________________
Vol. XVIII, No. 4
147
quasi-passion (no-kasāya) which is the result of the rise and fruition of a sub-species of the conduct-deluding (charitra-mohanīya) karman. It is manifested in the form of a wave in the subtlemost body (kärmana śarira) and is called adhyavasāya. It radiates towards the gross physical body. It is tinged with and energized by one of the three malevolent psychic colours (leśyās) depending upon the intensity of the fruition. This is the most subtle aspect of sex which is known in modern psychology by the term 'libido' (kāma-vāsanā). The impulsive forces are extremely potent and very difficult to subjugate unless one knows its modus operandi. 2. The Mental Level
When the wave of sex-impulse enters the gross physical body, it interacts with the endocrine system. Its wave-energy is then transformed into gonadotrophic hormone which is secreted by the pituitary gland and which stimulates the gonads or sex-glands of the person. The sex-glands, thus stimulated, begin to secrete and distribute sexhormones, which, in turn, interact with the brain and the nervous system. The subtle impulsive force of the sex-impulse has now been converted into a mental or psychological force commonly called desire. This is the second or middle level i.e., käma-ichchhā. Thus the sex impulse is the forerunner of the desire for sex. 3. The Physiological Level
The compulsive force of the desire for sex, not only generates feeling but also commands appropriate (physical) action to satisfy the need. The sex-hormones released by the sex-glands now stimulate and activate the physical sex-organs. The physiological symptoms of the sexual excitement then manifest themselves in these organs-ercction in the males and increased vaginal discharge in the females--and if the environmental conditions are favourable, sexual intercourse takes place. The sexual act. thus, is the third level of sex. (See diagram at the end of the article.) Process of Victory over Sex
Let us now consider the process of countermanding the sexual desire as counselled by the scripture. In the first place, though the sex drive is possessed by all living organisms, the question of countermanding it, is applicable only in the case of humans. All other sub-human animals would just act out the ritual of courtship and mating. Man alone has the ability to control his response to the insistence of the sexual desire. Thus, countermanding the sexual desire means abstaining from succumbing to its insistence and refraining from taking physical action. And this is not an easy exercise.
