Lust for Enlightenment: Buddhism and Sex

Buddhism has, over the centuries, responded to the demands of the basic life forms in a variety of fascinating ways sometimes suppressing the sexual urge, sometimes sublimating it, sometimes cultivating it and, on the highest levels, sometines transforming it. This book reveals how Buddhists, beginning with Shakyamuni Buddha himself, relate to the inner fire that drives mankind. Included are chapters on the Buddha’s love life before enlightenment and his later relationships with women, the tantric approach to sex among Buddhists of ancient India, China, and Japan, Zen in the art of love and a positive discussion of women and Buddhism.