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ciples of transformation. As they open themselves to mystic forms, lovers will find themselves naturally embodying and realizing these forms.

"Since spiritually minded lovers tend to think of each other as Gurus, they should try to develop and nourish their Guru-like qualities. Lovers can then understand the meaning of mystic forms by spontaneously opening themselves to each other, as Gurus do to their most devoted students, and by longing for initiations into life's mysteries.

"Spiritual longing is the driving force of Tantra. It causes mystic forms and ecstasy to manifest through those who are unhypocritical in their attitude to transcendence. Spiritual longing causes Gurus to appear and mystic forms and supernormal incidents to occur. Spiritual longing can bring a person or couple closer to the lasting experience of transcendence by stimulating the natural evolutionary urge to move beyond the purely physical dimension. Spiritual longing attracts ecstasy and fills life with lasting meaning."

The goddess Parvati, the Shakti of Shiva, says:

"O Lord of my heart, Guru of my soul! There is never a moment when I am not filled with longing for you! N o w tell me more. Tell me how erotic fantasy can become a vehicle of Liberation. Tell me how the emotions can be transformed and also about the role of the sentiments. Then tell me about sexual roles."

Inhaling deeply, the Supreme Yogi replies:

"Beloved Mistress, erotic fantasy stimulates the emotions and helps lift the sentiments beyond mundaneness. Erotic fantasy is particularly helpful to those who feel restricted and caught up in worldly circumstances. By causing consciousness to expand, erotic fantasy can truly become a vehicle of Liberation.

"The emotions are feelings of ecstasy, love, hate and so forth. When an awareness of the nature of emotions is present in the consciousness, nine sentiments manifest. From the original tranquil sentiment, the amorous, humorous, compassionate, furious, heroic, awesome, wondrous, and repugnant sentiments arise. Of these, the amorous, humorous, compassionate, and wondrous sentiments are naturally uplifting and potentially liberating. The furious, heroic, and awesome sentiments play a major role in Tantric evolution because they transcend convention. As for the repugnant sentiment, it serves to repel undesirable influences. All these sentiments evolve from an original ground of tranquility. All have a psycho-cosmic function, leading to transcendence.

"The emotions can be channeled by conjuring them from a position of inner tranquility. Different emotions and sentiments are normally linked to an individual's experiences and to psycho-physical processes. The ever-fertile mind of man is a veritable a garden of emotions, producing both sweet and bitter fruits. With thought, the mind empowers emotions with meaning. Linked to breathing and the imagination, emotions and the sentiments are the cause behind the endless round of births and deaths.

"Emotions are part of one's being and are generally focused in the region of the heart. They reach all parts of the body and create positive or negative conditions in the senses and organs. Emotions are naturally linked to colors, sounds, forms, worldly phenomena, seasons, and planetary motions. For example, there is a color classification based on cosmology; the amorous sentiment is traditionally related to green, the humorous to white, the compassionate to gray, the furious to dark red, the heroic to golden red, the awesome to black, the wondrous to yellow, and the repugnant to a certain type of blue. The tranquil sentiment is viewed as translucent, effulgent, and shining, yet with hints of all the colors.

"By visualizing particular sentiments as colors and using the breathing techniques of Hatha Yoga to give them stability, one can consciously channel and transform emotions. In this process creative imagination and a positive mental attitude are all-important. Generally the inhalation of breath is linked to the amorous and wondrous sentiments; retention of breath to the heroic, awesome, and tranquil sentiments; exhalation to the humorous, compassionate, and repugnant sentiments; and rapid inhalation and exhalation of breath to the furious sentiment. In most worldly circumstances sentiments are mixed; rarely are they pure.

"Sexual roles are directly linked to emotions and sentiments. Within each individual is the potential to play out every kind of role, every aspect of human emotions. Just as an actor

Mystic form of a Tantric teacher in union with his consort. From a Tibetan painting of the late eighteenth century.

EROTIC FANTASY

THE EMOTIONS

NINE SENTIMENTS

CONJURING FORTH EMOTIONS

SENTIMENTS AND COLORS

CHANNELING EMOTIONS

SEXUAL ROLES

ROLE PLAYING

OLD AGE

SEX AND TRANSCENDENCE

MENOPAUSE

IMPOTENCE

takes on different characters, so should couples take on different roles, to deepen their relationship. Staying within a single role is anathema to individual evolution. Different lifetimes are necessary largely because individuals tend to exaggerate particular roles to the exclusion of others.

"Who is the Self? What is the Other? H o w many roles do we need to know? These are the questions that come to mind as one plunges into the enigma of identity. Is she Mother, Sister, Daughter, Wife? Is he Father, Brother, Husband, Son? See each other in all of these roles and expand the field of reference to encompass Muse, Mistress, Virgin, Whore, Priestess; Hero, Lover, Don Juan, Shaman, Priest. All these roles prepare one for the great original role of Shiva/Shakti."

Trembling with excitement, the goddess says:

"O Shiva, your words bring clarity to the mirror of my mind! Questions arise, needing answers. What kind of sexual patterns emerge for old age and menopause? What is the cure for impotence? Should women make love during pregnancy, and if so, when?"

Taking on a terrific countenance, Shiva replies:

"Old age is transcendental, glorious, potentially Divine. Old age can also be pitiful and a time for deep regret. H o w can one talk about sex and old age without talking first of old age itself? In old age people should renounce worldliness and prepare themselves for their appointment with death. Death is the doorway to transcendence and Liberation. Preparation for death should involve the cultivation of meditation, awareness, fearlessness, and spontaneity. The Sixty-four Arts are also aids in coming to terms with death.

"During old age the spirit naturally moves toward transcendence: bodily passions recede, wisdom increases, and spirituality emerges. As old age approaches, sexual love becomes less physical than in youth. Male sexuality naturally tends to decline more rapidly than female sexuality, unless counter-measures are taken. Tantric sexual techniques such as conscious retention and mutual absorption should be emphasized in old age, and a healthy Yogic lifestyle should be maintained. Then there need be no fear of sudden loss of sex drive or complex neuroses.

"Menopause, or the change of life, is a perfectly natural unction of worldly people. It is the body's way of preparing for transcendence. Menopause occurs in both men and women who, as they get older, become fixed in their worldly roles. It causes a feeling of role loss, often accompanied by deep depression. Physical exercise, Hatha Yoga, healthy diet, and Tantric meditation are all helpful in overcoming depression caused by menopause. Once the change of life has passed, the personality undergoes a dramatic change for the better. Those who have gone beyond menopause become initiators, ceremonial leaders, and role models of worldly transcendence: they can live out their lives either with or without active sexuality, depending on their preference. Ideally a couple should gradually grow old together, nurturing nature through their selfless love for each other.

"There are many cures for impotence, which is caused by anxiety, physical exhaustion and debility, over-indulgence, and old age. Hatha Yoga, correct diet, creative meditation, a positive mental attitude, and the use of Tantric sexual techniques are all extremely helpful in overcoming impotence, as are certain drugs, ritual acts, and magical invocations. Ginseng root, marijuana, and other psycho-active substances can cure impotence if used correctly. A henna poultice applied to the sexual region, the head, the hands, and the feet is an ancient remedy for such problems, as is the company of beautiful members of the opposite sex. Above all, impotence is cured by an adjustment in mental attitude and lifestyle, as well as by careful use of aphrodisiacs. The sexual secrets contain the panacea for both impotence and sexual problems that may occur at the change of life or during old age, for they concentrate on sexual practices that involve the mutual exchange and circulation of energy throughout the psycho-organism. The Tantric attitude to sexuality removes the onus of 'performance' from both partners and emphasizes instead the importance of harmonization and mutual enrichment. When the fires of youthful passion no longer flare up so quickly, they are easier to control. In old age the practice of Tantric love allows couples to ascend more easily the heights of ecstasy. For the truly Tantric couple, there never need be any fear of impotence.

"Pregnancy has many stages and no hard and fast rules can be made either for or against sex during this time. Common sense and intuition should govern all activities during pregnancy, and if there is doubt, advice should be sought. However, it is important not to restrict natural urges during pregnancy, provided they are not detrimental to the growing child. Sex is certainly safe during the first few months of pregnancy, but should be undertaken gently rather than with great activity: positions should be chosen to allow maximum comfort and support. It is important to be aware that a third person, the child, is present within the womb. Since sex takes place on many different levels, care should be taken to ensure harmony. A couple who lie together in close loving embrace can positively affect both the physical and the psychological growth of the unborn child. To express love physically through sexual union is but one of many ways that a couple can share their joy at this

time."

Hearing this, the goddess smiles and says:

"O Shiva, Lord of All Creatures, how fortunate I am to have such an experienced and thoughtful lover! Perhaps now you will explain the meaning of the expression mystic child and its rel-

"The term mystic child refers to the magical field produced by sexual love. This 'field,' or psychic atmosphere, is a potential entity in itself and, when directed by Will, can serve a magical function. Advanced adepts of sexual Yoga can concentrate and focus their converged ecstatic life energies beyond the worldly dimension. A mystic child thus created can be used as an 'ally' or serving entity. Its influence extends beyond physicality.

"In the Tantric tradition the mystic child is a vehicle of Liberation. The Subtle Body of Tantra is one type of mystic child, as are tutelary deities and other mystic forms. In a way, true disciples are the 'mystic children' of Gurus. A Guru becomes liberated through his disciples, just as disciples become liberated by their Gurus.

"Astrology is the science of Heaven's destiny. In ancient times priests made detailed studies of the influence of planets, constellations, and other heavenly bodies on the individual's destiny. Relationships were found between the stars and planets and the repeated cycles of change in humans. Just as Heaven and Earth complete each other, so the motion and qualities of heavenly bodies bring earthly humans to the completion of their outstanding Karmas. This is a process that goes on beyond individual life times. Only when there is conscious control over the life-force can an individual transcend the influence of heavenly destiny.

"Sexual positions and roles are directly related to astrological configurations. Both are Yantras, with natural affinities and resonances that interact with one another. In ancient times the subtle relationship between constellations and sexual postures was understood and used to incarnate children with predetermined qualities. Sexual positions can be used to attain ascendancy over astrological influences and thus aid in the conscious control of destiny.

"Sex is an awesome force that can either rejuvenate or debilitate, depending on whether it is practiced correctly or incorrectly. The old have even become young again through the potent power of sex. Many sexual secrets relate to rejuvenation, and these should be used by those who are in need. The main principle of sexual rejuvenation is to circulate rather than

SEX AND PREGNANCY

THE MYSTIC CHILD

ASTROLOGY

SEXUAL POSITIONS AND ASTROLOGY

A cycle of sexual mysteries, linked to the sequence of astrological signs. Twelve erotic episodes revolve around initiatory themes. From an Egyptian papyrus, Twentieth Dynasty, now in the Turin Museum.

A maharaja smokes a hookah while making love. A large painting on paper, formerly in the collection of the King of Nepal, circa 1830.

MAGICAL POWERS

SIDDHIS

SIDDHAS

expend sexual energy. By paying attention to the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of sexual love and channeling the life energies wisely, total rejuvenation can be brought about."

Laughing to herself, the goddess asks:

"What are the different ways of acquiring magical powers? Please tell me also about the correct use of drugs and austerities such as fasting. Tell me the effect of abstinence and celibacy. So many questions and their secret answers race through my thoughtful mind!"

Leaning over to caress her hair, and looking into her eyes, Lord Shiva says to his consort

Parvati:

"Child, though thoughts are many, true answers are few! Though magical powers are part of Tantra, they are not an end in themselves. Known as Siddhi, magical powers have been the cause of endless disputes, jealousies, Karmas, and lifetimes. They have even caused Yogis to break their vows. For the sake of magical powers many have abandoned common sense and reason.

"Some forms of magical powers are naturally acquired at birth, from past lives, astrological influences, or parents or ancestors. Others are acquired by the practice of austerities, by skillfully withdrawing the senses from contact with the external world and transforming their mode of action. Siddhis can also be achieved by living for prolonged periods in intensely focused meditative absorption, by the constant repetition of potent Mantras, and by the correct use of drugs. These five methods are the ways that Siddhis are obtained by mortals. A person who has control over magical powers is known as a Siddha. Many are the Siddhas who have passed beyond worldly limitations, becoming the embodiment of magical power.

"Drugs have the power to take one beyond the worldly dimension. Since ancient times many different drugs have been used in magical rites. However, drugs tend to be almost as

unpredictable as people and, like sex, can either liberate or enslave. Some say that sex is the greatest drug of all and that there is no intoxicant more powerful than the love of man for woman. Certainly it is true that drugs and sex have much in common. Both can lead to the attainment of magical powers and both have an inherent illusory nature, an ability to greatly alter one's perception of reality. In this sense, drugs and sex are both transcendental.

"There are many different kinds of drugs, with innumerable different actions. Transcendental drugs tend to exaggerate what lies just below the normal threshold of consciousness. They lift or expand consciousness, magnify awareness and can cause the Kundalini-energy to awaken and ascend. In this category are marijuana, charas, bhang, hashish, mescaline, peyote, magic mushrooms, morning glory, and other natural organic psycho-active substances. However, if a person takes these drugs when in a negative state of mind or when emotionally unstable, the chances are that the negativity and instability will be greatly magnified. The drug experience then becomes unpleasant, even terrifying, and commonly results in feelings of paranoia. On the other hand, if a person takes these natural drugs with a positive mental attitude and a certain amount of Yogic preparation, transcendental and ecstatic experiences result.

"There are also drugs that tend to contract or narrow the field of consciousness, block perception, and ultimately lead one to oblivion. These are not transcendental drugs and their use has never been endorsed by wise teachers. In this category are the opiates and many synthetic consciousness-altering substances. Such drugs produce a negative effect on both body and mind, regardless of one's mental state. They tend to numb the emotions and cause disharmony within the Subtle Body. In addition, they attract negative influences and entities and create Karmic obstacles that are difficult to overcome.

"Naturally uplifting drugs have a very definite spiritual effect when correctly used as a sacrament. When taken under the guidance of a priest or Guru, they serve to initiate into the experience of transcendence by releasing the individual from self-created limitations. Transcendental drugs can provide a shortcut to Liberation by freeing both Self and ego, and at the same time introducing enhanced receptivity and mystic communion. These drugs should only be taken in the spirit of initiation and with a positive mental attitude. Those who remember to invoke the transcendental qualities of Shiva while taking such drugs need never fear.

"Drugs are entities in themselves. The spirit of marijuana, for example, is female. She is alluring, very seductive. In her presence time passes almost without one noticing. Her sweet fragrance intoxicates the senses and uplifts the mind. She is delighted by heroic men and sensual women. When a couple share marijuana, they are allowing her participation in their relationship. Accepting their invitation, the spirit of marijuana adds spontaneity and humor and also acts as a potent initiator. By bringing the couple into her dimension, the spirit of marijuana exalts and magnifies both love and sensitivity.

"Austerities alter one's perception of reality by causing the senses to withdraw from their contact with the external world. Austerities help develop the Will and are one of the most ancient ways of obtaining magical powers. However, austerities often require considerable time to bring about lasting benefits and are not an end in themselves. Austerities such as fasting and prolonged exposure to the natural elements cause an increased awareness of the subtle relationship between the microcosm of the body and the macrocosm of the universe. A supersensual faculty emerges through the correct practice of Yogic austerities. If, how - ever, austerities are regarded as a form of self-punishment, they are unlikely to bear any lasting fruit. Rather, they should be practiced in a mood of optimism and creativity.

"Fasting increases the inner fire and helps purify the emotions. Many have acquired magical powers by fasting and by the practice of other austerities. Just as you, Parvati, attracted my attention during your time of austerity in the high Himalayas, so humans can awaken their own godly qualities by carefully controlled fasts. Fasting tones the psychoorganism, develops the Subtle Body, and helps concentrate the mind. It helps awaken a sense of detachment and opens up an awareness of one's innermost desires. It is part of the true Yogic tradition and is a valuable aid in the understanding of transcendence. In moderation, fasting acts as a potent virilific and aphrodisiac.

"Abstinence is a kind of sexual fasting. Abstinence from sex for up to a month at a time

THE POWER OF DRUGS

DRUGS AS SACRAMENTS

MARIJUANA

FASTING