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During sexual union, the minds of the adepts are withdrawn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