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Don Matesz <[log in to unmask]>

>On Thu, 5 Aug 1999 13:55:15 -0400, Midas Gold <[log in to unmask] wtote
>Re: Spirituality and Carnivory:
>
>Be careful, though - there are clear-cut exceptions to this.  This
>self-denial view of spirituality is not shared by all so-called
>"agri-cultural" traditions.  Some do believe that being spiritual does
>not necessitate denial of one's "animal" drives.  In fact, quite the
>opposite is true; they view physical drives (when used properly) as a
>means of attaining greater spirituality, not less.

I assume you are talking about such stuff as Tantra, wherein the devotee
uses" sex to "attain greater spirituality."  First, those are definitely the
exceptions, not the rule.  Further, since they are inversions of the rule,
they are just the rule in just another form.   According to the rule, you
attain salvation by denying self; according to the exceptions, you attain
salvation by indulging self.   So one asks you to deny your sexuality, the
other to twist it into a "spiritual" discipline.  Both paths result in a
dysfunctional attitude toward sex.  Isn't it sad that we spoil Nature by
making some part of it something to be "used properly" to "attain greater
spirituality"?

Just like urinating, sex is a natural function, not something to be "used"
for "salvation."  Where are the "spiritual" traditions that teach urination
can be "used properly" to achieve salvation?

My point is this:   The common feature of all agri-cultural "spiritual"
traditions is the idea that you NEED "salvation" and you must go against
your Nature to attain it.  The whole problem is this:  Agri-culture teaches
us that we are not OK, we are "fallen" and "not spiritual enough" so we have
to do something unusual. or turn something natural into something unusual,
to be "saved".

Paleo culture accepted man as he is, just as we accept the lions and orynx
and monkey.   Those animals don't need spiritual "salvation".  They are OK
just as Nature made them.  So why does man need "salvation"?  He doesn't;
the whole idea is an agri-cultural hoax.  Man is  not "fallen", he's not
"imperfect."   Man is just another animal,  OK just as Nature made him.
Once we accept that, and stop viewing our selves as "fallen" or imperfect,
and sto ptrying to "fix" ourselves, we start to make some progress.


Don