Ritual

the Ida and Pingala subtle channels on each side of the central
subtle channel Sushumna; mudra (parched cereal) symbolizes the
yogic state of concentration; maithuna (sexual union) symbolizes
meditation upon the primal act of creation. Those right-hand
practitioners who follow rajasik sadhana use material substitutes
for the five M's. Wine is substituted for by coconut juice, meat by
ginger, radish or paniphala (the fruit of a water plant), mudra by
rice, wheat or grain, and maithuna by two types of flowers, karavi
resembling the linga and aparajita representing the yoni. It is
believed that some of these rites were introduced by the Indian
tantrika master Vasishtha, who brought to India various
antinomian practices known as chinachara from Mahachina
('Greater China'), which is identified with China or Tibet.
The place where the Panchamakara rite is to be performed must
have a pleasant aroma, with incense burning, and a serene
atmosphere. The ideal time for the rite is midnight. The actual
performance should take place fifty-four minutes past three
o'clock in the morning and continue for one hour and thirty-six
minutes, a time considered auspicious for final sexual union. No
less important is the arrangement of light to enhance the ritual.
Castor oil lamps, which produce a violet light, are considered an
ideal stimulant.
The Panchamakara rite begins with the initiation of the
participants by the guru or the Chakresvara, the leader of the
chakra, who remains the directing centre of the group throughout
the rite. The adepts pay reverence to the guru and to the circle with
folded hands; each adept sits with his sakti on his left, while the
Adharachumbana Asana. Basohli
Jammu and Kashmir, c. l8th
century. Gouache on paper.
I87