Introduction to Tantra Sastra - Aghori
Introduction to Tantra Sastra - Aghori
Introduction to Tantra Sastra - Aghori
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134<br />
INTRODUCTION TO TANTRA ŚĀSTRA<br />
pūra and united with pṛ thivī. Then follows inhalation<br />
by the solar nāḍ i with the vahni bīja, 16 times, kumbhaka<br />
with 64 japa, followed by exhalation through the<br />
lunar nāḍ i and japa of the bīja 32 times. He then<br />
meditates on the lunar brilliance gazing at the tip of the<br />
nose, and inhales Iḍ a with japa of the bīja “thaṃ” 16<br />
times. Kumbhaka is done with the bīja “vaṃ”64 times.<br />
He then thinks of himself as flooded by nectar, and<br />
considers that the nāḍ is have been washed. He exhales<br />
by Piṇgalā with 32 japa of the bīja “laṃ,” and considers<br />
himself thereby as strengthened. He then takes his seat<br />
on a mat of kuśa-grass, a deerskin, etc., and, facing east<br />
or north, does prāṇ āyāma. For its exercise there must<br />
be, in addition <strong>to</strong> nāḍ i śuddhi, consideration of proper<br />
place, time and food. Thus, the place should not be so<br />
distant as <strong>to</strong> induce anxiety, nor in an unprotected place,<br />
such as a forest, nor in a city or crowded locality, which<br />
induces distraction. The food should be pure, and of a<br />
vegetarian character. It should not be <strong>to</strong>o hot or <strong>to</strong>o<br />
cold, pungent, sour, salt, or bitter. Fasting, the taking<br />
of one meal a day, and the like, are prohibited. On the<br />
contrary, the Yogī should not remain without food for<br />
more than one jāma (three hours). The food taken<br />
should be light and strengthening. Long walks and<br />
other violent exercises should be avoided, as also—<br />
certainly in the case of beginners—sexual intercourse.<br />
The s<strong>to</strong>mach should only be half filled. Yoga should be<br />
commenced, it is said, in spring or autumn. As stated,<br />
the forms of prāṇ āyāma vary. Thus, sahita, which is<br />
either with (sagarbha) or without (nirgarbha) bīja, is<br />
according <strong>to</strong> the former form, as follows: The sadhaka<br />
meditates on Vidhi (Brahmā), who is full of rajo-guna,<br />
red in colour, and the image of akāra. He inhales by Iḍ ā