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The Subtle Body of the later Hindu tradition, with symbolic representations of elements at each Chakra. This type of psycho-cosmogram illustrates the natural order of elements according to Yogic teachings. Subtle nerves leading from the feet to the sexual center, and from the hands to the throat center, are shown. From a Nepalese painting of the seventeenth century.

The Subtle Body connects this world with the next. There is no single object or doctrine as important and lasting as the Subtle Body, which provides a constant doorway to Liberation.

KAULA TANTRA

because of the errors in these later works, the current popular view of the Subtle Body and the Chakra system bears little resemblance to the concise descriptions outlined in numerous early Yogic and Tantric texts.

The most important aspect of the Subtle Body and its related Chakra system is the solar-lunar symbolism and the placement of heavenly energies in their correct locations in the microcosm. Thus, the "moon" is located in the head center and the "sun" is at the navel center. The earliest Tantric texts refer to four main Chakras, located at the navel, heart, throat, and head centers. Each of the Chakras has "petals," which symbolize the natural division of the force of that Chakra. The navel center is described as an upward-turned lotus of sixty-four petals, the heart center as a downward-turned lotus of eight petals, the throat center as an upwardturned lotus of sixteen petals and the head center is a downward-turned lotus of thirtytwo petals. This is a very simple view of the Subtle Body system.

Centers located below the navel center are also described. These are the spleen and the sex center, both of which are traditionally considered predominantly physical rather than subtle, and thus are viewed as separate from the other four Chakras. According to most traditions, the sex center has four petals, facing upward, and the spleen center has thirty-two petals, facing downward. Tantric texts state that each of the petals of the heart center subdivides into three, to produce twenty-four petals, and similarly, that each of the petals of the sex center subdivides into three, to produce twelve petals.

Meditation on the Subtle Body as composed of these psychic centers helps the perception of the flow of energies through the psycho-organism. Kundalini Yoga requires the channeling of sex energy upward, through successive Chakras, to union with the Shiva-principle in the head center. The simplest meditation on the Subtle Body centers is to isolate the navel, heart, and head centers, visualizing a simple lotus flowering in each location. Then perform the practices required to stimulate the Kundalini (contraction of anal sphincter, mental repetition of the seed-sound " H U N G , " breath retention and erotic visualization) and draw her up through the Navel Chakra. Imagine that Brahma is born from this lotus and is em-

The Ancient View of the Subtle Body

powered with the effulgence of Kundalini; visualize and identify with the multi-headed form of Brahma, the Creator, the solar orb, blazing bright. Then draw up the Kundalini to the Heart Chakra. Imagine her erotic energy piercing through the lotus to give birth to Vishnu (Lord of the waters, emotion, and the flow of blood through the body); once again, visualize and identify with the multiarmed form of Vishnu, the Preserver. Then draw up the Kundalini higher to the crown of the Head Chakra, piercing through the lotus and reaching the domain of Shiva, the Transcender. Retain the breath and, if in sexual union, refrain from climaxing. Try to become one with the union of the Kundalini Shakti and the Shiva-principle.

Several later Tantras give complex descriptions of Chakras, using shapes, colors, deities, s e e d - s o u n d s , n u m b e r s of petals, elements, and psychological qualities to form a synthesis of the inner-outer relationship. Unless one is following a single view of "reality" as taught by a teacher who is able to give direct guidance on the intricacies of his particular synthesis, such complex categorization can easily degenerate into dogma. Since the Subtle Body and the Chakra system are practical aids to Liberation, it is advisable to keep to the basic structure and allow the intuition to reveal the details.

Esoteric teachings declare that if one truly wishes to advance spiritually, one must work consciously to activate the Subtle Body. Though the basic ingredients and raw energies exist in everyone, they must be focused and channeled consciously. The body, emotions, and mind should all be brought to bear on the conscious evocation of an all-power- ful Subtle Body, which can then serve as a source of strength, intelligence, and transcendence. This is one of the most important secrets of the Tantric tradition.

Simple representation of the triad of forces within the Subtle Body: Brahma at the navel center, Vishnu at the heart center, and Shiva at the head center. Meditating on these forces of creativity, preservation, and transcendence at these Chakras resolves all dualities and personal limitations. From an Indian painting of the nineteenth century.

Reverse sexual postures help channel sexual energy to the head and thus stimulate the glands, circulation, nerves, and cells. From a Rajasthani miniature painting of the nineteenth century.

Death is eaten by the person who reverses the flow of energies within the body. Energy flow can be reversed by postures, by "seals," by "drawing up," by breath control and by meditation.

KAULA TANTRA

upper and lower

The "upper" and "lower" gates of the body have already been mentioned in the section "The Temple of the Body." To recapitulate briefly, the upper gates are the orifices of the head: the mouth, nose, two eyes, two ears, and the fontanel opening. The lower gates are the orifices of the anus and sexual organ. These are the places through which the consciousness or life-force can pass, either when entering or leav-

ing the body. The upper gates are generally considered to be more favorable than the lower ones, since they lead one to the higher evolutionary realms. Tantra teaches that the lower gates lead the consciousness to lower or sub-human forms of existence.

The life-force naturally divides into two main energy currents: the upward-moving

Prana and the downward-moving Apana.

The Prana usually moves in the region of the heart, residing there as an intelligent lifesustaining current. The Apana usually remains in the lower digestive region and extends to the anal orifice, performing its function as the instinctive excretory current. Three other primary life currents move in the region of the navel, the throat, and around the whole body; their names are

Samana, Udana, and Vyana, respectively. Thus, the divisions of the five life currents

Prana: upward-moving, rests in the heart.

Apana: downward-moving, rests in the region of the anus.

Samana: encircles the navel region. Udana: rests in the throat.

Vyana: pervades the whole body.

Each of the five life currents performs functions vital to the health of the body.

Yogic teachings state that, impelled by the Prana and Apana currents, the individual soul (the Jiva) moves up and down through the right and left channels of the Subtle Body. The Goraksashatakam, an important Yogic text, gives the following allegorical description of the movement of the Jiva through the body: "Just as a ball, when hit to the

ground, rebounds again, when the Jiva is tossed about by the Prana and Apana, it follows after them." When one gains control over the movement of the individual soul (the Jiva) and focuses it in one place, then one truly governs one's own life. Tantras teach that in this way the individual can make his destiny rather than passively submitting to circumstances.

The Tantras teach that the upward and downward energy currents should be consciously controlled and united by the power of the Will and by physical techniques as well as visualizations. Certain postures of Hatha Yoga, such as the reverse positions and head stand, achieve this end.

The Gheranda Samhita describes how inverse postures help to control the energy currents: "The solar force dwells normally at the navel center and the lunar force emanates from the head center; as the sun burns up the nectar that exudes from the moon, the individual becomes subject to death. By placing the head on the ground, steadying it with the hands and raising the legs, the flow is reversed. By the practice of this type of posture, the life energies are controlled and decay and death are held at bay."

Constriction of the anal sphincter muscles and abdominal contractions also help to draw up the downward-moving life energies, as does visualizing the energy flow reversed. When the Apana and Prana are united, the individual soul becomes centered in the heart region, where it is experienced by the intellect and emotions.

During extremes of eroticism the subtle life energies become vibrant, elated, and expansive. This is experienced as an electric feeling, a thrill or expansive shock that almost takes the breath away: the heart beats faster and the face flushes; energy pours from the bodily orifices and the mystic moment of "soul sharing" is lost; the ecstatic vibrant feeling seems to "drain away" and the body feels cold and empty. Thoughts arise in the mind, where before there were none, a feeling of contraction pervades and the body jerks involuntarily. On occasions the couple feel almost near to death.

The "little death" is a theme that occurs in the erotic writings of both East and West. Though the experience has an attractive quality because of the taste of oblivion it seems to offer, Tantra teaches that the "little death" is a negative form of mysticism, linked to

the loss of individual transcendence and soul communion. Texts explain that before the expansive experience is lost, the consciousness should be brought to bear on sealing the bodily orifices and circulating the lifeenergies between the couple. Too often, lovers lose the full potential of ecstasy because the convergence of their consciousness is too brief.

The secret of the lower gates is in either constricting the anal orifice or placing a finger, foot, or other body part over the opening. When in a seated position, the heel can be used to seal this lower orifice. W h e n the Lingam and Yoni are in contact, they seal each other and exchange energies automatically.

The secret of the upper gates is to either physically or mentally close the orifices of mouth, nose, ears, eyes, and fontanel. If the mouths of the couple are in contact, they seal each other. If the partners look straight into each other's eyes, energies will be exchanged rather than lost. The nose is sealed by retention or by close contact with the partner's nose, the ear orifices can be closed by positioning some part of the body over them, and the fontanel is best closed by a hand placed on the top of the head.

Yogic texts outline a "mystic seal" known as the Yoni Mudra and it is described in the

Gheranda Samhita in the following way: "Close the ears with the thumbs, the eyes with the index fingers, the nostrils with the middle fingers, the upper lip with the ring fingers and the lower lip with the little fingers. Draw in the Prana and join it with the Apana; contemplate the Subtle Body and the Chakras, in order."

Though the Yoni Mudra is not essentially for lovers, it can be adapted to a sexual context. The important thing to remember is that as ecstasy approaches, there will be a tendency to energy loss, and this can be counteracted by sealing the bodily orifices. The best way is to do it for you: partner, covering the top of the head

with your hand and imagining an act of consecration or mystic initiation taking place. Then the ecstatic moment can be prolonged and mystic awareness will develop.

When ecstatic delight is contained within

The Yoga head stand (shirsasana) helps reverse the involuntary outward flow of energy. First the hands should form a comfortable support for the head, by interlocking the fingers. A triangular shape should be made with the hands and elbows, the upper part of the head placed carefully into the palms, and the weight gradually taken. Slowly the feet should be brought up close to the elbows, lifted up and straightened. The Yoga head stand should not be rushed; the "base" of interlocked hands and the two elbows should be carefully held, and breathing focused at the navel region. Practiced with care, the Yoga head stand ensures a proper blood supply to the pituitary, pineal, and thyroid glands and tones up the whole body. It is particularly helpful in overcoming loss of

memory, aging, and sexual problems.

During love-making energy should be contained and circulated between the couple. When the upper and lower orifices of the body are sealed, ecstatic energy builds up.

Hatha Yoga should always commence with simple stretching exercises to activate the circulation of blood and the flow of vital energy.