Freedom from Sex Desire through Kṛṣṇa Consciousness

In the material atmosphere, the overwhelming force that drives the activities of the conditioned soul is sex desire. This article explores the philosophical understanding that the entire material existence is founded upon this principle, which binds the living entity to the cycle of transmigration. While modern civilization often encourages the unbridled satisfaction of these urges, the Vedic perspective offers a path of regulation and ultimate transcendence through the process of devotional service.

Binding Force of Material Existence

Śrīla Prabhupāda identifies sex desire as the defining characteristic of material life, distinct from spiritual existence. It is this specific hankering that obliges the soul to accept a material body, and as long as this desire remains, the cycle of birth and death continues without cessation.

• As long as one has desires for sex, one must change his body and transmigrate from one body to another to enjoy sex in different species or forms. But although the forms may differ, the business of sex is the same.
• The material means sex desire. That's all. The woman is hunting after man, and the man is hunting after woman. Either in human society or bird society or beast society or dog society or cat society, the principle is sex.
• The whole material existence has sprung up because of sense gratification, desires based principally on the sex desire.

A Universal Struggle

The agitation caused by sex desire is not limited to human society; it is a universal phenomenon that tests even the most advanced beings. The quotes illustrate that without the protection of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, even great sages and demigods can fall victim to the powerful waves of lust, which are particularly strong during youth and certain seasonal changes.

• Everyone, without exception, is attracted by the illusory energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The demigods, human beings, animals, birds, beasts, trees and plants are all attracted by sexual desire.
• Kasyapa Muni was greatly learned and enlightened, and he knew all the rules and regulations of systematic life, yet he failed to protect himself from the attack of sex desire.
• As soon as one is grown up, reaching youthful time, the sex desire is very strong, very strong.

Role of Marriage and Regulation

Recognizing the difficulty of controlling this formidable force, the Vedic culture prescribes marriage not for indulgence, but as a concession for regulation. A responsible life in the gṛhastha-āśrama allows one to satisfy these desires within a religious context, preventing the degradation of illicit sex and gradually training the mind for renunciation.

• Marriage is a concession for a person who cannot control his sex desires. Of course it is a difficult job for the boys in this country because they have free access to intermingling with the girls.
• If one thinks, "I cannot protect myself from the attack of sex desire," then let him be married. That is prescribed. But don't have illicit sex. If you want a girl, if you want a boy, get married and live in Krsna consciousness.
• It is the duty of the father to get his daughter married before she attains puberty. Otherwise she will be very much mortified by not having a husband. Anyone who satisfies her desire for sex at that age becomes a great object of satisfaction.

Transcending through the Higher Taste

Ultimately, the cessation of sex desire cannot be achieved by artificial repression alone; it requires a superior engagement. Through bhakti-yoga and the development of intense love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the devotee experiences a spiritual satisfaction that makes material sex life appear insignificant and abominable, as famously confirmed by the great ācārya Yamunācārya.

• Sexual desire can be stopped only when one is fully Krsna conscious, and not otherwise.
• Yamunacarya even says that he spits on such desires (sex desires). Bhagavad-gita (BG 2.59) also confirms: param drstva nivartate.
• If you eat, you will feel satisfied. Your hunger will be satisfied. You will be getting strength. Similarly, when you'll no longer be attracted by this sex desire, then you should understand that, "I am now making progress in Krsna Consciousness." This is the test.

Conclusion

The teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda clarify that sex desire is the root cause of material bondage, keeping the living entity entrapped in the cycle of repeated birth and death. While this force is universally powerful, affecting even the most learned sages and demigods, it can be regulated through civilized family life and ultimately conquered through Kṛṣṇa consciousness. By developing a higher taste for spiritual pleasure, a devotee naturally transcends the hankering for material sense gratification, achieving the freedom necessary to return home, back to Godhead.

Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Sex Desire. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.