possible.
In fact, I think that is the primary goal of life: to find the most sublime pleasure possible. There is nothing more satisfying, gratifying, satiating, and tantalizing than the deep swell of serenity that is beyond physical form, yet plays with and molds that form.
So, porn just creates a low-grade, rush-induced pleasure that doesn't really satisfy the deeper sexual calling to elevate the energy higher up the spine, and beyond the material body, into astral body, causal body, and even further into the undifferentiated state of union in pure bliss consciousness.
Namaste.  |
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mattb23
Australia
99 Posts |
Posted - Oct 20 2013 : 10:39:23 PM
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Cheers mate. I read a couple of your posts when posting the link, and love how you've been able to transmute this base desire into a FIRE for the Divine.
The AYP material, community and results speak for themselves.
I've found, personally speaking, having both a scientific AND spiritual understanding of an issue, makes it soooo much easier to let go of/transcend.
Porn is so pervasive in today's society, especially since the rise of the internet. It's a double edged sword in many respects. We can use it to help us expand our consciousness or to debase ourselves. The choice is in the hands of the individual.
Keep on keeping on brother!
Peace & Love   |
Edited by - mattb23 on Oct 20 2013 11:33:09 PM |
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Radharani
USA
843 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2013 : 9:21:14 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Bodhi Tree
Thanks for the link, Matt. I just watched the TED talk on the website about recovering porn addicts, and how addiction can affect brain structure negatively.
Having experienced a few forms of addiction myself, I think I was really attracted and drawn into AYP because of the positive spin on addiction. In the very first lesson, Yogani kind of hints at bhakti being a divine addiction: a craving and a deep desire for more and more of some eternal presence that has qualities of bliss and ecstasy.
For me, it continues to be a path of seduction, as I continually yearn to find ways of getting deeper into the depth of my consciousness, and there is great pleasure the deeper I get. Otherwise, why would I bother? I think God designed the whole paradigm to lure us into a spiral of divine addiction--baiting and tempting us to succumb to the most sublime pleasure possible.
In fact, I think that is the primary goal of life: to find the most sublime pleasure possible. There is nothing more satisfying, gratifying, satiating, and tantalizing than the deep swell of serenity that is beyond physical form, yet plays with and molds that form.
So, porn just creates a low-grade, rush-induced pleasure that doesn't really satisfy the deeper sexual calling to elevate the energy higher up the spine, and beyond the material body, into astral body, causal body, and even further into the undifferentiated state of union in pure bliss consciousness.
Namaste.
Well said, Bodhi! and it never ceases to amaze me, how the bliss/ecstasy of God is so utterly fulfilling, and yet there is always the desire for more, which is freely given, and it just keeps getting better and better. As Yogani said somewhere (I can't remember which Lesson it is in), "feels like drowning in an abyss of ecstasy." All earthly pleasures pale in comparison. |
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Bodhi Tree
2972 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2013 : 9:57:56 PM
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| Yes! Radharani. Thank you for the affirmation and for continually sharing your experience in a refreshingly transparent way. |
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CarsonZi
Canada
3189 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2013 : 10:04:50 PM
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| That was an awesome article. Thank you very much for sharing. |
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mattb23
Australia
99 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2013 : 11:15:51 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by CarsonZi
That was an awesome article. Thank you very much for sharing.
Peace Brother |
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mr_anderson
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2013 : 09:25:00 AM
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Pretty interesting stuff. Bodhi is totally right. I fortunately haven't an addiction that was totally debilitating, but I've definitely had compulsive, habitual behaviors that left me thinking: Why on earth did I do that?! Afterwards.
No amount of self-discipline or will power could stop them. However, after certain milestones along the path, the behaviors naturally stopped needing only the subtlest of intention on my part.
I've found Samyama a very good medium for bringing up any vasanas/samskaras that are having a detrimental effect on one's overall well-being. Bodhi's point is highly accurate though - it's the way we are wired that we only exchange a lower pleasure/happiness for a better/higher pleasure/happiness.
There are pleasures from fulfilling our every desire like indulgent animals, but once we begin to have constant experience of the perfect peace, joy and bliss of The Self, we see the lower, self-gratifying behaviors for what they are and let them go.
The new ways of acting tend to be more motivated by Joy and Love (which whilst pleasurable are certainly higher pleasures) than desire for pleasure, and so they naturally tend to flow out into our environment and uplift the people around us. Pleasure which is good for everyone : - ) |
Edited by - mr_anderson on Oct 26 2013 09:28:24 AM |
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chinmayo
Finland
67 Posts |
Posted - Oct 28 2013 : 4:04:17 PM
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I can recommend that reboot programme for anyone with ay problems related to sex/porn. I completed the reboot program and since then I've taken a tantric approach to Brahmachariya. Even now after the reboot programme, I'm still off porn, masturbating and orgasm and it feels natural. It seems like I can reroute the energy that was previously released through orgasms to higher purposes like Bhakti and creativity. Moreover, I don't have any unwanted sexual imagery in my mind anymore which makes concentrating on my practise easier :-) Still hasn't made me a superhuman so it ain't a silver bullet but it's a good start for people like me with problems with addictions.
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crazymandrew
USA
121 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2013 : 04:29:03 AM
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I remember in high school, I could notice my anxiety was lower on weeks were I didn't watch pornography. Low dopamine causes anxiety for those who don't know. But I don't think that it was really the main problem. I usually had severe anxiety in high school regardless.
I feel that website might be a little biased. If I went to a beach on a good day in august, there is epic amounts of girls to look at. This doesn't burn out my dopamine at all, usually my sex drive is higher afterward. Why is this different?
Maybe pornography lacks energy. |
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mattb23
Australia
99 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2013 : 10:03:07 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by crazymandrew
I remember in high school, I could notice my anxiety was lower on weeks were I didn't watch pornography. Low dopamine causes anxiety for those who don't know. But I don't think that it was really the main problem. I usually had severe anxiety in high school regardless.
I feel that website might be a little biased. If I went to a beach on a good day in august, there is epic amounts of girls to look at. This doesn't burn out my dopamine at all, usually my sex drive is higher afterward. Why is this different?
Maybe pornography lacks energy.
Cheers mate.
Our actions can only ever reveal the symptoms of a deeper issue. They can't diagnose the cause. This answer lies in the heart of each and every individual.
I think the thing most of us overlook when discussing pornography, or lust in general, is that the man isn't just objectifying the woman, he is objectifying himself, and vice versa.
This objectification is often what's at the heart of our anxieties, because it indicates an unhealthy attachment to our mind-body consciousness.
In other words, we're giving away our power to the impulses of the space suite rather than the Life force that animates it. This leads to all kinds of anxieties/addictions/vices.
That's why sharing sexual intimacy with a lover has a dramatically different affect on our being than merely having a one night stand or indulging in pornography for example. One is an expression of the Heart first and foremost, and the other is an expression of the space suite i.e. at the core it's lifeless.
The science on the linked site (biased or otherwise) supports my own personal observations. If it doesn't support your own simply throw it away and forget about! :-)
Peace & Blessings Brother |
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Jack
United Kingdom
305 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2013 : 5:50:06 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by chinmayo
I can recommend that reboot programme for anyone with ay problems related to sex/porn. I completed the reboot program and since then I've taken a tantric approach to Brahmachariya. Even now after the reboot programme, I'm still off porn, masturbating and orgasm and it feels natural. It seems like I can reroute the energy that was previously released through orgasms to higher purposes like Bhakti and creativity. Moreover, I don't have any unwanted sexual imagery in my mind anymore which makes concentrating on my practise easier :-) Still hasn't made me a superhuman so it ain't a silver bullet but it's a good start for people like me with problems with addictions.
You make the reboot sound easy.. I've been trying for a year with little success.. How oh how did you beat that addiction?! :) |
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ak33
Canada
229 Posts |
Posted - Jun 21 2014 : 12:15:21 AM
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| Thought this was an interesting topic. I've read the site but haven't tried the reboot program. I've suffered from an addiction to masturbation (porn too, but more masturbation), since I was probably 10 or 11. Its probably the biggest obstacle in my life right now, and has affected me socially. Actually I want to ask for help, if you anyone could tell me how they overcame it. I can stop masturbating but the desire does not go away, and forcing myself to stop doesn't feel natural either. I am of course in a steady routine of DM. |
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Dogboy
USA
2207 Posts |
Posted - Jun 21 2014 : 10:50:19 AM
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For a young male like yourself, it's unrealistic to remain masturbation free. Nature's design has the young male animal producing a vast storehouse of sex hormones for procreation so to fight against this reality sets up a downward vortex of and the shame, frustration.
By having a consistent meditation practice, you my friend, are ahead of the curve. Cultivation of the witness allows you reflection and understanding of this 'addiction' and your desire for change. You already have a sense this is a social obstacle; in what way? Is it preventing you from forming friendships or relationships? Is it that you are wasting too much time or energy? Have you coupled this act with other deficiencies in you life?Releasing into the silence, reflecting on your actions, inactions, and reactions may provide with some peace.
AYP and these forums have a treasure trove of information and resources for you, and the tantra lessons will allow you to apply your natural sexual urges and needs toward spiritual ends. I wish I discovered yoga at your age! It would have saved me a lot of grief and wasted time and energy.
Most importantly, rather than seeing obstacles, see opportunities. You are in a good position with yoga to accomplish anything you truly desire. It all starts with love for yourself and others. |
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kriyaboy
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - Jun 21 2014 : 11:57:12 AM
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quote:
Thought this was an interesting topic. I've read the site but haven't tried the reboot program. I've suffered from an addiction to masturbation (porn too, but more masturbation), since I was probably 10 or 11. Its probably the biggest obstacle in my life right now, and has affected me socially.
It sounds like you are being a bit hard on yourself, ak33. You are young, be grateful for the strength of your sexual energy. Work to transform it, not suppress it. Since you have a steady routine of meditation, try to bring some of that awareness into your sexual experiences. Use them to deepen your physical self-awareness rather than being focused on the goal of relieving sexual tension.
You might also find it helpful to start the spinal breathing practice if it not currently a part of your practice. |
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ak33
Canada
229 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2014 : 1:34:15 PM
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I appreciate the replies guys. Dogboy, yes to a certain extent I have problems forming relationships with the opposite sex, that's my main concern. For example, if I'm talking to an attractive girl, I immediately get lustful thoughts and it makes me uncomfortable and I can't be "myself". Can't be in the present moment. It doesn't take up much time, as I only masturbate twice or thrice a week. Its not the frequency, its the feelings of shame I feel afterwards. I even feel a gripping fear the next morning. Perhaps I've made too much of a mental soup about this whole thing.
kriyaboy, I have added SPB recently. How would I transform this energy? Or should I just let my practices to their thing.
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Dogboy
USA
2207 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2014 : 5:16:50 PM
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| Ah, the mind and it's power to lead you around on its leash! To drive you wild with fantasy then tear you down with shame. The next time you feel attraction like that see if you can catch your thoughts in the act. Smile at the girl and at the trick your mind is playing. Imagine the attraction as a vapor and draw it in and up, and then let it go. Dismiss it. Do the same whenever shame breaks over you like a wave. You are not your thoughts. Have no expectations about your conversation with her. Enjoy the moment and release that too! |
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kriyaboy
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2014 : 10:43:21 AM
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Sexual desire, the attraction to others and the need to release sexual tension is a normal, natural feature of being human, ak33. It is not something that warrants shame. We live in a culture that has confusing messages about sexual desire given that so many religions cast sexual desire as sinful and at the same time popular media tends to over-glamorize it.
What I find refreshing in the AYP writings is an honest assessment of sexual desire. No where will you find any condemnation, only the potential to also use it a vehicle for self transformation.
By becoming more comfortable with ourselves and our own desires, it becomes easier to be comfortable with others. There is nothing wrong with telling someone that you find them attractive as long as you are sincere. Most of us enjoy knowing that others find us attractive. By expressing it, it may get it off your mind some and help you relax.
It is great that you have started SBP. At some point you may want to add mulabanda. Eventually some of the energy will begin to be drawn upward. But don't look to spiritual practices as a way to eliminate sexual feelings. |
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Dogboy
USA
2207 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2014 : 2:18:19 PM
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| Amen! |
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ak33
Canada
229 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2014 : 3:40:58 PM
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Thanks guys  |
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Your Brain On Porn (the science)
