Question asked by jason
i have high levels of testosterone as such this come with extreme sexual desire. I have tried many meditations and dharmas but noting seems to work. Recently i have been given the opportunity to get the vajrayogini and heruka empowerments but i am worried that i may not be able to hold the vows due to sexual desire, therefore i don't know if i should get it.
Dear Jason,
Thank you for your question about this opportunity you have been presented with. Buddhist practice deals with the mind, therefore the practices within it seek to curb various mental states that are damaging to oneself, and this includes sexual desire. You have mentioned that you have tried many meditations in the past to help with this, could you explain a little more about those that you have tried, for how long did you practice, and if they had any affects or not? This can give an indication if you should continue with these practices or try other methods.
As for the Vajrayogini and Heruka empowerments, they are of the Highest Yoga Tantra class and therefore are very serious practices that have tremendous benefit on one’s spiritual path if practiced sincerely and properly. The vows and commitments are an integral part of this. In preparation for this you should contact either the centre or the Guru that will be bestowing the empowerment and ask about the various commitments that one needs to keep after receiving this.
Once knowing what this would entail, if you have serious doubts as to whether or not you can sincerely hold these vows, it would be better to train yourself to be able to keep these vows and commitments rather than taking the empowerments and then breaking your vows. You can read and study the Lam Rim, or Stages on the Path to Enlightenment, teachings to prepare yourself for higher empowerments. The best method however would be to consult your Guru or teacher and discuss with them your current situation, and if the empowerment you have been given the opportunity to attend are suitable for you at this moment in time. If it is not, then the path for you would be to train yourself until you are ready to receive the empowerment in the future. I hope this helps you on your spiritual path and please do feel free to ask more.
Thank you.