Maybe read the whole tread, some things have already been addressed and nuanced,
Yes, I see now you had apologised and backtracked somewhat from your initial response.
I wouldn't call my response combative however, but rarher you will always get a firm response if you make assumptions as though they are true.
On the links with political ideology and the manosphere, just google, abstinence and manosphere, you will find a plethora of articles explaining how these things are actually related and why they’re not really a healthy thing, either physically or mentally.
Sexual abstinance and reducing masturbation are thousands of years old. As has been mentioned, I dont think we need to be referencing any modern political ideologies to address this and certainly not as the first association. I'll pass thanks.
Another absolute that you seem to be pushing is that porn is some kind of evil.
It depends on your metaphysical world view how 'evil' porn and sensuality in general can be seen as. I wouldn't call it evil, more an expression of a base urge that should be controlled to access higher levels of reality.
Undoubtedly there is a dark and exploitative element. But there are also a variety of depictions of the naked human form and sexual acts that are truly beautiful and legitimately victimless. Why should a person feel less than whole for enjoying such imagery?
While there is some relatively harmless pornographic depictions, there is a very significant proportion that is unethical, violent and degrading. There is also widespread research that the intensity and variety of porn use increases over time, so one is more likely to come into contact with such type of material over time in order to maintain the novelty factor and intensity of arousal.
Why is why I stand by what I said earlier : somehow equating abstinence from masturbation with 'misogyny', while equating masturbation - which frequently accompanies porn use which is often the pinnacle of misogyny, - with a healthy attitude to sex, is one of the most bizaare statements I have come across.
It can be tricky for people to understand this. I think it often brings up images of Christians using a cat o' nine tails whip to punish themselves for impure thoughts, or perhaps the current political landscape where some people hold a certain amount of resentment towards women. I'm guessing most masturbation-abstinence objectors aren't factoring in the effects that wasteful semen loss (or the female equivalent) can have on a person who's able to tap authentic mystical states, considering that's a pretty rare variable to even consider.
I agree, it probably triggers a reflex against associations of puritanicalism. Sadly, the baby got thrown out with the bathwater on that one as the purity of ones thought and actions is key to spiritual development.
I can't sit here and list the exact mechanism behind it, but it causes a decrease in the quality and strength of attention, which then lessens the depth of higher states. All the esoteric spiritual traditions knew it because they routinely dabbled in these kinds of practices, so it became obvious and undeniable.
Yes, we are not reinventing the wheel with this.
So in my opinion, it's probably not a worthwhile battle to wage. People are going to believe what they want based on their own experiences. It's the same for all of us. In a different world, the roles could have just as easily been reversed, with us being the objector and labeling them as misogynistic pigs lol.
Agreed. I have said all I think needs to be said on this.
For those who masturbate and use porn, I have been there myself so in no means am judging and it possibly can be done in a relatively healthy way but, much easier if done without the porn I would say. I encountered one girl once who condidered porn use as "the lowest form of cheating" so there's that as well.
As to abstinence - its a road much less easily travelled but many of my peak experiences on LSD and DMT have been more or less directing me toward this more and more which is in alignment with the esoteric paths so I am basing my views not just on this but what the experience is showing me.
) if I stayed asexual for too long.
