I did an experiment, at a California health and spiritual retreat center, comparing massage with and without Adam. The first massage session was "straight." It was beautiful -- by the sea, with warm breezes wafting in; and the masseuse was naked and beautiful. Lying on my front, with my head turned towards the side, I opened one eye and saw a perfectly formed breast outlined against the shimmering blue sky. I fantasized and wished that we were making love, caressing instead of massaging.

The second experience was with 100 mg Adam, and the masseuse also took 50 mg. The massage seemed longer and slower, and my body responses were much deeper and more total. I felt blissful. I recalled my wanting and desiring her, from the first session, and I realized that I did not have the craving or desire now; instead I felt as if we were making love! The desire was transcended by being fulfilled. I no longer wanted anything else than what I was receiving, which itself was perfect.

I understood that this was the essence of tantra: transcend the pull and the fascination of sensual pleasure and desire, not by denying or punishing it, but by fully accepting the experience as it unfolds. This is it!