Ritual

either position, both the adepts end the ritual with the mantra AIM
KLlM HRIM SRlM and finally recite HAUM HRIM as long as
possible.
In the initial stages of sadhana, if the aspirants cannot prolong the
union, they may change the asana positions, for instance from
Padmasana to Janjugmasana and to Savasana for relaxation. The
period of retention of energy may also be gradually increased.
Sometimes herbal preparations are taken orally to increase its
duration, such as bhang seeds (cannabis indica) with the seeds of
the tulsi plant; the Indian basil (ocymum sanctum) chewed with betel
leaves also produces the desired result.
During sexual union, the minds of the adepts are withdrawn
from their physical environment as they identify themselves
completely with one another. After prolonged practice, the sexual
energy can be retained and sublimated until the psychic current is
liberated. This experience of bi-unity is termed samarasa in tantric
texts and is a state parallel to samadhi.
Collective asana or ritual of union
The ritual of union is also performed collectively. The rite is
designated as Pancha-makara, or five M's, and is practised by both
the Vamacharis, or left-hand tantrikas, and Dakshinacharis, or
right-hand tantrikas. When performed in a circle, it is known as
Chakra-puja. In every instance it is a planned, intensive, emotional
group-experience, and in no case may either a single couple or too
many participate. Generally eight males and eight females form a
chakra or circle.
A careful screening of the participants is undertaken by the guru
over a specific period of time, usually a year, before actual
initiation into a group takes place. A participant's competence,
apart from his physical condition, is tested, with special regard to
his mental disposition. Kularnava Tantra lays down eight negative
criteria - hatred, doubt, fear, shame, backbiting, conformity,
arrogance and status consciousness - and so long as these tendencies
are prevalent a participant is not fit to practise this esoteric ritual.
The aim of the chakra-puja is to expand consciousness by the
five categories which are the objects of human desires, hence the
use of these tattavas, the five M's: madya (wine), mamsa (meat),
matsya (fish), mudra (fried cereals), maithuna (sexual union).
Conventionally regarded as barriers they are accepted in this ritual
by the left-hand tantrikas as steps on the ladder of perfection. The
tantrikas point out that the main principle of this ritual is not to
Sexo-yogic pose, from an
illuminated manuscript page.
Orissa, c. 18th century.
Gouache on paper.
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