From: mimir@u.washington.edu (Grendel Grettisson) Subject: Tantric Temples: The Body and the Environment Date: 16 Jun 1993 08:19:31 GMT TANTRIC TEMPLES: THE BODY AND THE ENVIRONMENT. (c) 1993 Rose Dawn Scott. "When my beloved returns to the house, I shall make my body into a Temple of Gladness. Offering this body as an alter of joy, my let-down hair shall sweep it clean. Then my beloved will consecrate this temple." --Vaisnav Baul A temple is a place of worship, a construction wherein God is served and realized. Tantric tradition holds that "God" is one's true Self, the soul, to be worshipped in the Temple of cred rivers; here are the sun and the moon, as well as all the holy places of pilgrimage. I have not encountered another Temple as blissful as my own body." --Saraha Doha The physical body is a Temple of the soul, and microcosm of the entire universe. The bodily Temple, as with many traditional Hindu and Buddhist Temples, contains gardens, rivers, sanctuaries, and gates; as well as containing all the elements of the world: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Tan tains nine "gates" to the bodily Temple; these being the anus, the Yoni or Lingam, the mouth, the nose, the two eyes, the two ears, and the "Gate of Brahma." The Gate of Brahma, known in current medical terminology as the "fontanel," is an actual opening, visible at birth, which closes as the baby grows (also known familiarly as the 'soft spot' at the crown of an infant's skull). Eastern tradition holds that the soul enters and leaves the body through the Gate of Brahma. Note should be made that, the number 9 having mystical significance, either the Tantras or those translating them have not been entirely accurate with the 9-gate description. For instance, since the eyes are counted as two gates; so should be the nostrils, rather than naming "the nose" as a single gate. Additionally, Yoginis possess an extra "gate," our urethras being separate from our Yonis; unlike males whose Lingam contains but a single gate used for sexual and excretory processes. Although the bodily Temple may be entered via any gate; it is the Gate of Brahma which leads to higher spiritual realization. In addition to and not separate from the purely physical body, Tantra describes the Subtle Body. The Subtle Body contains one's aura, the chakras, while physical nerve centers located along the spinal column, evoke their "traits" from the Subtle Body. The two bodies are inseparable, both should be worshipped as one Temple. The microcosm of the universe can be described in terms of the Subtle Body. The SIVA SAMHITA describes it thus: "In this body the central Great Axis, Mount Meru, the spinal column, is surrounded by seven islands. These islands are named Prana (the vital force), blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow and Soma (seed/ova). There are rivers and seas, all the stars and planets, sacred pilgrimage places, shrines and presiding deities. In this body, Brahmanda (the egg of Brahma), there is the nectar-rayed moon atop the spinal column; it turns its face downward, and rains nectar day and night. The ambrosia from the moon subdivides into two subtle parts. One ray nourishes the body like sacred waters, and descends ass a subtle channel on the left side; her name is Ida. The other ray, brilliant as the purest milk, enters the central nerve of the spinal column in order to maintain and recreate the moon in its proper place atop the central Great Axis. Its name is Susumna. At the lower region of the Great Axis of Mount Meru is the Sun, located within the body itself. From the Inner Sun, situated at the solar plexus, a subtle channel emanates to the right of the body, carrying solar flame upward by the power of its rays. His name is Pingala. Pingala moves through the body, swallowing up vital secretions and leading the spirit to Liberation. Lord Surya, the Sun, moves through the vessel of the body. Who knows this microcosm of the body and experiences its mysteries truly reaches the highest state." The Ida and Pingala are conceived as crossing the Susumna, or Central River, like twin serpents coiling around a central staff. This Yantra is the same ancient hermetic symbol known as the Caduceus, modern symbol of the medical profession. The rising, swirling energies produce a vortex of ascending power, used in Tantra to evolve toward the Infinite. The main act of worship at the Bodily Temple is this Ascension, the channelling of sexual energy upward from the root chakra, which contains the basic life force, through the sexual chakra, producing a liquid thrill. Upon reaching the Solar Plexus chakra, the Inner Sun is awakened, burning up bars to progress with its 64-petalled flames, purifying the pathways, the chakras. Upon reaching the heart chakra, the fire of love floods the three rivers and the solar and lunar energies unite, illuminating the temple. An ecstatic transcendental delight is produced. For white Tantric practitioners, sometimes Tantric orgasm is achieved at this point. During red Tantric sexual practice, a firm foundation of Temple Worship will consciously aid Tantric orgasm within the couple, and lead to the union of the sexual and spiritual bliss. Worshipping the Bodily Temple takes place on all levels, from the physical to the most subtle. Regard the body as a True Temple, cultivate this awareness at all times and in all places. The physical and subtle condition of the body are most important. Physically, out of respect for the Divinity within, the body should be kept clean, well nourished and healthy; through the practices of hygiene, *sacred bathing* and the practices of Hatha Yoga and Pranayama, as well as healthy diet. The Temple deity's satisfaction should be sought after; provide enjoyment and laughter and sensual delight to satisfy the Divinity within. Hold nothing back out of embarrassment or doubt; true worship is not an act of rote but of spontaneous and total love. During Tantric lovemaking, such worship of one's own bodily Temple and that of the partner produce fulfillment of all desires; Tantric sexual love is an act of great magical and spiritual potency. THE OUTER TEMPLE; THE ENVIRON OF WORSHIP. An erotic temple is necessary for Tantric worship and High Tantric Sexual acts. The senses, the body, mind and spirit should be aroused within this Temple. An inner sanctum can be created within one's home, a place in natural harmony with one's true spirit. Eastern temples usually incorporate arches and curved, soft shapes harmonious to the human body's lines. Hard lines and corners can be changed with drapes, canopies, ornaments, screens, and the like. Colors are important. Red and purple stimulate and arouse; deep blue and violet relax and invigorate. Color combinations as they relate to the chakras are most excellent; ideally ones that stimulate spontaneous erotic expression rather than inhibit it should be chosen as the dominant colors of the Sanctum. The bed should be kept close to ground level, or lovemaking should take place on carpets, padded mats and cushions. The KAMA SUTRA suggests: "The abode should ideally be located near water, surrounded by a garden, and contain inner and outer rooms. The main room should be balmy with rich perfumes and contain a bed, soft, agreeable to the sight, covered with a clean cloth, low in the middle, having garlands and flowers upon it, a canopy above it and two pillows, one at the top and another at the bottom. There should also be a sort of couch, at the head of this a stool on which should be placed fragrant ointments, perfume and flowers. An open fire provides stimulation and calls to Agni, Surya and Ushas." Such technicalities aren't always practical in the modern world--especially for apartment dwellers! But candles and incense, and jugs or bowls of fresh water can be easily substituted. Introducing natural elements into the home harmonizes the senses. Lovemaking is recommended in natural environs, but the practice of Tantric Union must be undertaken without danger of distraction or interruption, so natural elements such as fresh fruit, flowers, plants and natural organic materials are no less sacred for being *substitutes.* Silk wall hangings or sheets, feather pillows, and cotton or down comforters should enhance the bed, or even take the place of it. Electric light is unadvisable; electricity has a current of its own which is inorganic and not harmonious with the erotically stimulated body's natural currents. Candles are neutral, and the softness of their glow can help still the mind, focusing it totally on the spirituality of the sensual act to take place. Ordinary, non-ritual lovemaking is more easily accomplished in natural environs; and since Prakriti, the inherent Sakthi of nature and creation, exists in such places as wooded areas, beaches, and fields, physical, non-ritual lovemaking can be heightened by communion with the elements of nature. Additionally, if one brings back a stone, rock, shell, pinecone, or other object acquired during natural acts of love, it becomes a potent talisman, and should be provided a prominent place in the Inner Temple of the Home. Try to instill as much of your inner nature and true Self into the Temple's abode as possible. This will not only please you, but endow your Erotic Temple with a vital energetic current of its own. "The bed was made ready, provided with luxuries, including a bronze censer for scenting the quilts. She let down the bed curtains to the floor, letting down her hair, covering her body with it. The mattress and coverlets were piled up, the pointed pillows laid across them. She then shed her robes and revealed her white body, with delicate bones and soft flesh. We then made love, and her body was soft and moist, like fine ointment." --Mei-Jen Fu. AUM MANI PADME HUM.