Introduction to Tantra Sastra - Aghori

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WORSHIP 95
the yoni being considered to be Her pīthā or yantra. The
upāsana mudra is thus nothing but the outward expression
of inner resolve which it at the same time intensifies.
Mudras are employed in worship (arcana), japa,
dhyānā (q.v.), kamya-karma (rites done to effect particular
objects), pratiṣṭ hā (q.v.) snāna (bathing), āvāhana
(welcoming), naivedya (offering of food), and visarjana,
or dismissal of the Devatā. Some mudras of hatha yoga
are described sub uoc. “Yoga.” The Gheraṇ ḍ a-saṃhitā 1
says that knowledge of the yoga mudrās grants all
siddhis, and that their performance produces physical
benefits such as stability, firmness, and cure of disease.
SA MDHYĀ
The Vaidiki saṃdhyā is the rite performed by the
twice-born castes thrice a day, at morning, midday, and
evening. The morning saṃdhyā is preceded by the
following acts. On awakening, a mantra is said in invocation
of the Tri-mūrti and the sun, moon, and planets,
and salutation is made to the Guru. The Hindu dvī-ja
then recites the mantra: “I am a Deva. I am indeed the
sorrowless Brahman. By nature I am eternally free,
and in the form of existence, intelligence, and bliss.” He
then offers the actions of the day to the Deity, confesses
his inherent frailty, 2 and prays that he may do right.
Then, leaving his bed and touching the earth with his
right foot, the dvī-ja says, “Oṃ, O Earth! salutation to
Thee, the Guru of all that is good.” After attending to
natural calls, the twice-born does ācamana (sipping of
1 Chapter III, verses 4, 8, 10.
2 “I know dharma and yet would not do it. I know adharma, and yet
would not renounce it.” The Hindu form of the common experience—Video
meliora probaque; deteriora sequor.