Tantra of the Tachikawa Ryu: Secret Sex Teachings of the Buddha

by John Stevens

The Tachikawa Ryu is a legendary secret Buddhist sect that taught: “The highest spiritual attainments are best achieved through the physical act of sex.” The sect was banished in Japan and went underground hundreds of years ago, but many believe that it is still active. Scholar John Stevens provides–based on actual events, hidden texts, and authentic Tantric tradition—the first explication in English of Tachikawa Ryu teachings, in the form of a symbolic narrative about the young Shingon monk Dai-en and the Zen practitioner Lady Hotoke.

What emerges is a fascinating portrait of a little-known aspect of esoteric Buddhism and startling insights into the sexual nature of the rituals of conventional worship as well as the training of Tachikawa Ryu priests and priestesses.

This groundbreaking work includes black-and-white photographs of rare artwork and statuary that express the Tachikawa ideal.

74 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

John Stevens (1947- ) is a Buddhist priest and Aikido teacher.

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an electric copy to review for my blog, even though the books doesn't come out for a while. Interesting Buddhist erotica. Of course you can spiritualize everything, including sexuality. You can vow to sleep with ugly women for the good of the Dharma. But I'm dubious about swinging as a Dharma practice. Feeling pleasure is OK, and positivity is OK, can be seen as revolutionary in Buddhism. Subhuti was attacked for talking about enjoying the Dharma life, enjoying art, developing positive emotions. There's a real buzz kill element to some modern Buddhists. But this goes in the other direction. It's hard to see how this refined sexuality is leading to simplicity and contentment. Very human, but spiritual? Cool. I applaud the effort, and found the book enjoyable to read. Not converted though. Will review for my blog when it comes out, these are just preliminary thoughts.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The secret sex teachings of the Buddha are told in a kind of fable about a young monk and his training in sex. Sexual climax is equated with enlightenment. At various times the villages following these practices have "anonymous" sex. Certainly very different than practices in the US (unless those are secret, too, and I just haven't heard about them). It's a tiny book and a fast read.