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Hello Lillian,
This question is an important one. Consider it carefully. But, do continue reading – there is much more on the topic later in the books. When you’ve read all the books and deliberated it a while, you might have the answer, or more precise questions.
In the meantime, there is something specific about this question (and a few others), which seems to have a lot of people giving answers as to what they “hope” is right, and of “what Anastasia meant” – that is, giving their interpretation. Why do we need to “interpret” words that have already been translated into our languages?
In the books, we observe Vladimir’s angry reaction when he understands that his “chief pleasure in life” has been taken away from him. Anastasia tries to show him it’s an illusion. So, too, it would follow, is the idea of “creating deeper intimacy” through sex, don’t you think?
I think that Anastasia is trying to warn us of the dangers of sex. And this applies to all sex, whether it’s lustful or loving or whatever form. I think it’s quite clearly stated in the book when she says that what the two of them experienced for her to conceive was different altogether. So, perhaps it’s better, rather than asking “is it bad”, or treating it as “dogmatically bad” (to paraphrase you and other’s answers’ words here), instead try to understand why Anastasia says it’s harmful.
I can see a parallel, just as Vladmir gets angry and really worried when he hears that “normal sex” won’t appeal to him anymore, so too are you worried that it is “bad” (am I right?) having read the first two books. And then Vladimir reassures himself, thinking maybe some doctors can help him, and you have said “It was a relief to read your response” in response to one of the other responses above. And then Anastasia tells him, Vladimir, your doctors can’t help you now. So, too, I would like to tell you: don’t try to fool yourself with this. You have a choice: if you want to go back to sleep and pretend that all you have read is nothing or lies (just please don’t try to bring others with you!), or if you want to explore what you’re reading, keep going and try your best to live as closely as you can to the guidelines in the books.
Although it may be difficult to swallow, I’m not going to apologise for being blunt here. I know it is not easy to follow many of these guidelines, especially when society is leaning against it. You do what you can. If you can’t follow it (for now, at least), then admit to yourself that you are not up to it at the moment. Don’t try to make excuses that you’re “not of pristine origins” or that the “dark forces are too strong”, etc. Not being up to it right now means you might be able to at a later time. These things are not easy, but they are important. I am able to do some now, and I look forward to the day when I’m able to do much more. I see it that the more of these guidelines we integrate and live by, the better off we, society and the planet will be.
