The Way of the Superior Man Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on David Deida's 'The Way of the Superior Man' exploring concepts of sexual polarity, spiritual growth, and masculine/feminine dynamics.

Presence

A man's depth of awareness and most valuable asset, signaling a man who is grounded in the mystery of life rather than surface activities.

Sexual Polarity

The force of passion that arcs between the reciprocal masculine and feminine poles, essential for maintaining sexual attraction in a relationship.

Sexual Essence

An individual's sexual core—masculine, feminine, or balanced—which dictates whether their priority is mission and freedom or the flow of love.

Masculine Priority

The core drive towards mission, purpose, and the search for freedom.

Feminine Priority

The core drive towards the flow of love in relationship and the search for love.

Edge

The point where a man stops short, compromises his fullest gift, and caters to his fears; a superior man is encouraged to live just beyond this limit.

First Stage Relationship

A stage of sexual identity where roles are fixed and separated, often typified by the caricatures of the macho jerk and the submissive housewife.

Second Stage Relationship

A stage where men and women seek to balance their inner masculine and feminine energies toward a "50/50" sameness, often resulting in sexual neutrality.

Shiva

The divine masculine archetype described as unperturbable, totally loving, fully present, and all-pervading.

Ravishment

The masculine act of breaking through a woman’s resistances to open her heart and body into ecstatic loving, distinguished from rape by the presence of love.

Primary Asymmetry

The fundamental difference where intimate relationship is never the priority for the masculine essence, while it is always the priority for the feminine essence.

Pelvic Floor Contraction

A technique involving the anus, perineum, and genitals used to move sexual energy up the spine to the brain during sex to prevent depletive ejaculation.

Austerity

The practice of eliminating comforts and routine distractions (like TV, sweets, or magazines) to face the basic discomfort of one’s edge and sharpen masculine purpose.

Petite Mort

The French term meaning "little death," used to describe the post-orgasmic state of release from constraint into freedom.

Neutralization (Depolarization)

The process where sexual attraction and passion fade because partners cling to a politically correct sameness rather than animating masculine and feminine differences.

Karma

In the context of life purpose, the specific layers of interest or obligation a man must fulfill and eventually outgrow to reach his deepest heart purpose.

Refreshers

Interruptions in a man's schedule—such as contemplating death or the mystery of existence—intended to prevent him from getting lost in daily tasks and duties.

The 'Killer'

The dark masculine energy representing a man's capacity to face death or take necessary action, which provides a woman the security to trust his strength.