The Sexual Practices of Quodoushka: Teachings from the Nagual Tradition Paperback – Illustrated, July 26, 2011

Isn't it odd and refreshing to hear someone who is espousing a particular point of view say, "Don't believe this because I told you; only believe it if it actually works for you." Every Q teaching begins - "Don't believe anything we tell you unless it grows corn for you?"A little background: I am a master sceptic. I argue with people for a living, so you can be sure that I doubted almost everything I heard at my first Q workshop (and, actually, there are still some minor elements of the teaching that I am sceptical of). But I can tell you without a doubt that by the time I read this book, I was convinced that Quodoushka grows corn for me, and for others, exceptionally well. I know, I know to my very core, that these teachings are incredibly powerful and a great salve for much of what ails us as individuals and as a species: mindless acceptance of control by others; a philosophy that says if you don't believe in my God and yield to its earthly adminstrators, then there is something wrong with you; an inability to respect and accept others with all their magnificent variety. If that is too grand a claim for you, then please don't believe it. If the socially acceptable and socially conditioned life is working for you, if you are a fully realized human being who is authentically connected to those around you, then you may not need what Quodoushka has to offer. But, if there is something in your life that is not working and you don't know how to fix it, then what do you lose by finding out about the Q teachings to see if they might help you. And it cannot fairly be debated that this book is a great way to start the process of discovering what Quodoushka has to offer. If the book leads you to a Q teaching with an open mind, you may discover, as I and thousands of others have discovered, that the teachings do grow corn for you. For a few dollars you can own this book and isn't that a worthwhile test ride for such a grand prize?So about the book... First of all, it is a basic introduction to the subject matter. But even so, it is full of insight that you won't find anywhere else. Why has nobody ever taught you about anatomy types? Because they don't know, that's why. This book (and/or a Q workshop) will show you why and how your anatomy type sets out a smorgasbord of pleasurable possibility, if you only know which buttons to push. You'll learn how understanding your anatomy type and that of your partner opens the door to a great new relationship based on knowledge and insight. Those answers are right here in this book.The book is beautifully written and is easy to understand. It foregoes complex language and all those uncomfortable latin words and replaces them with simple, plain speaking that anyone can understand. The underlying Quodoushka philosophy might be vast and deep, but this book will get you started by providing you with digestible morsels that explain why so many relationships are underperforming at best and destined to fail at worst. Amara has distilled many hours of teaching into the book and done so with a perfect blend of explanation and exposition.So is there something rotten in Quodoushka? I ask this: How many times have you heard vehement criticism of something only to find that the critic had not read the book, not seen the film, not studied the problem and so on. Sure, the critic may hold firm convictions, but until that person has given the book and the program a chance, a review is premature.

I was greatly impressed by "The Sexual Practices of Quodoushka." The book does what it states, it picks the "best practices" from a variety of ancient traditions including Daoism and Buddhism and weaves these together in a way that permits the understanding of basic human drives. With understanding comes the ability to rise above basic drives and drives and to take an informed approach to relationships. Embodiment of the Shield Teachings in chapter 12 permits the understand of what part of the subconscious is making a response to a situation. So many relationships have been destroyed when our subconscious, rather than our conscious, mind runs our decision making. Using these 5 Shields as tools we can begin to take hold of our situation and protect ourselves from the unthinking actions of our subconscious. Chapter 5 on light and dark arrows has implications on all of life not just relationships. In any activity how many time do we shoot ourselves in the foot when our unreasoning subconscious grabs a dark arrow from our quiver of responses and knocks back this damaging arrow? Yes this book is about sexual energy and relationships. A realistic look at life shows us that this is where a great deal of our energy is invested. Once sex hormones begin surging through our body at puberty our behaviors change and can remain focused on this topic for decades. An uninformed and secretive approach to sexual energy does harm to all and can result in damaging behaviors and unnecessary risk taking. This book brings sexual energy into the light, clearing away foggy mists that mask and allows for a clear view of the topic. Anyone who reads the book can easily judge the validity of the comments. This book is about illuminating that which is in the shadows for many, and that which prevents improvement of our relationships.

As the teachers of Quodoushka constantly tell us, "don't believe anything we say, try it for yourself and see if it works for you." If you are looking for an expansion in your sexuality or in your connection to spirit, I could not recommend this book more highly. As a student of sacred sexuality for almost 20 years I can honestly say that I have never found a more powerful, transformative set of teachings than those of Quodoushka; nor a more knowledgeable, talented, or dedicated teacher than Amara Charles.I was first introduced to Quodoushka at a workshop led by Amara in 1993 and it literally changed my life. In the years since, I have followed and practiced these teachings and have experienced real and tangible expansion in my life. Along the way I have been blessed to count Amara as a friend, as well as teacher.If you are interested in sacred sexuality, if you are considering whether to come to a Quodoushka workshop, if you have been to a workshop and would like a detailed reference of the teachings, this book will not disappoint you. Armed with her years of study and experinece, Amara has given us a book packed with detailed teachings, illustrations, and exercises in a clear, accessible, and witty style. Even after all of my years of study, I still find many delicious morsels of wisdom and knowledge in this book to learn from and I look forward to finding more upon re-reading it.While it's not a substitute for attending a workshop, this book is an excellent introduction and a useful reference to one of the most powerful and transformative set of teachings in the world of sacred sexuality. Don't pass this up.

I like the stories of the people that went through real life scenarios. Some of the diagrams of wheels and concepts were a bit redundant though. Could be a tough read for people that have no exposure to indigenous teachings.

Beautiful book. Highly recommend.

Le informazioni presenti in questo testo non si rtrovano facilmente, un classico per chi é interessato agli aspetti sacri della sessualità...

Ancient knowledge that could change your sexlife. Sober education about our anatomy, you've probably never heard of. 60 years old I heard a little from a native african indian. To my knowledge the only book of that kind.

Amara Charles schreibt eine klare, übersichtliche Abfassung über die Heilige Sexualität der Eingeborenen Nord- und Mittelamerikas, die ich einerseits als sehr afklärend empfinde, und gleichzeitig als spannend, selbst erotisch.Der wichtigsteste Aspekt des Buches ist für mich allerdings der spirituelle. Ähnlich wie im Tantra, geht es hier in erster Linie um persönliches Wachstum. Im ersten Teil des Buches werden diese Aspekte der Heiligen Sexualität in einer Weise verdeutlicht, die für jeden spirituellen Menschen, der am persönlichen Wachstum mit einem Partner zusammen interessiert ist, sehr lehrreich ist.Mein schamanischer Hintergrund hat mir beim Verständniss zweifellos geholfen, ist aber wahrscheinlcih nicht unbedingt notwendig.Ein Buch, das ich vor allem zur Einführung in das Thema sehr empfehlen kann.

Excellent, thorough and well presented information. Very grateful to see the wisdom and teachings in print. I would recommend reading this book.