As a teacher, I am asked all kinds of questions about the practices of yoga.
Sometimes they are obvious ones that range from “How long will it take to master a posture?”
to “Does it ever get easy?”
Is this okay?"
This question was regarding the practice of thebackbendsof yoga because they can arouse sexual feelings.
Onechakrais that of the genitals and procreation (svadhisthana).
So, yes, it does happen, it is normal and you are not alone.
One example I knew of and an extreme was of a student who started obsessively practising backbends.
Over time their energy field was aroused beyond a ‘normal’ range.
This caused a lot of harm both to their body, mind and nervous system.
It also ruined their practice.
In other words, you just dont do whatever you feel like.
There is a specific order to the postures.
Most systems of yoga do not lead with backbends but are practiced near the end.
The question and concern about feeling aroused by the postures brings light on what exactly is the students practice.
Is there a specific system being practiced?
Are the breaths counted?
Is the sequence irregular?
Is it practiced without any continuity?
Is it balanced with inversions, rest, twists and forward bends?
Taking a look at some of these areas can help redirect ones energies and balance the practice.
Having sexual feelings during the practice is not wrong.
It is about learning how to channel the energy.
Saying it is wrong is like saying having sex is wrong.Sexual energyis huge and around us all the time.
Even the plants and flowers experience it.
Channelling Sexual Energy
We need to accept the arousal and discover ways to channel it.
Many of the teachings have been misunderstood in terms of renouncing our physical desires.
When the Buddha talked about letting go of attachment he did not mean go home and throw everything out.
An external gesture may not induce an inner change.
It is either being high on sexual energy orspent.
The yogic lifestyle is to learn to ride the waves and keep the energy moving upward.
Everyone can learn from such an open and gutsy question including the teacher.
