BDSM and Death: Ritual, Morality and Memento Mori

with Akasha Eden

This class examines death as a concept and asks what it means to live, play, and love while holding death close at hand — think of terms like “ego death” or the French “la petite mort” (climax), or of families promenading to cemeteries to visit their loved ones at rest. Together, we will draw on concepts from philosophers like Socrates, Marcus Aurelius, and Montaigne to discuss historical and cultural perspectives on death in sensual and ritual practice; negotiating edgeplay and symbolic death in scenes; and ethical considerations for mortality-themed play. This class is not about glorifying death, but about cultivating intentionality and contemplating life by exploring and acknowledging its nature.

This is mainly a lecture class on a contemplative practice, but folks are welcome to bring rope and use it on themselves or others as the presentation itself moves them (at their individual appropriate level).

Materials:
Rope optional but encouraged, notebooks or typing devices for notetaking.

RSVP is $30 per person

If the event is sold out, you can sign up for a WAITLIST HERE

CANCELLATION POLICY: you can reschedule once or ask for a refund up to 48 hours before the event. If you would like a refund, please email us at temple.nyc.bushwick@gmail.com , and we will take care of it with you. A processing fee of 5% will be subtracted from all refunds. No refunds will be issued with less than 48 hours notice of cancellation.

Payment processing note: All charges will appear as Porter Cycles LLC in your statements. Please do not dispute charges. Email us for refunds

Temple is working through an ongoing accountability process, and restructuring according to those needs. You can read about that process here.