Gnostic BDSM

Though I’ve never heard the term used in our subculture, I think it’s safe to write that sub space is a “Gnostic experience.” For those looking for a definition of Gnosticism, this one is from Wikipedia: “Gnosis (from one of the Greek words for knowledge) is the spiritual knowledge of a saint or mystically enlightened human being. Within the cultures of the term's provenance (Byzantine and Hellenic) Gnosis was a knowledge or insight into the infinite, divine and uncreated in all and above all, rather than knowledge strictly into the finite, natural or material world. Gnosis is a transcendental as well as mature understanding. It indicates direct spiritual experiential knowledge and intuitive knowledge, mystic rather than that from rational or reasoned thinking. Gnosis itself is obtained through understanding at which one can arrive via inner experience or contemplation such as an internal epiphany of intuition and external epiphany such as the Theophany.” (from Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnosis).

In other words, when in an altered state (sub space or top space) we experience in some way (through pain, bondage, surrender, etc.) the divine (i.e., the infinite, celestial, transcendent).

This is one of the frameworks, then, in which we can consider the role of spirituality in what it is that we do. Please note that it is only one framework, as it should be obvious that there are many ways to understand our BDSM experiences.

The world is replete with Gnostic religions, Buddhism being perhaps the most notable. Early Christianity, and many of the mystery cults of the Roman Empire, had strongly Gnostic practitioners. In fact Gnosticism was one of the earliest controversies in Christianity and was eventually considered a heresy and suppressed.

With the discovery (between the years 1947 and 1956), study and publication of the Dead Sea Scrolls, there has been a resurgence of information about Gnosticism.

Now all of this might seem irrelevant to dungeon play but I believe that there are many reasons to explore what theology has to teach us concerning BDSM, even if we approach it from a non-religious viewpoint. Among them are: (1) an understanding of what happens when we enter subspace; (2) a greater recognition of the historical roots of BDSM activity as a spiritual practice; (3) a frank discussion about the role of power and of personal revelation; and (4) the dangers to our subculture that Gnosticism can present.

What Happens When We Enter Sub Space

My newest book, More from the Master, has concluding chapters about the psychological phenomenon that we call sub space, so I will refer you to that book for a more detailed explanation than what I can give you in this blog. Let me remind the tops reading this that top space is a similar, if less discussed, experience.

Simply put, our brain wave activity slows from beta (the normal, awakened state) to alpha and eventually to theta (a dream-like state of reverie). Numerous activities can induce these states, even one as simple as going to sleep. As most of us know, the stress of a flogging or spanking does the same, as do many of the other fetishes that we enjoy.

More easily entering these states can be accomplished with practice and attention to the skills that induce or enhance the experience, such as using breathing and relaxation techniques. Other environmental and relational factors contribute to successful "trip" as well.

That is why playing with a trusted friend or having the right kind of music in the dungeon are the kind of factors that need to be looked at when negotiating a scene. Learning, knowing and using religious practices can also be part of a successful scene. There is, for instance, something to be said for the use of Gregorian chant in the dungeon.

The Historical Roots of BDSM Activity

In general the ancient mystery cults of the West, i.e., Dionysianism, Mithraism, Eleusinianism, were substantially eradicated when the Roman Empire was Christianized. Much of this had to do with the burning of manuscripts but the fact that only the initiated were allowed knowledge of these cults was certainly another contributing factor. Therefore, it is nearly impossible to know exactly what those secret rites entailed.

On the other hand, there are more than several primitive cultures whose initiatory rites are well documented such as those of Native Americans and aboriginal tribes of Africa and the Pacific Islands. Many of these cultures used pain, deprivation and vision quests to induce mystic experiences into the adolescents who were entering adulthood in their tribes. Such activities, I believe, have strong similarities to what happens in an SM scene.

Understanding shamanistic practices, then, could well endow our play with another venue for success.

The Role of Power and Personal Revelation

Mysticism, of course, has always held a high place in Judeo-Christian practice, there being high regard for contemplatives, saints, and aesthetes in many of the sects that derive from this tradition. The same, of course, can be said of Eastern practices. Nevertheless, Gnostic experience is very often closely guarded, as many religions are skeptical and fearful of "private revelation." I believe that this is the result of the power that priests, and ministers, rabbis and imams gain by being "protectors" of the faith. Those who challenge their authority are often labeled heretics, unbalanced or fanatical.

That leads to a consideration of the place of private revelation within the context of our subculture. That sounds high-falutin’ until we put in into the context of an ego inflated by mystical experience.

The Dangers of Gnosticism

That's not to say that there isn't a place for caution in Gnostic practice. After all, we have myriad examples of ideology that becomes destructive. One only need look at the criminal results of Marxism and Nazism to see that discernment of the message, any message, is a critical part of a helpful process towards enlightenment, whatever that term might mean to the seeker.

Therefore it behooves us to discern the value of the lessons we gain in the dungeon, lest we go off "half-cocked" and deluded by the inflated self-images bestowed upon those who have experienced the divine within themselves.

I would refer you to the chapter entitled “True Spirituality” in my book, Philosophy in the Dungeon:
“What we are left with, then, is to find and maintain balance, to live in such a way as to grow in wisdom and knowledge while living a life based on virtue, which directs our actions towards ourselves, others, and our environment. It is more than simply doing good; it is a faithfulness to the self which we know to be authentic.”

Next week: Discernment. Have a great week. Jack