The sexual, the sensual, and the sensory systems

What are we to make of naked yoga? Is it simply an opportunity to undress one’s appearance and bask in the purity of the body? Or should it be considered to be a sexual experience, that ends in, what is sometimes metaphorically called “self love” or “reaching the climax”, etc? Since beginning my practice in natural yoga, I have been clear in my intent that this is a yoga practice and not a sex based intercourse experience. It can be challenging at times, when one believes that they are being clear to the prospective students, only to find out that they were expecting a different outcome. Accompanying this, is the constant requests to watch me masturbate. 

I can hardly blame men who desire this type of interaction. Many who are lonely and find it hard to attract a mate, even a one night stand. And those who actually value the interplay between the body and sexual drive. I have had teachers who explicitly state to tap into the sexual energy and channel it up through the chakras, a practice that I include for my students, as well. When not tapping directly into the physiological systems, and just working with the anatomy, it too has the potential to drive up an erection. Combined with being naked with other men, whether it be a group or one on one, desires for sexual contact grow.

Is it fair then, to deny the students the sexual release built up? Bramacharya apparently means to maintain celibacy in some interpretation, chastity in others. While the tantric seeks to embody the sensations. Although, it is said that there is confusion that tantric is solely about sex. Something that is amplified in men’s naked yoga. The word tantric seems to automatically imply a sexual experience. Something I learned quickly, and removed from my bio description. 

Men’s naked yoga appears to border upon sexual therapy. If we equate the yoga instructor to a therapist, is it appropriate for them to be having sex with their clients or students? Instructing the class in group masturbation may be acceptable while not participating themselves. Another point of contention would be the inclusion of marijuana, would it not be best for the teacher to abstain to ensure the safety of the participants? Marijuana does in fact have psychotropic effects. So are we now to be considered pharmacists doling out medications? Along these lines, there has been long discussion about formalizing the term yoga instructor to be regulated. But I digress…

Men’s naked yoga works with the body, in nudity. It is sexual by nature, as being naked around other men suggests the potential of engaging physical with one another in an erotic manner. It is sensual in both the energetic manner, use of breath and mental focus on the chakras, to intentionally stimulate sexual energy and drive it throughout the body. Combined with the anatomical actions- engaging the mule banda, hip circles, cat cow, down dog, frog, r a host of other positions that are reminiscent of sexual activity, are bound to drive the instinctual body to stimulate an erection. this is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is well known that yoga stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which in turn helps one have an erection.

So, the body and sensory systems are meant to stimulated in a class, but what you do with that stimulation is what matters. For myself, I will continue to teach to drive the sexual energy throughout the body, while teaching to develop the witness observer. Rather than to be lost in the sensations, be fully aware of the them. I do not use drugs in my class structure, but to be clear, I am not necessarily agains this. I also do not instruct sexual or “tantric” practices either. Another practice I am not against. I do know though that there are many who do not wish to be involved in this either. A great piece of advice was given to me, to allow the students to carry on how they see fit, after you leave the room. The room willing, of course. With the seat of the teacher comes great responsibility. The air of authority can mislead or even manipulate those in the position of student. This may be fantastical for role play; unless clearly defined, it may be detrimental to another’s mental wellbeing.