When one rises above their desires to achieve higher spiritual understanding, does that mean they should forgo sexual activities for the rest of their natural lives? Do the desires go away the longer one practices? ~JB
In order to achieve higher consciousness one does not need to forgo sexual activities for the rest of their natural lives. From a kabbalistic perspective, sex is a spiritual instrument to connect to the Light. And like every opportunity to connect to the Light, there has to be an equally opposite force to counter that potential connection. That can be why the Desire to Receive for the Self Alone, selfish desire, is strong when it comes to sex. A practical first step to go towards having spiritual sex is thinking about the needs of our partner—how can I share in that instance, as opposed to how can I get instant relief and fulfill my immediate needs?