Ritual

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of realization. Harmony is the intermediate equalizing point
between two extremes, a bridge between opposites. It is to be
sought between the higher and lower energy centres, between
the positively-charged solar and the negatively-charged lunar
currents, between the plus and minus forces manifesting as male
and female, conscious and unconscious, in the body. One might
say that a balance is to be attained at several levels and planes of
human consciousness. On the physical plane the gross body
should be regulated by physical postures; on the mental and
psychological levels, the internal vital processes are harmonized
by the regulation of breath, the cerebral centre by the repetition
of mantric sound, and the variously directed mental operations
by the practice of concentration, meditation. The greater the
synergistic fusion of polarized energies within us, the greater the
experiences of unity.
(4) Unity-merging: By balancing polarized interaction, a third
quality is born: unity. Unity can also be described as
indivisibility, or becoming a whole after the process of selfactualization
has been completed. With the experiential
awareness of the peak state and of the complementary interplay
of the plus and minus forces in the body, the adept achieves his
summum bonum.
ORIENT ATION AND PREPARATION
The Guru
An essential prerequisite to the world of tantric sadhana is the
guidance of a competent spiritual preceptor, the guru, who can
initiate the aspirant into the correct application of methods
commensurate with his temperament and competence. Just as an
unknown journey becomes easier with the help of a competent
guide, in the same manner the best way to commence the spiritual
journey is with the help of a guru. As cosmonauts undergo severe
physical and mental disciplines under strict observation before
their journey into the unknown depths of space, similarly an adept
has to undergo a long and arduous process of training and guidance
for the gradual unfolding of his potentialities.
A guru is one who has already lived through the discipline and
has experience of various stages of spiritual development in his
own life. In ascending order, the first step in initiation is the mantra
given by a guru, Pasyacara (ordinary); this is followed by, second,
Viracara (rajasik); third, Mahavidyas (higher knowledge); and
finally, Brahmayoga - the highest, knowledge of the Absolute. All