The Era of the Erotic: Understanding Epochal Change through Tantra and Christianity

John R. Dupuche

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Chapter 11 The Era of the Erotic

Understanding Epochal Change through Tantra and Christianity

In: Sexuality and Eroticism in a Post-pandemic World

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John R. Dupuche

John R. Dupuche
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 363–392

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004549388_013

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is only one of the many pandemics that have led to a profound change. This chapter surveys not only the problems that arise in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, such as confinement, lockdown, isolation, fear, boredom, or income-loss, but also the issues of which the pandemic is the symptom: environmental degradation, population growth and the place of human sexuality. To help respond to these matters, this chapter first reviews the shifting attitudes towards eros and then draws on two contrasting religious traditions: the Tantra of Kashmir Shaivism and Christianity. Tantra proposes the paradoxical interplay of pleasure and asceticism, horror and eroticism, an interplay which leads to the highest form of consciousness and bliss. This chapter also draws on elements within Christianity that are traditional but have not been highlighted. It is explained how inner strengths can lead to unimaginably intense pleasures, and how the interplay of life and death is in fact highly erotic. Finally, seven present-day issues and their possible solutions are examined. In this manner, these two traditions, as expounded in this chapter, show the way forward to an epochal change and enable the forms required for this process to take place successfully.

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Sexuality and Eroticism in a Post-pandemic World

Beyond the Biopolitics of the New Normal

Series: Critical Studies Online, Volume: 42 and Critical Studies, Volume: 42

Cover Sexuality and Eroticism in a Post-pandemic World

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004549388

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 11 Sep 2023

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Front Matter

Part 1 Beyond Repression: Defying the Moral Codes of 21st Century Authoritarianism

Part 2 Beyond Sex: Embodying Pleasure and Sexuality in Times of Social Distancing

Part 3 Beyond Gender: Challenging Patriarchal and Heteronormative Sex Education through Alternative Pornography

Part 4 Beyond the Senses: Immersing into Self-Exploration through Visual and Plastic Arts

Part 5 Beyond the Ego: Embracing the Spiritual Possibilities of Desire

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Chapter 11 The Era of the Erotic

Understanding Epochal Change through Tantra and Christianity

Abstract

Citation Info

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Sexuality and Eroticism in a Post-pandemic World

Beyond the Biopolitics of the New Normal

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