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Drawing
of goddess Chinnamasta, seated on a modern couple making
love. This is a glyph of the released kundalini energy
feeding the three main channels of the subtle body.
She has severed her own head symbolizing that this energy,
by an act of self willed transcendence, flows beyond
ego, beyond life-death duality. Page 139, 'Sexual Secrets.
'Sexual Secrets' was initiated when Nik and I were on
a visit to New York. We were both seeing friends we
hadn't seen for a while and during dinner at a Soho
Restaurant, we were discussing the state of affairs
of the new sexual liberation. 'The Joy of Sex' had been
enthusiastically received and people were beginning
to experience new realms of sexual freedom and experimentation.
But we saw a lot of relationships in turmoil because
there were no real guidelines in the new-found freedom.
Nik and I were discussing how the teaching of Tantra
offered just the kind of help needed - a frame of reference
for the erotic arena that was not bound by guilt and
shame, but saw flesh and spirit as a sacred entity.
After the meal, a man stepped across from the next table
saying, "I hope you don't mind me coming over, but I
couldn't help overhearing what you were saying and I
think it would make a wonderful subject for a book for
my young partner who is just starting a publishing company."
His name was Donald Weiser of Weiser Bookshop (large
esoteric book store in New York). The young man was
Ehud Sperling of Destiny Books / Inner Traditions.
My
role in the project was very much as an interface between
the knowledge Nik had of Tantric mysticism and the public
at large. Nik felt that many of these esoteric secrets
related to sexuality were for initiates only and that
it would be dangerous to make them widely available.
I disagreed, I felt that what were ancient secrets now
needed to come to light to assist in the speedy evolution
required by the times. Tantra is called 'the short but
dangerous path,' but I felt that the secrets had their
own inner source of protection and that people would
absorb only that for which they were ready…Also I had
personally received so much in the confirmation of my
own inner knowing by having the reflection of this spiritual
system to validate my own perceptions. I wanted to share
this with others. In terms of the writing, we conceived
the structure of the book and came up with the section
headings. Then I would write everything I thought, knew
or felt on the subject, in a 'stream of consciousness'
fashion. I would give my notes to Nik, who incorporated
them into his text. I spent the rest of my time with
the illustrations… a labor of love.
"An
intriguingly illustrated and thoroughly researched collage
designed to enhance sexual consciousness. A valuable
guide, at once practical and metaphysical." New Age
Magazine, 1980.
"The authors have the admirable ability to translate
the theoretical into understandable practical explanations
and description. Their tone is exactly right." Sexology
Today, Oct. 1980.
"Monumentally
researched, comprehensively detailed and profusely illustrated.
No doubt about it, 'Sexual Secrets' is a timely, well-rounded
masterpiece. This reviewer's reaction can be summed
up in two words; Buy it!" Yoga Journal, 1980.
"A
once in a lifetime book. No amount of description is
going to do for you what this book will." Hustler Magazine,
1980.
"The sex book of this year, and one which will be passed
around for years to come, is 'Sexual Secrets'". Penthouse,
1980.
"It is clearly written and lavishly illustrated compilation.
It serves a valuable function in restoring to sexuality
its inherent spiritual dignity and playful seriousness."
Forum, 1980.
"'Sexual Secrets' is the most thorough work ever published
on Tantra." Hi Life, 1980. "This is sex as a spiritual
art form." Gallery, 1980.
"A bible, if you will, of Tantric sexual practices in
the Oriental and Indian tradition. 'Sexual Secrets'
should be an integral part of your book collection on
sexuality. Years from now, this book will be described
as the turning point in Western sexual practices." Celeb,
1981.
"No single book has as important an impact on the sexual
imagination as Nik Douglas' and Penny Slinger's 'Sexual
Secrets'. It is a joyful celebration of all aspects
of human sexuality. At the same time it is an important
spiritual document. 'Sexual Secrets' cannot be praised
enough. It will open doors to pleasure and understanding
for thousands. The authors have fulfilled their intended
mission." Llewellyn's Review, 1981.
"A
most remarkable presentation of the mystic sexual tradition
called Tantra. Its wonders are far too abundant to adequately
describe here…our best recommendation is that this book
broadened our view of sexual experience." Playboy, Jan
1981.
For out of print copies of original edition of 'Sexual
Secrets' or the 20th anniversary edition, click
here.
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