The Red Thread of Passion: Spirituality and the Paradox of Sex
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3.75 · Rating details · 32 ratings · 6 reviews
Is sex an enemy that must be subdued before spiritual practice can happen, or is it a powerful creative force and a vehicle of enlightenment? There may be no completely satisfying answer—though the question has engendered discussion for centuries. David Guy's contribution takes the form of a personal exploration of the place of sex in his own life and meditation practice, as well as in the lives and work of figures he has come to regard as pioneers on the boundaries of sex and spirituality: Walt Whitman, D. H. Lawrence, Alan Watts, and the erotic writer Marco Vassi among them. It also includes accounts of his pilgrimages to contemporary theorists, activists, and sex workers.
From poets to prostitutes, everyone has something to say, even though the reconciliation of sex and spirituality may always remain something of a paradox—as expressed in the Zen koan from which the title is taken: "Why is it that the most clear-eyed monk cannot sever the red thread of passion between his legs?" David Guy's answer is this honest and compelling exploration of the nature of desire. (less)
From poets to prostitutes, everyone has something to say, even though the reconciliation of sex and spirituality may always remain something of a paradox—as expressed in the Zen koan from which the title is taken: "Why is it that the most clear-eyed monk cannot sever the red thread of passion between his legs?" David Guy's answer is this honest and compelling exploration of the nature of desire. (less)
Hardcover, 260 pages
Published April 20th 1999 by Shambhala
| Review of | ISBN 9781570623592 | |
| Rating | ||
| Shelves | to-read ( 1555th ) | |
| Format | Hardcover edit | |
| Status | June 1, 2022 – Shelved as: to-read June 1, 2022 – Shelved | |
| Review | Write a review | |
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Jul 09, 2013Josh Rollins rated it really liked it
I'd probably toss this book away into the pile of "meh" at many other periods in my life, but somehow, it found me just at the right moment.
Guy is very much into Zen and Buddhism, but he doesn't try to convince you his way is the best, as many other books about sex and spirituality would. As a matter of fact, he was one of the few people who admitted to be confused and unsure of themselves at the moment where everyone else around me - besides me - were pretty damn sure about themselves.
So peop ...more
Guy is very much into Zen and Buddhism, but he doesn't try to convince you his way is the best, as many other books about sex and spirituality would. As a matter of fact, he was one of the few people who admitted to be confused and unsure of themselves at the moment where everyone else around me - besides me - were pretty damn sure about themselves.
So peop ...more
A more accurate title would have been "A Writer Obsesses about Sex by Admiring Other Highly Sexed Writers, Then Concludes There Are No Conclusions." There are a few insights mixed with a lot of cloudy (and explicit) enthusiasm. (less)
Jul 25, 2008John added it
This is the book I want my students in Sexuality and Spirituality to read.. on their own.
Sep 15, 2012Sarah rated it it was amazing
So far this book has proven to be an eye opener. I have been fascinated with the topic of men writing about sex ever since I started reading Marco Vassi. David Guy not only goes there, he stays there to contemplate and observe for the rest of us. I will post a full review when I am finished. I am pretty sure already that this will be another book I give to everyone and their brother, it is that important.
Dec 30, 2013Judy Lindow marked it as to-read
This book was 2.00 in the discounted books at my local 2nd hand book store. Um. Shambhala press? Read a page. Must be here for a reason. 2 weeks later. Still here. Must be here for me. Brought the book home and started reading about Marco Vassi. Um. Will write a review later.
Not porn - not romance - sounds like an unusual find.
Not porn - not romance - sounds like an unusual find.
Apr 07, 2013E Jeanne Harnois rated it really liked it
A thoughtful discussion on sex from a male perspective that's longer than one sentence and isn't porn. Who knew!?! The "book" on sex I can imagine a guy writing: "Sex is good...oh wait, the game's on." (less)
