Tantra and related to why I dislike strawmen

[Cyan]

Warning: some strong language is present but i doubt anyone would be ruffled about but will post warning here anyway.

This is something I came across on the "tantra" facebook wall:

Tantra
‎"Sex is for pleasure, a complete and worthwhile goal in and of itself. People have sex because it feels very good, and then they feel good about themselves. So we are proud to reclaim the word “slut” as a term of approval, even endearment. To us, a slut is a person of any gender who has the courage to lead life according to the radical proposition that sex is nice and pleasure is good for you. "

Dossie Easton

What I answered on my own wall I'll post here as well and ask for opinions:

I find myself disagreeing with these Tantric people quite a lot. I mean yes sex is good to have for pleasure. But you fail to see that all of existence is for pleasure, so is not having sex. Slut is a term used by those who lack many sex partners for those with many sex partners, if it hurts when someone says you are one, needing to defend yourself from it, its interesting to me, as an observer that Tantras posts are about "the word slut". Think about it. I think India has had quite enough sex and could do with a bit more of not having sex and, having of the radical notion that taking care of what you produce by having sex is a pleasure. Instead of dumping it on the streets and letting it run wild. I suppose thats a "crude" metaphor for many who seem to think that the highest form of Tantra is to sleep with everyone. Its not, the highest form of tantra is to embody the concept of love/sex/unity/pleasure where ever you go, what ever you do, and if sex is what you do then sex is what you do, but the concept of "the pelasure in all things" is what tantra is about. Thats why its not just "tantric sex" or "tantric love" its just as much "tantric taking out the trash" and "tantric taking care of the children" thats why. Despite my deep like for the tantric practices and the concept of sex as no sex and the transfer of energies. I find that most men and women who embody the earthly version of Tantra are simply using it to "justify being a slut" as if it required justification, positive or negative. If you are a slut you are a slut, no defence required as no offence is meant. If you find it offensive and need to defend, perhaps you have mistaken what tantra is really about. IT is not about being a slut or not being a slut, it is about doing all actions in the knowledge that they are pleasure made manifest through your own thoughts. Thats the problem i have with "tantric sluts". You use tantra as a way of hiding from your own "slut" nature, despite having no need to hide from it as you are perfect with or without your slut nature. Do you find this interesting? =)

Is my logic in this wildly wrong or ....?

[Karl]

I found it an enjoyable read. I'm sure they'll disagree and rant in response though.

[Patrick]

Since I like to keep it simple. In summary I would say: Sex is good.

[GentleReckoning]

You could remind them that this logos gives us a predisposition towards monogamous relationships as it allows more opportunity for growth through continued catalyst. Also promiscuity, bisexuality, and even unisexuality is more a thing of the past as it provides much less catalyst and thus, less growth.

[Unbound]

This touches upon the classic idea of "freedom of behaviour" as being the basis for cognitive freedom. The idea of being able to take and give pleasure in every moment is seen as an ideal of freedom because it is rationalized as being released from "limitation". However, such is a limitation is only so if one makes it, and the idea that one can engage in more pleasure by being a "slut" is patently false. Some of my most powerful moments of pleasure, particular in sex, have always been through a genuine, loving connection, and had little to do with the physical stimulation itself.

It would also be good to note that there is a huge misconception that "tantra = spiritual sex", this IS NOT WHAT TANTRA IS. Tantra is a principle which is used WITH sex, tantra itself is a spiritual practice which can be used for sex or not.

Tantras becoming especially meaningful when they are put along-side the Sutras. In a buddhist way of thought, the Sutras very much deal with renunciation, and world-denying, whereas tantra is about embracing and world-accepting. The former is done as a way to purify onself of the lower desires, the latter is also done for this, but this is more about a transmutation, taking the raw experience and using it as a purification process by releasing desires as they are experienced.

Also, there is the fact that in many Tantric practices the goal is not pleasure, but INTIMACY, there is no objective of orgasm, but an objective of CONNECTION and embracing in love.

The "tantra" that seems to be described here sounds more like hedonism!

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To me, the balance between the Sutras and the Tantras are there to achieve a balanced sense of give and take within the world. Then there is Dzogchen which is meant to hit at the core of the being as being energy and consciousness.