Introduction to Tantra Sastra - Aghori

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