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  • 2Secret of Tantric Rituals

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook

    Introduction .......................................................................................................................................2-1

    Lecture 1: Tantra and the Web of Life (Parts1and2) ..................................................................2-3 Outline....................................................................................................................................2-3 LectureNotes........................................................................................................................2-5 StudyQuestions..................................................................................................................2-13

    Lecture 2: The Dynamics of Tantric Rituals (Parts1and2) ......................................................2-15 Outline..................................................................................................................................2-15 LectureNotes......................................................................................................................2-17 StudyQuestions..................................................................................................................2-25

    Lecture 3: The Tantric Way of Invoking the Forces of Nature .................................................2-27 Outline..................................................................................................................................2-27 LectureNotes......................................................................................................................2-29 StudyQuestions..................................................................................................................2-33

    Lecture 4: The Tantric Method of Building a Sacred Fire.........................................................2-35 Outline..................................................................................................................................2-35 LectureNotes......................................................................................................................2-37 StudyQuestions..................................................................................................................2-41

    Lecture 5: The Dynamics of Sacred Fire (Parts1and2)............................................................2-43 Outline..................................................................................................................................2-43 LectureNotes......................................................................................................................2-45 StudyQuestions..................................................................................................................2-55

    Lecture 6: Rudra Yaga—Tantric Rituals for Healing Ourselves and Healing the Planet (Parts1and2) .................................................................................................2-57 Outline..................................................................................................................................2-57 LectureNotes......................................................................................................................2-59 StudyQuestions..................................................................................................................2-71

    Secret of Tantric Rituals Bonus ...................................................................................................2-73 15QuestionsonSecretofTantricRituals..........................................................................2-73 ExtraBonusQuestionsfromStudentsofTantra...............................................................2-75

    Secret of Tantric Rituals Resources ............................................................................................2-77 PranaDharanaPractice......................................................................................................2-77 MahaMrityunjayaMantra...................................................................................................2-79 SecretofTantricRitualsPracticesOnline..........................................................................2-81 RitualInvocationsandPrayers ConstructingtheSarvatoBhadraYantra FireRitualManual PreparationsforFireRituals LivingTantraHavan TrikhandaandSamharaMudras RecommendedReading.....................................................................................................2-82 SupportingPracticesOnline...............................................................................................2-82

    Table of Contents

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-1

    IntroductionThisseminarexploresthesacrednatureofourbodyandtheworldaroundus.We’llstudythe

    fundamentalprinciplesoftantricritualsinvolvedinawakeningboththesubtleforcesofourbody,

    mind,andsoul;andthemysteriousforcescontainedintantricrituals,mantras,yantras,and

    herbs.Byunderstandingthebasisoftantricrituals,we’llseehowtheycanawakenthesubtle

    forcesofnatureandwardoffobstaclesthatobstructourprogressinfullyexperiencingthejoyof

    whoweare.Tantricritualscanhelpuscreateasacredspacewithinusandoutsideus,creating

    theconditionsforourspiritualandworldlyendeavorstobearfruitquicklyandeffectively.

    Atapracticallevel,we’lllearnhowtobuildasacredfire,selectandcombineritualingredients,

    applyappropriatemantras,andinfusetheentireritualpracticewiththeinnerfirethatresidesat

    ourmanipura chakra(thenavelcenter).We’llexplorethemysteryofboththeinnerfire,which

    leadstopersonalempowermentandinnerawakening,andthesacredfire,whichleadstothe

    empowermentofcollectiveconsciousnessandthehealingofournaturalworld.

    Thetheoreticalandpracticalinformationinthisseminarprovidesthefoundationforthefollowing

    seminarsintheLivingTantraseries,particularlyseminarthree:ForbiddenTantra.

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-3

    Lecture 1: Tantra and the Web of Life (Parts1and2)

    Outline 1. Summaryoffirstseminar,TantricTraditionandTechniques

    a. Successinlife’sendeavorsandinspiritualpracticerequiresinnerstrengthandvitality

    b. HowTantraempowerspersonaltransformation

    2. Tantricunderstandingoftherelationshipbetweenourvitalityandtheforcesofnature

    a. Howritualshelpusnurturethenaturalworldandbenurturedinturn

    b. Usingritualstobenefitfromthegiftsofournaturalenvironment

    c. StoryofhowEarthwasburdenedandcontaminated,andhowitwassavedbythe

    boarincarnationofVishnu

    3. Realizingourconnectionwiththeworldaroundusandourmutualinterconnectedness

    a. Storyofapracticeshowinginterconnectednessofall

    b. Needtoprotectourselvesfromnegativity

    c. StoryofsnakesinAllahabadillustratingritualascommunicationacrossspecies

    d. Findingfreedomintheworld,notfromtheworld

    4. Essenceoftantricritualsisgainingaccesstotheforceofnurturanceandhealingandto

    thewholeweboflife

    a. Mustunderstandtherelationshipofvitalityinusandintheforcesofnaturethat

    nurtureus:soil,air,water,plants

    b. Properperformanceofritualsiscommunicationwithdifferentaspectsofnature

    5. Understandingthepowerofmantrainrituals

    a. Soundistheuniquequalityandcharacteristicthatdefinesspace

    b. Soundpollutionisthemostsubtleandlong-lastingpollution;natureofsoundpollution

    c. Muchofefficacyofritualsdependsonuseofmantra

    d. Importanceofmaintainingpurityofatmosphereandthoughtsandspeechforrituals

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    2-4 Living Tantra Guidebook

    6. HowimpuritiesaccumulateinthebodyandmindaccordingtoAyurveda

    a. Psychologicalandphysicalconditionsregulatedbythefirstthreechakrasare

    mostsusceptibletoimpurity

    b. Formationofama—impurities,sourceofillness,andtoxins

    c. Differentsourcesofama

    d. Improperlyprocessedemotionsaffectdoshas(constitutionalqualities)

    e. Howsymptomsappearnotonlyinourbodiesbutalsointheoutsideworld

    f. Tantricritualsasameanstorestorebalancewithinandwithout

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-5

    Lecture Notes

    Summary of Tantric Tradition and Techniques• Successinlife’sendeavorsandinspiritualpracticerequiresinnerstrengthandvitality.

    • Awakeningprana shaktiresultsinvigor,self-confidence,motivation,andinsight,and

    thisiswhatisneededforsuccessinanyendeavor,worldlyorspiritual.Thisisthe

    “enlivening”discussedinthefirstseminar,TantricTraditionandTechniques,and

    neededfortantricrituals.

    • Thebasicprerequisitefortantricritualsistointensify,refine,anddirectpranicshakti.

    Theninfuseallotherpracticesanddisciplineswiththatpranicshakti.ThisishowTantra

    empowersyouinpersonaltransformation.

    Tantric Understanding of the Relationship Between Our Vitality and the Forces of Nature

    • Ritualsaretheexternalcounterpartoftheyogicpracticeswhichaccessenergycentersin

    thebody.Justasweconcentratepranicshaktiwithprana dharanaatthenavelcenter,and

    learntotakeadvantageofthevitalityatthiscenter,sowithritualswewillbreathelifeinto

    nature’sforcesandlearntousethem.

    • Ritualshelpconnectustothesubtleforcesofnatureandarrangetheminourfavor.

    • Ifwenurturetheforcesofnature,theynurtureus.Thisisafundamentaltruthintantric

    practice:

    • StoryofhowEarthwasburdenedwithfilthandcontamination.Thepresiding

    forceofEarthtriestohealit,butfinallyinvokesthefundamentalsourceofhealing,

    nurturance,andmaintenance—LordVishnu.

    • Vishnuistheall-pervadingforceofkundalini shakti.Hisbedisaserpentnamed

    Shesha,onewhoneverdies.Vishnusleepsinyoga nidra.HeisthePreserver.

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    2-6 Living Tantra Guidebook

    • Earth’sprayerstoVishnucaughttheattentionofBrahma,theCreator.

    FromhisexhalationisbornVarahaAvatara—theboarincarnationofVishnu—

    whosebodyismadeofwisdom.

    • VarahacircumambulatesEarthandplungesintotheocean.Thesplashwashes

    overtheland.MillionsofboarslikeVarahaemergefromthesplashandroamover

    Earthdevouringgarbageandjumpingintowatertocleansethemselves.Finallythe

    ecologyoftheplanetcomesbackintobalance.

    • Lessonsfromthisstory:

    • Earthisalivingplanet,imbuedwithintelligence;itsufferswhentreatedas

    acommodity.Earthbecomesimbalancedwhenhumanbeingsfeelentitledtoown

    itanditsresources;andjustifytheirgreed,selfishness,and

    possessiveness.

    • Becauseofdistortedunderstanding,thereisnoenforcementoflawandorder

    insocietytosupportandprotecttherestofcreation,andnatureisthusleft

    unattendedbyhigherintelligence.

    Realizing Our Connection with the World Around Us and Our Mutual Interconnectedness

    • AllspiritualtraditionsofIndiasharetheviewthatalllifeandnaturearepartofonewhole:

    • ExamplefromthefirstverseoftheIsha Upanishad:“Everythingismadeof

    Isha,everythingexistsinIsha,everythingismeantforIsha.”Ishaisthatwhich

    pervadesandpermeateseverything;andmanifestsinthesun,themoon,inyou

    andineveryoneandeverything.

    • Thisrealizationisatthecoreofanyspiritualgrowthanddevelopment.

    • Panditji’spersonalexperiencesofthisunderlyingconnectionandunity:

    • Theneti, neti(“notthis,notthis”)practice—self-reflectiononthoughts,speech,and

    actionstodis-identifywithingrained,limitedself-identifications:“I’mnotaman;

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-7

    • I’mnotawoman;I’mnotHindu;I’mnotChristian”;etc.After90days,theopposite

    practice:“I’maman;I’mawoman;I’mHindu;I’mChristian;allforms,shapes,and

    names,naturalorman-made,aresaturatedwithmyinnerconsciousness.”

    • Afterthispractice,heexperiencedsadnessandquestionedhisteacher,Swami

    Rama.Swamijiexplained,“Thereasonliesinthewaythispractice(pranava

    sadhana)isdone.Afterpranadharanaattheajnachakra(seeTantricTraditionand

    Techniques),youestablishOmthereandbringittothecrownchakra(sahasrasara

    chakra).Omflowswiththeinhaleandexhale,andbecauseofthe“Iameverything”

    contemplationandthepranicconnection,youareconnectingyourselftothe

    collectiveconsciousness.Billionsofpeoplearelivinginmisery.Thusyou

    experiencethemiseryofthecollectiveconsciousness.”

    • Wemustlearntoprotectourselvesfromnegativeinfluences,andyetrealizethe

    interconnectednatureofeverything.Tantratellsushowtodothis:

    • Withoutseeingyourselfasanintegralpartofthevastwebofnature,you

    remainspirituallypoor,andinnerpovertyreflectsintotheworldaroundyou,

    makingyouasourceofmiserytoyourselfandothers.

    • Toexperiencetheintegrationandyetbeprotectedfromthenegative,

    SwamiRamaexplains,“Inmeditationvisualizeyourselfasacompleteentity

    althoughfullyconnectedwitheverything.”Youareafinitevesselinthe

    oceanofinfinity.Protectandnurturethefinitevesselofthebodyandmind

    soitisstrong,clear,andconfident;resideintheinfinitepoolofnon-duality.

    • Anotherexampleofaspiritualpracticeconnectingtothesubtleforcesofnature:

    • Panditjiandhisfamilyrecitedasetofmantrasdedicatedtothethousand

    formsofRudra,thelifeforce,andhumblyrequestedthecobrasinfesting

    theInstitute’slandinAllahabad,India,toleavethepremisesandmakeroom

    fortheInstitute.Afewmonthslater,nosnakesweretobefoundanywhere.

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    2-8 Living Tantra Guidebook

    • Humanbeings,animals,plants,rivers,mountains—allareinfusedwith

    consciousnessandpranashakti.Buttheydon’tunderstandeachotherslanguage:

    • Anewrealityiscreatedwhentheinterconnectionofallisrealized.Example

    ofcreatingnewsituationswhenyoumeetandcancommunicatewith

    someonefromadifferentculture.

    • Themutuallanguageofallisthelanguageoftheheart,whichallowsyouto

    feeleachother’spresenceandimportance.ThisistherealmofTantra,and

    thefoundationoftantricrituals.

    • TheSpiritofTantra:

    • Realizingourperfectionandfulfillmentcontributestotheperfectionand

    fulfillmentofothers,andviceversa.

    • Skillfullyusingeverythinginsideandoutsideofusforthemutualbenefitofall.

    • Thenourmutualinterconnectednessanddependencybecomesasource

    offreedom,notofbondage,andgivesusfreedomintheworld,notfrom

    theworld.

    Essence of Tantric Rituals is Gaining Access to the Force of Nurturance and Healing and to the Whole Web of Life

    • Needtounderstandtherelationshipofvitalityinusandintheforcesofnaturethatnurture

    us:soil,air,water,plants.

    • ExampleofdogsonAllahabadcampus.Whenthestaffstoppedbeatingthem,allthedogs

    inthewholeareastoppedcryingatnightinresponsetothehowlingofthejackals,and

    startedbarkinginstead(anormalresponse).

    • Dhuti vijnanaisthescienceofreadingsignsinnature,andunderstandingmessagesabout

    thehealthandwell-beingofyoursurroundings.Jackals,ants,crows,andotherbirdsare

    particularlygoodmessengers.

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-9

    • ExampleofsolareclipseatVindhyachal:temperaturedropped,windcameup;andbirds

    andmonkeysexhibitedconfused,uncharacteristicbehaviorbecausethenormallawand

    orderofnaturewasdisturbed.

    • Properperformanceofritualsislikecommunicatingwithdifferentaspectsofnature.

    Understanding the Power of Mantra in Rituals• TantricpractitionerBhutaBaba’suniquedescriptionof“human”—onenotboundby

    anger,greed,lust,etc.;whoseactionsarenotpropelledbyinstinctiveurges.

    • BhutaBabaexplainshowsoundistheuniquequalityandcharacteristicthatdefines

    space.Thesoundprincipleisthemostsubtleofall,andfromitevolvesmantraand

    language:

    • Ifinauspicioussoundsfillspace,thatisthemostseriouskindofpollutionwiththe

    mostlong-lastingimpactonthewholeofcreation.Themeaningandfeelingbehind

    soundcreatesasubtlerealitywhichisaproductofourthoughts,andwhichcan’t

    berecalled.

    • Controloverthetongueisimportantforconcentratingourinnerpowerandenergy.An

    impuretongueisanexpressionofimpurethoughtswhichpollutethemindandheart.

    Energygainedfromritualsisconsumedandneutralizedbyimpurethoughtsandspeech,

    makingitdifficulttoseethefruitsofthepractice.

    • Muchoftheefficacyofritualsdependsonhowwespeak,andtheuseofmantra.

    Thescienceofmantraispartofhowwebreathelifeintorituals.

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    2-10 Living Tantra Guidebook

    How Impurities Accumulate in the Body and Mind According to Ayurveda

    • Inthebody,thepsychologicalandphysicalaspectsofbeingregulatedbythefirstthree

    chakrasarethemostsusceptibletoimpurity:

    Impuritiesareama,whichoccursinthreestages:

    a. Sanchaya—theaccumulationofimpuritiesfromfood,air,water;andalsofrom

    thoughts,speech,actionsandinteractions.

    b. Prasara—themovementofimpuritieswhicheruptinaweakspotinthe

    system,e.g.,thelungs,ortheskin.Ifamaisremovedatthisstagebythe

    processofprashama,orcalming,diseaseprocessishalted.

    c. Prakopa—theaggravationandmanifestationofdysfunctionorillness.

    mūlādhāra

    svādihāna

    maipūra

    anāhata

    viśuddhi

    ājñā

    sahasrāra

    mūlādhāra

    svādihāna

    maipūra

    anāhata

    viśuddhi

    ājñā

    sahasrāra

    mūlādhāra

    svādihāna

    maipūra

    anāhata

    viśuddhi

    ājñā

    sahasrāra

    mūlādhāra

    svādihāna

    maipūra

    anāhata

    viśuddhi

    ājñā

    sahasrāra

    mūlādhāra

    svādihāna

    maipūra

    anāhata

    viśuddhi

    ājñā

    sahasrāra

    mūlādhāra

    svādihāna

    maipūra

    anāhata

    viśuddhi

    ājñā

    sahasrāra

    mūlādhāra

    svādihāna

    maipūra

    anāhata

    viśuddhi

    ājñā

    sahasrāra

    Chakras in the Subtle Body

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-11

    Food-relatedamaaccumulatesinthedigestivesystem.Breath-relatedama

    accumulatesinthelungsandblood.Sleep-relatedamaaccumulatesinthe

    endocrinesystem.Relationship-andthought-relatedamaaccumulateinthe

    brainandnervoussystem.

    Exampleofeatingbadfood.Ifbodymanagestoprocessitandeliminatethe

    toxins,itdoesn’tcauseillness.Butifyoucan’tprocessit,itbecomesprakopa,

    andmanifestsassomeillness.

    • Mental,emotionaltoxins,suchasanger,repressedthoughts,conflicts,andunfulfilled

    desires,derangedoshas,dependingonthetypeofemotion:attachmentanddelusion

    aggravatekapha;angerpushespitta;andworryandfearaggravatevata.Ifonedoshais

    disturbed,theothersarealsoaffected—theysupporteachotherandareintermingled.

    • Aggravateddoshasaffectthesystemsgovernedbythefirstthreechakras.

    • Mentalbehavioraffectsthepurityoftheheart;andstronglyaffectsthefirstthree

    chakras.

    • Ifthedesiretopossessandconsumeisstrongerthancommonsense,thereisanegative

    impactontheenergiesofthefirstthreechakrasandtheorgansresidingintheirdomain,

    andthenegativeimpactwillappearnotonlyinourbodies,butalsointheoutsideworld.

    • Lawandorderintheouterworldbeginstodisintegratewhenintendedrelationships

    betweendifferentaspectsofnature,likehumanbeingsandanimals,aredisturbed.

    Thesubtlegoverningforcesofnaturearedisrupted.

    • Unhealthyconflictbetweendesiretoown,consume,possess,andnotwantingothersto

    havethesamecomfortsandconveniencesiftheirviewpointsarenotthesameasours;

    unhealthyconflictbetweenourselvesandnature;betweenourselvesandthosewhoare

    differentfromus.

    • Perennialdiseaseofthehumanrace:confusionoverrightandwrong,justandunjust;and

    itpredisposesustoillnessesrelatedtothefirstthreechakras.

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    2-12 Living Tantra Guidebook

    • Tantricritualsarethemeanstorestorebalancewithinandwithout.Tantricphilosophy

    overcomesconfusion.Intheshortterm,weneedyogicallyinspiredtantrictechniques,or

    tantricallyinspiredritualtechniques,tohealthefirstthreechakras.

    • Firstchakra:fear,insecurity,doubt,sloth.

    • Secondchakra:desire,conflict,attachment,killingtheconscience.

    • Thirdchakra:power,possession,position,prestige.

    • Tantricritualsaredesignedtohelptheconcernsofthesethreechakras,andtobringusto

    theloveattheheartcenter(anahatachakra)andtheclarityofmindattheeyebrowcenter

    (ajnachakra).

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-13

    Study Questions: 01.Whatisthepurposeoftantricrituals?

    02.DoestheworldtodayresembleEarthatthetimeofVaraha’sincarnation?

    03.Doestheprevailingworldviewconformwiththetantricperspective?

    04.Doyouseeanyevidenceofchangesinperspectiveintheworldatlargewithregard

    totheenvironment?

    05.Withregardtoglobalwarming,whatkindsofsolutionswouldatantricworldviewreject,

    andwhatkindsofsolutionswouldarisefromatantricperspective?

    06.Whyaretheingredientsandtoolsusedinritualsimportant?

    07.Whatisthefoundationoftantricrituals?

    08.Whatdifficultiesmustbeovercometoperformtantricritualseffectively?

    09.Whatisthenatureofthethoughtsandwordswearecollectivelybroadcasting

    throughouttheworldtoday?Considerthecontentbroadcastthroughradio,television,

    andtheinternet.

    10.Whyisitimportanttomaintainpurityofthoughtandspeechwhenconductingrituals,

    ordoingpractice?

    11.HowisAyurvedarelatedtoyogaphilosophy?

    12.Whatisamaandwhatarethepathwaysforitsaccumulation?

    13.Whydoyouthinkthepelvicenergycentersaresoeasilydisturbedandcontaminated?

    ConsiderBhutaBaba’sdescriptionofa“human.”

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-15

    Lecture 2: The Dynamics of Tantric Rituals (Parts1and2)

    Outline 1. Fundamentaldifferencebetweenaceremonyandatantricritual

    a. Differencesbetweentantricritualandceremony

    b. ExampleofrecentwarprotestsandGandhi’ssaltmarch

    c. Ritualsneedconcentratedenergy,focus,andunderstanding

    2. Understandingtheanatomyofrituals

    a. Knowingwhatyouwanttoachieveandwhy

    b. Determinationandconcentrationofenergyareessentialforsuccess

    c. Knowingthepropermeans,tools,andingredients

    d. Breathelifeintotheritualwithprana dharana

    3. Propercommunicationwiththeforcesofinterest

    a.Thesubtleworldisunfamiliar;weinferitsexistence,butusuallydonotexperienceit

    directly,andthereisexistenceatanevenmoresubtlelevelthanourinference

    b. Ritualsaredesignedtoreachthepresidingforce,theessenceitself

    4. Thetantricconceptofapurva:givingbirthtoanewrealitythroughtantricrituals,and

    reshapingourdestiny

    a. Understandinggoals:worldlyorspiritual,andfocusinggoals

    b. Stepsinapurva:havingaplanofactionandtheimplementationoftheplan

    5. Howapurvaworksinaccordancewiththelawofkarmaandhowtantricrituals

    createapurva

    a. Groupsofsimilarkarmasarestoredtogetherinakarmashaya—apackageofkarma

    b. Thefruitsofthebroadcategoriesofpleasantandpainfulpastkarmasareconnected

    toouroveralldestinyandresultinourcurrentbirth

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    2-16 Living Tantra Guidebook

    6. Tantricritualscreateakarmashaya,whichmaycounteraparticularhabitorproblem

    a. Punyakarmashaya—virtuous,precise,andfocusedkarmacreatedbyatantricritual

    b. Punyakarmashayacanchangeatroublesomeinclinationorhabitbycreatinganew

    realitythatisindependentofpastkarmas

    c. Thisishowtantricritualscreateapurva—anew,desirable,concentratedrealitythat

    hasthepowertoensurethatpastactionsbearfruitinaccordancewithyourplan

    inthefuture

    7. Themaincomponentsoftantricrituals

    a. Preciseprocedure,clearintention,unwaveringfaith,correctritualingredients,proper

    wayofinvokingthedivinities,buildingafirecorrectly,andchannelingtheenergy

    engenderedbyritualtotherightplaceattherighttime

    b. Intantricrituals,mantra,yantra,visualization,andfireofferingsarethemainforces—

    thefactorswhichfortifytherestoftheritualprocedureandprocessesandawaken

    thedormantforceoftheherbs,gems,orritualmaterials

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-17

    Lecture Notes

    The Fundamental Difference Between a Ceremony and a Tantric Ritual• TheprotestofwarwithIraqinvolvedmillionsofpeople,buttheywereexpressingtheir

    opinion,andtheirprotestwasnotfocusedenoughtomakeadifference;theywentback

    totheirnormallifeattheendoftheday.

    • MahatmaGandhi’ssaltmarchprotestisanexampleofactionwithintensedetermination,

    clarity,focus,andunderstanding,whichmadeadifference.

    • Similarly,aritualhasthisdeeplevelofunderstandingandintenseconcentrationof

    energy.Itisnotexpressingadesireoropinion;itisnotsymbolic;itisnotculturalor

    custom-driven.

    • Aritualismethodicalandenergeticallyconcentrated.

    • Anotherexamplegivenisoftheheatinaroom.Ifyoucompressalltheheatintheroom

    intoasmallspaceitisveryhotandwillboilwaterandcookyourrice;oriffurtherconcen-

    trated,itwillweldmetal;butifitisdiffusedintheroom,itwillnevercookyourrice.

    Understanding the Anatomy of Rituals• Ritualsarepurpose-drivenandwell-planned.Theyrequiretheappropriatetoolsand

    meansandingredients:

    • Exampleofhowtransportationbylandandtransportationbyairneeddifferent

    vehicles.Theenergyisthesame,butthemeansmustbedifferent.

    • Thenatureofyourgoalsandobjectivesandthespace,time,andkindofsocietyor

    individualyouareallfactorintheingredientsandmeansusedfortheritual.

    • First,youmustunderstandwhatyouaretryingtodoandwhy:

    • Understandwhatisrequiredinordertodowhatyouwanttoachieve.Exampleof

    tryingtomoveachairwithoutusingtheappropriateforce.Youcouldspendmuch

    energyover20yearswithoutovercomingtheinitialinertiainthechair.

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    2-18 Living Tantra Guidebook

    • Anotherexampleofjogging—thefirst5minutesjustwarmsupthemuscles;only

    after15minutesormoredoesthemetabolicratechangeandthebenefitsaccrue.

    Andyoumustexerciseagainthenextday,becausethisisthewaythebodyis

    designed.

    • Ritualsaredirectedeithertopersonalunfoldment,empowerment,and

    enlightenment;ortheyaredirectedtowardthewell-beingofothers,of

    nature,orthesocietyorenvironment.

    • Second,intensity,force,willpoweranddeterminationareneededforrituals:

    • Pranadharanacanbedoneinternallytoconcentratethisenergy.

    • Pranadharanacanalsobedonebytheritualisticmethodusingprana

    pratishthaandmantras,yantras,herbs,andothertools.

    • Onlyafterlifehasbeenbreathedintothephysicalcomponentsofritualsdo

    suchritualsofsprinklingwater,ringingbells,etc.,haveanypower.

    • Theyogicstyleofpranadharanawasstudiedinthefirstseminar,Tantric

    TraditionandTechniques,andbreatheslifeintoourownbody,mind,

    senses,thoughts,speech,andactions.Itinvolvesconcentratingthepranic

    forceatthenavelcenterandthentransportingitintothedifferentparts

    ofthebody,orintomantras,yantras,ordeities,orintoourritual.Prana

    pratishthaisbreathinglifeintoalocus,inthiscase,theritualitself.

    Proper Communication with the Forces of Interest• Wecancommunicatewiththatwhichweknowandunderstand:

    • Exampleofnotbeingabletospeakthelanguageofanotherculture,thoughwe

    wouldliketoconductbusinesswiththem.

    • Wearefamiliarwiththematerialworldandhavetrainedthesensesandmindto

    understandit;butwehaveahardtimeunderstandinganythingoutsidethedomain

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    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-19

    • ofourperception.Sowehaveextendedourperceptionthroughtoolslike

    microscopesandtelescopestoexpandourunderstanding.

    • Weinferexistenceandunderstandingofsomephenomenathroughobservation

    andreasoning.

    • Anotherlevelofrealityexistsbeyondinferenceandtheexperienceofthematerialworld:

    • Thisextremelysubtleforceistheguiding,presidingessenceofsomething—a

    mountain,aperson,turmeric,garlic—whatevermakesitwhatitisandpropelsits

    actions:itsessence,itsdefinitivequality.

    • Thisisthedivinity,accordingtotantrics.

    • Inhumans,thisinnerdivinityiswhatpropelsourthoughts,speech,andaction,and

    guidesandgovernsthepowerofwill,thepowerofknowledge,andthepowerof

    action.

    • Thatsameinnerdivinitymayberegardedasadevilfromsomeperspectives.

    ExampleofKamadevaversusManmatha.Itisthesameforce,butisseenas

    Manmatha—thechurnerofthemind,aproblemmaker—bynon-tantrics,whilefor

    tantricsManmathaisKamadeva—theprimordialmasterwhositsdeepinthecave

    ofourheartanddrivesthechariotoflifetoitsdestination.Heisthespiritofguru

    shakti,theseeroftheSriVidyamantra,andtheteacherandprimordialmasterof

    themostexaltedyantraofthetantrictradition,theSriChakra.

    • Examplesofinneressenceusinggarlic,turmeric,andartificialfood.

    • Ritualsaredesignedtoreachandconveyamessagetothatpresidingforce,thatruling

    divinity,ofwhateveristheobjectoftheritual.

    • Withritual,youcommunicatewiththeessenceofsomething,thepresidingforce,

    theinnerdivinity,initslanguage:youmustfirstidentifytheinnerdivinity—thegods

    andgoddesses.

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    • Wesufferbynothavingrealizationofourowninnerdeity,bynotknowingour

    ownessence,ourown“activeingredient.”Alltheforceswithinyouareunderthe

    leadershipofthepresidingdeitythatisyou.

    • Tocommunicatewiththatpresidingdeityinritual,alsoaddressthosedeities

    undertheruleofthepresidingdeity.Differentingredientsandprocedures,

    differentmantras,differenttools—alltheseorganizeandcreatethestructurethat

    allowsaccesstothepresidingdeity:

    • ExampleofthepresidentoftheHimalayanInstitutegreetingthepresidentof

    IBM.EveryoneattheInstituteneedstoknowwhothepresidentis,andwho

    istheappropriatepersontogreetIBM’spresident.

    • Intantricrituals,themethodologyiswell-defined,sothecommunication

    isclear.

    The Tantric Concept of Apurva: Giving Birth to a New Reality Through Tantric Rituals, and Reshaping our Destiny

    • Needtounderstandyourpurposeandgoal—whetheritisforworldlyorspiritualpersonal

    benefit,orforthebenefitofalargeraspectofcreation:

    • Worldlypersonalgoalsmaybehealing,eitherphysicalorpsychological,foryourself

    orforsomeoneelse;orforprotection.

    • Spiritualpersonalgoalsneedtobefocusedandpreciseastowhatyouwantto

    achieve,andwhichtypeofdivinityyouseektoreach.Generalprayersmaybelost

    intheoceanicexistence.

    • Apurvaiscreatedbytantricritual:

    • Ameans“not;”purvameans“before.”Apurva:somethingthatdidnotexist,now

    existsbyvirtueofyourpractice.Aritual-createdapurvacreatesanewpattern

    whichprojectsintothefutureandcreatesanewreality.

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    • ExampleoftheInstitutechangingitsmanagementstyleandbusinessstructure.

    • Stepsinapurva:1)aplanofaction;amap;and2)implementationoftheplan.

    • Thenatsomepoint,thenewrealitybeginstoexistandithastheabilitytoeither

    neutralizetheeffectoftheoldreality,ortomodifythepre-existingsituation,or

    givebirthtosomethingnew.Thisischangingdestiny.

    Apurva and the Law of Karma• Apurvaworksinaccordancewiththelawofkarma.Everyactionleavesasubtle

    impressioninthemindfield,andthoughthiscannotbedestroyed,itcanbechanged

    andtransformed.

    • Theprocessofthestorageofimpressionsinthemindismethodical,andifnot,then

    theretrievalofthoseimpressionswillbehodge-podgeandunorganized.Thethoughts,

    speech,andactionsofadisturbed,distracted,orstupefiedmindwillhaveunclear,

    disturbed,anddistractedeffectsandimpressions,andwillbestoredinan

    unorganizedway:

    • Exampleofawarehouse:objectsarestoredingroups.Best-sellingobjectsare

    storedinthefronttobeeasilyaccessed.Thereisasystemandareasonforhow

    thingsarestored.

    • Inthemind,agroupofsimilarkarmasarestoredtogetherinasystemcalled

    karmashaya. Ashayameans“pouch,basket,package,orcontainer.”Karmashaya

    means“thecontainerforkarma.”

    • Asinthewarehouseanalogy,intense,significantkarmas,whichmustbe

    dischargedinthenearfuture,arestorednearthefront.Themoregeneralkarmas,

    withlessurgency,arestoredfurtherintheback.Thisishowkarmashayaworks.

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    • Thefruitsofthebroadcategoriesofpleasantandpainfulpastkarmasareconnectedto

    ouroveralldestinyandresultinourcurrentbirth.Thereisnotmuchfreedomtochange

    thesekarmicexperiences,whicharenormallyacombinationofbothgoodandbadkarma:

    • Usuallyonegroupofkarmastakesthelead.Youcanmitigatesome

    undesirablemanifestationsbytakingmedicine,seeingatherapist,changing

    yourlifestyle,practicinghathayoga,etc.

    • Butsomelessthandesirablesituationsseemnottochange,despiteallthe

    effortsyoumake.That’sbecausetheremaybeamoresubtlecause,

    needingamoresubtlesolution.

    Tantric Rituals Create a Karmashaya, Which May Counter a Particular Habit or Problem

    • PatanjalidescribeskarmashayaintheYoga Sutra—themastertextbookofallaspectsof

    yoga.Becauseofkarmashayawearewherewearetoday.

    • Tantricritualscreateauniquekindofkarmashaya,calledpunya karmashaya.Punya

    karmashayaisveryprecise,focused,andvirtuous:

    • Theritualcreatesauniquekarmainauniquepackagewithauniquedelivery

    system.Exampleofovernightdeliveryofpackagesversusstandarddelivery.

    Punyakarmashayaistargeted.

    • Theritualproducesafocusedresultthatremovesonenegativetrainofthought,

    forexample,onetinydefect;butwithfreedomfromthat,yourlifechangesforthe

    better,andyoucancontinueyoursadhana.

    • Fromthenon,youjustneedtoremindyourselfnottofallbackintothatpattern.

    • Thisishowatantricritualworks—itcreatesanewentitywithpurposeandfunction,andit

    issoconcentratedthattheeffectofthepracticecannotbeneutralizedbythebadkarma

    ofyourpast.

    • Theritualcreatesanewstand-alonesetofkarmas.

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    • Thekarmasofthepastmayprovideobstaclesduringtheritual,andforthatitisimportant

    tohavelayersofprotection—tohavesecondaryandauxiliarypracticestoprotectyouand

    theritual.Theseareasimportantasthemainpractice.Thesecondarypracticesprotect

    youfromyourownkarmicinfluences.

    • Tantricritualscreateapurva—anewdesirable,concentratedrealitythathasthepowerto

    nullifyormodifyyourpast,andensurethatyourpastactionsbearfruitinaccordancewith

    yourplaninthefuture,regardlessofhowill-performedtheywereinthepast.

    The Main Components of Tantric Rituals• Themaincomponentsareapreciseprocedure,clearintention,unwaveringfaith,correct

    ritualingredients,theproperwayofinvokingthedivinities,buildingafirecorrectly,and

    channelingtheenergyengenderedbytheritualtotherightplaceattherighttime:

    • Preciseprocedure.Thisincludespurificationofyourself,theatmosphere,the

    environmentaroundyou;protectionfromundesirableforcesintheenvironment;

    andknowingwhatkindofdivinitiestoinviteandinvoke,andwheretoplacethem.

    • Clearintention.Knowexactlywhyyouaredoingthepractice.

    • Unwaveringfaith.Understandingtheconceptsandthebasisfortheritualshelps

    youcultivatethisfaith,asdoesunderstandingthatritualsarenotceremoniesor

    culturalevents:

    • Faithisduetoacontinuousunbrokenstreamofknowledge.Thisistrueof

    businessandscienceaswell.

    • Needtrustintheritualandinthedivinities.Exampleofunderstanding

    turmericanditsessence,knowingthemantratocommunicatewithit,and

    beingsureoftheappropriatenessoftheyantraormandalatouseforthe

    souloftheturmericinvitedtotheritual.Thereisanentirepracticethatis

    donewiththemahamrityunjayamantraandturmerictoreleasethehealing

    powerofturmeric.

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    • Youarenotlookingforthesymbolicmeaningoftheyantraorofthe

    turmeric,anymorethanyouarethinkingthatyourhusbandhasasymbolic

    meaning.Heisreal.

    • Correctritualingredients.

    • Properwayofinvokingthedivinities.

    • Buildingthefirecorrectly.

    • Channelingtheenergyengenderedbytheritualtotherightplaceattherighttime.

    • Intantricrituals,themantra,yantra,visualization,andfireofferingsarethemainforces—

    thefactorswhichfortifytherestoftheritualprocedureandprocesses:

    • Thepurposeoftheapplicationofthesefactorsistoawakenthedormantforce

    oftheherbsorgemsorwhatevermaterialsyouareusinginyourritual,andthe

    divinitiesbeinginvited.

    • Thisisjustliketheyogicpracticeofpranadharana,wherethepurposeistoinfuse

    spaceatthenavelcenterwiththepranicenergyfromtheeyebrowcenter.Inthis

    waytheingredientswhichareanintegralpartoftheritualarelivingingredients.

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    Study Questions 01.Whatisthedifferencebetweenatantricritualandaceremony?

    02.Whyarethetools,ingredients,andproceduresinaritualimportant?

    03.Whymightourritualnotbesuccessfulevenifwearedeterminedandfocused?

    04.Explainthemeaningofapurva.

    05.Whatisakarmashaya?

    06.Whatkindofakarmashayadoritualscreate?

    07.Howcanakarmashayacreatedbyaritualhelpus?

    08.Whatmustwedotostabilizeandcontinuereapingthebenefitsofaritual?

    09.Howistheeffectofaritualrelatedtoyourpreviouskarmas?

    10.Describethepurposeoftantricritualsinlightofkarma,karmashaya,andtheconcept

    ofapurva.

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    Lecture 3: The Tantric Way of Invoking the Forces of Nature

    Outline 1. Introductiontothethreemaincomponentsofrituals

    a. Invocationoftheforceordivinitywhichisthefocusoftheritual

    b. Preparationforgreetingandmanagingthedivinitythatisinvited

    c. Procedureforbuildingthefireandmakingofferings

    2. InvocationusingtheVishveDevaSukta

    3. Creatinganinfrastructuretosupportthepresidingandotherdeitiesduringtheritual,

    usingtheSarvatoBhadraYantra

    4. Additionalinvocations

    a. Toforcesthatremoveobstacles(Ganesha)

    b. Toprovideaconduitforrevelation(BatukaBhairava)

    c. Toconnectanduniteus(the64yoginis)

    d. Totheguardiansoftheplaceandthedirections

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    Lecture Notes

    The Three Main Components of Rituals• Thethreecomponentsareinvocation,preparation,andappropriategreeting,offerings

    andprocedures:

    • Infrastructureandprotocolsupportandmaketheritualwork.Themoreimportant

    theguestis,thebiggertheinfrastructureneedstobe.Exampleofweekly

    meetingsofthelocalRotaryClubversusavisitbythegovernor,orthepresident

    oftheUnitedStates.ExampleofpreparationfortheOlympics.

    • Partofprotocolisknowingwhatkindofingredientstouse,inwhatproportion,how

    tomixthem,wheretobuildthekundaoraltar,andwhatthesizeandcomposition

    ofaltarshouldbe.

    • Thesystemofintroduction,greetingandhonoring—nonverbalcommunication

    ofplacementandstance.Exampleoftheseatingarrangementandgreeting

    arrangementsforthepresident.

    • Understandingtheproperwaytogreetandinviteisessentialtoachieveyour

    purpose.Youmustunderstandthenatureandrealityofthatwhichyouareinviting

    inordertogivetheproperinvocationandinvitation.

    Invocation Using the Vishve Deva Sukta• Firstinvokethepresidingdeityofrituals,andthegroupof33divinitieswhomaintain

    lawandorderinourpersonallifeandinthenaturalworld.Thisinvocationisusedfor

    ritualswithhighaspirationsandtheintentiontobringlastingtransformationtotheinner

    andouterworlds,regardlessoftheexactfocusormaindeityoftheritual.

    • Thisgroupof33divinitiesiscalledgana,meaningthatcountlessdivinitiesare

    includedinthisgroupof33.Allareinvokedbythe10mantrasoftheVishve Deva

    Sukta.(FormoreabouttheVishve Deva Sukta,visitHimalayanInstitute.org/resources)

    • Whenthissuktaisrecitedproperly,themaindeity,accompaniedby33other

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    deities,mustcome,becausethisisthegoverninglaw.Exampleofthepresident

    oftheUnitedStatesbeingmadeupofallthecitizensoftheUnitedStates,and

    representingapowerfulideawhichisgovernedbytheConstitution.The

    Constitutiondefinestruthandjustice,andthepresidentandCongress,etc.,are

    thephysicallymanifestformsoftheConstitution—theyembodyit.

    • ThissuktaislikeinvitingtheWhiteHouse;youinvitetheWhiteHouse,nota

    particularoccupant;andtheWhiteHousefiguresoutwhotosend.Themain

    deityissomeformofpureconsciousnessinyou,anditcomesinaformthatis

    appropriatetothenatureoftheparticularritualyouareperforming.

    • Theritam,ortheconstitutionorlawoftantricrituals,authorizestheVishveDeva

    Suktatoinvoketheseforces.

    Creating an Infrastructure to Support the Deities—the Sarvato Bhadra Yantra

    • Sarvatomeans“ineveryrespect,ineverymanner,foreverypurpose.”

    Bhadrameans“thatwhichisauspicious,good,appropriate.”

    • Thisyantrabecomestheresidenceoftheinvokeddeitiesduringtheritual.Justasyour

    mindhasspaceforaninfinitenumberofthoughtsandideas,theSarvatoBhadraYantra

    hasspaceforaninfinitenumberofdeities.

    • ForinstructionsonhowtoconstructtheSarvatoBhadraYantra,andhowtopurifythe

    spacearoundit,andprotectit,visitHimalayanInstiture.org/resources.

    Additional Invocations • AdditionalinvocationsaremadetoGanesha,BatukaBhairava,the64yoginis,andthe

    guardiansorprotectorsoftheplaceandthedirections,offeringthemaseatintheSarvato

    BhadraYantra:

    • Invokingtheforcethatidentifiesorremovesobstacles.Intantricpractice,this

    forceisGanesha,andhecancreateorremoveobstacles,allwiththeintentionof

    helpingyou.Heistheforceofyourownintelligence,yourownconscience,your

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    owndetermination,andyourownguide.Hehelps,guides,protectsfromall

    dangersandobstaclesbeforeandafterthepractices.Andheisalsothe

    gatekeeperatthedoorofyourownconscience.

    • Ganeshaisapopulardeity,butthesimplisticdepictionsofhimaretheresult

    ofignorancecreepingintoreligion.Inthetantrictradition,heisthevisionary

    withinyou,theindomitablewillwithinyouwhoalwaysplayfullyaccompanies

    youandisdelightedwhenyouareinspiredtoreachthehomeofhis

    parents—ShivaandShakti.

    • Invokingtheforcethatservesasaconduittorevelation—BatukaBhairava.Hemakes

    suretheflowofrevelationanddirectexperienceemergingfromthedepthofyour

    ownbeingisnotblockedorconfusedorcontaminatedbyyourowninferiormindor

    thehabitsofyoursenses.Heisanotheraspectofyourintelligence,theaspectthat

    channelsthevastunconsciousmindintothemortalframeofyourbodyandmind.

    • Invokingthemotherthatintegrates,unites,andnourishesusinher64aspects—

    the64yoginis.Theyare64innumberformanyreasons,includingthe64arts

    andsciences.

    • InvokingKshetrapala—theprotectorofsacredplace,theyantra,andourbodyand

    mind.Kshetrameans“field,”andpalameans“protectororguard.”Thebodyand

    mindarethegroundforourpractice,likeafieldinwhichwearecultivatingspiritual

    crops.Intheyogicaspectofsadhana,theSamayaschoolofTantra,thebodyitself

    istheSarvatoBhadraYantra.

    • InvokingDashadikpala,theprotectorofthe10directions(8cardinaldirections,

    plusupanddown).Correlatesonthementalleveltothedirectioninwhichwe

    aremoving,orthelackofdirectionwhenweareunclearorfullofdoubt.So,

    Dashadikpalagivesusdirectioninthephysicalsenseaswellasinlifeitself,andis

    invokedintheSarvatoBhadraYantra.

    • Seewww.HimalayanInstitute.org/Resoucresforalloftheseinvocationmantras.

    Nowwearereadytobuildthesacredfireforthefinalphaseoftheritual.

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    Study Questions 1. Whatarethethreecomponentsofanyritual?

    2. Describeeachofthethreecomponents.

    3. Whatistheconceptofritam?

    4. WhatistheroleofGaneshainritual?WhatistheroleofGaneshainthelifeof

    apractitioner?

    5. Brieflydescribetherolesofthefollowing:

    BatukaBhairava

    The64yoginis

    Theprotectorsoftheplaceandofthedirections

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    Lecture 4: The Tantric Method of Building a Sacred Fire

    Outline 1. Ritualprocedures:invocation,infrastructure,andgreetingwithrespect

    2. Fireofferingformatversusnon-fireofferingformat

    3. Fireofferingproceduresandinfrastructure

    a. Buildingakunda(firepit)

    1. Generalsizeandshape

    2. Selectingtheproperlocation

    b. Selectingfirewood

    c. Ignitingandpropitiatingthefire

    d. Generalinstructions

    e. Offeringstotheforcesofinterest

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    Lecture Notes

    Ritual Procedures: Invocation, Infrastructure, and Greeting with Respect

    • Exampleofaguestaccompaniedbyanentourage:howyouarrangeservicesand

    accommodations,andhaveastaffwithassignedrolestoplaytotakecareofthe

    otherswhileyouentertainthemainguest.Importanttochooseappropriateactivities

    andentertainment,dependingonthenatureandstatusoftheguest.Thisisexpressing

    yourrespect.

    • Thison-the-spotinteractionandcommunicationincludesrecognizingand

    acknowledgingthenatureandidentityoftheguest(deity).Mustacknowledgeand

    knowhowmuchandwhatkindofrespecttooffer.Oneofthebiggestmistakesin

    tantricritualisnottooffertherightkindoftreatment.Thisiswhytantricritualsare

    keptsecret.Thewrongbehaviorataritualruinstheeffectiveness.

    Fire Offering Format Versus Non-Fire Offering Format• Someacknowledgementsandofferingsareculturalandnotintheformofafireoffering.

    Thenon-fireofferingsmaybebuiltintotheinfrastructure;thatis,youprepareingredients

    likeflowersorincense.Oryouhavemudraswhichareusedtogreet,likeshakinghands:

    • ExampleofQueenElizabethvisitingakinginCameroon,Africa,wheretheking

    doesn’tshakehandsorspeak.Thereisanotherwayofexpressingrespect.Thisis

    thenon-fireofferingformat.

    • AnotherexamplegivenofbeingabletowashfeetinIndia,butnotinTibet,where

    itiscold;andhavingtotakeoffshoesinIndiabeforeenteringasacredspace,but

    notinTibet.Alloftheseareculturalaspects,andmayormaynotbeimportantto

    theritualofinterest.

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    Fire Offerings Procedures and Infrastructure • Fireofferingshaveasetstructurewhichisverymethodicalandnotaculturallybased

    procedure:

    • Buildingthekunda,orfirepit(seeavideoofPanditjibuildingakundaonlineat

    HimalayanInstiture.org/resources):

    • Theshapeandsizedependonthenatureoftheritual.Triangular,

    rectangular,andcircularkundashavedifferentpurposesanddifferentkinds

    offirewhichwillbeinvokedinthatparticularkindofkunda.Ritualsofa

    generalnatureforpeaceandprosperityatbothamaterialandspirituallevel

    canuseageneralshapeandsize(square).

    • Selectingtheproperlocationforthekunda:certainritualsmayrequirea

    riverbankoramountaintop,orabarn.Someyoucandoinyourhomeor

    whereveryouare.

    • Selectingwoodforthefire:

    • Thebestwoodisfromatreethatusedtobearfruitorhasafragrance.But

    usecommonsense.

    • Theproperwayofarrangingwoodinthekundaallowsforventilationandair

    circulation.

    • Ignitingandpropitiatingthefire.(VisitHimalayanInstiture.org/resourcestolearn

    thesemantras.)

    • Mantrastoignitethefireandinvitethefiretothekunda.

    • Thenasetofmantras(AgniSukta)topropitiatethefireitself.

    • Thesemantrasareusedwiththeofferingofghee(clarifiedbutter)

    fromacow.

    • Ifyouaredoingaveryspecifickindoffireoffering,thenafterthegeneral

    offeringstothefirewithghee,youmayofferaspecificingredientwitha

    specificmantratoinvokeaspecifictongueofthefirewhichisneededfor

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    theparticularritualyouaredoing.Inthatcasethebutterofagoat,camel,

    orsheep;orsesameoilwitharomaticoil;orbuffalofat;orotheruniqueoils

    andfatscanbeusedfordifferentspecificpurposes.(Notalltantricrituals

    areforspiritualdevelopment;tantricritualsareasciencenotdependenton

    goodintentions.Theyarebestusedforpersonaltransformation,sharpening

    theintellect,purifyingtheheartandmind,andinvigoratingthebody.)

    • Afterthefirehasbeenpropitiated,makeanofferingtothesecondary

    divinities,andtothemaindivinity.

    • GeneralInstructions:

    • Ifyouareusingayantra(SarvatoBhadraYantra)oraltaraspartofthefire

    ritual,makesurenoonesitsorwalksbetweentheyantraandthekunda.

    • Nooneshouldsitbetweenthemainpersonperformingtheritualandthefire.

    • Otherparticipantsshouldsitonthesidesofthekundaotherthantheone

    themainpersonsitsat;andotherthantheonewiththeyantra(ifusingit).

    • Usecommonsense—ifonthebankoftheriver,don’tsitbetweenthefire

    andtheriver,astheriverisalsoadivinity.

    • Havewaterathand:ifthefiregetsoutofcontrol,sprinklethewaterinthe

    directionofthefiretoinvokethepresenceofwater,butdonotdumpthe

    wateronthefire,orgetuptoextinguishit.

    • Onceyouareseatedandhavestartedtheritual,donotgetup,exceptif

    youneedtoputmorewoodonthefire.

    • Ifthefirecomesoutofthekundatoconsumetheofferingswhichhave

    spilledorlandedonthesidesofthekunda,allowittohavetheseleftovers.

    • Otherwise,theseleftovers,whichhavefallenoutsidethekundaduringthe

    fireofferingshouldnotbepickedupandputinthefire.Unconsumed

    ingredientsbelongtosomeotherdivinities,andshouldbecollectedand

    givenbacktonature.

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    • Thelastofferingsareforthelifeforce,thepranicshakti.Theseofferingscomplete

    theritual.

    • Thenaskthedivinitiestoreturntowherevertheyhavecomefrom,which

    isrightfrominsideyouandaroundyou.Youmayusethesamhara mudra

    toreturnthemtoyourheart,ifyouhaddoneprana pratishthaandbrought

    themfromyourheartatthebeginningoftheritual.

    • Otherwise,ifyouusedtheritualtoinvokepranicshaktifromoutside,and

    hadnointentionofbringingitfrominsideyourselftotheoutside,then

    simplyletthedivinitiesgobacktowherevertheyhavecomefromatthe

    endoftheritual.

    • For video instructions on building the kunda and selecting and mixing the ritual

    ingredients, visit HimalayanInstiture.org/resources.

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    Study Questions 1. Arethefireritualproceduresculturallydetermined?

    2. Whataretheconsiderationsforselectingthelocationforthekunda?

    3. Whatisthemostappropriateingredientforpropitiatingthefireitself?

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    Lecture 5: The Dynamics of Sacred Fire (Parts1and2)

    Outline 1. Differencebetweenphysicalfireandsacredfire

    a. Summaryofthecomponentsoftantricrituals,ofwhichritualsusingsacredfireare

    themostimportant

    b. Thenatureofphysicalfireandhowithelpshumans

    2. Subtleandmetaphysicalaspectsoffire

    a. Solarenergy,enliveningbothplantsandanimals(breathingbeings)

    d. Prana,thelifeforceandsourceofanimation,connectedtothebreath

    c. Theenergyandconsciousnessresidinginandbetweencells

    d. Thesacredentityendowedwiththepowersofwill,knowledge,andaction,

    whoseexistenceisnotdependentonanythingelse

    1.MotherNatureorProvidenceatthecosmiclevel

    2.Ourownsoulattheindividuallevel

    3. Aspectsofthesacredfire

    a. Sacredfireresidingineverycellmakesusbreathe,move,andthink

    1. Kundalinishaktiisthevastbutdormantandunknownfireineverycell

    2. Pranashaktiistheactivefirewhichwehaveconsciousaccessto

    b. Sacredfiredeterminesdestiny

    c. Awakensacredfirewiththeinternalpracticesofyoga,orwithexternalrituals

    d. Thescienceofpranadharanaandpranapratishthaisusedtotransformanordinary

    fireintoasacredfirewithawell-definedpurposeandmeaning;andthatiswhatthe

    sacredfireisallabout

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    4. Differentformsandfunctionsofthesacredfire

    a. Roleinbirthanddeath

    b. Concentrationofthepranicforce,infusionofmeaningandpurpose,and

    self-awarenessmakeitdivine

    5. Internalfireritualsandexternalfirerituals

    a. Internalritualsaredoneattheshrinesinsidethebody—thechakras

    b. Theinnershrines,altars,andkundasofthehumanbodyaredesignedbynature

    andareperfect;unliketheouterkundasandshrinesmadebyhumanintelligence.

    Thusinternalfireritualsaremorefruitfulthanexternalrituals,providedonehas

    accesstotheinnershrine

    c. Outerritualsneedtostrictlyfollowtheproceduressetdownbythelineageof

    practitionerswithdirectexperienceandknowledgeofthesacredfire

    6. Thesacredfireanditssubdivisions,theirattributesandfunctions,andhowtheywork

    insideandoutsidethebody

    a. Theexternalfireinritualsworksliketheinnerfireofourbeing,whichdigestsfood

    (offerings)andtransformsittotheformneededbythebody

    b. Forexternalrituals,offertothefireinitstotalityfirst,thentotheparticularaspector

    tongueforaparticularpurpose

    c. JatavedasAgni,theknowerofallwhoareborn,isthefireinitstotalityandisthe

    priestwhopresidesoverthewholeritual

    7. Theuseofrituals

    a. Someritualsaremorecleansing-oriented,andsomearemorehealing-oriented.

    Usedifferentingredientsintheofferings

    b. Ritualsmaybeusedforremovingobstaclesifobstaclesareoverwhelming.

    Otherwiseuseritualsformovingforwardintheintendeddirection,anddon’tfocus

    ontheobstacles

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-45

    Lecture Notes

    Difference Between Physical Fire and Sacred Fire• Thefireofferingisthemostimportantaspectoftantricrituals.

    • Summaryofthecomponentsoftantricrituals:

    • Invocationofthedeity.

    • Buildingtheinfrastructure.

    • Seating,propitiation,andcommunicationwiththeforcesofinterest:

    • Inthecaseofthefireritual,thedeitieshavebeeninvitedtoayantra,and

    thefireritualisdoneinthepresenceoftheyantra.

    • Follow-upaftertheritualisover.

    • Physicalfireconsumesfuelandproducesheat,light,smoke,andashes.Weuseitin

    dailylifetocookfood,runindustries,etc.:

    • Becausehumanscanusefire,theylearnedtodominateotherspecies.Inthe

    evolutionofintelligence,humansbegantounderstandfire,meaningtheycould

    produceit,controlit,anduseit.

    • Firebecameanextensionoftheirintelligence,atool,ameanstoaccomplish

    something.

    Subtle and Metaphysical Aspects of Fire• Thefunctionoffireisalsomoresubtle.Differentformsoffireoperatedifferently.The

    sunbringsheat,andphotosynthesisbeginsinplants;animalsbegintomove.Bothare

    animatedbysacredfire.

    • TheAtharva Vedadescribesthesuntouchingtheleavesofthetree,whichthensuddenly

    wakesup.

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    • Inourbodies,theequivalentisthemovementofthebreathwhichisconnectedtoprana—

    thelifeforcethatmovesinsideusandmakesusmove:

    • Thephenomenonofbreathingdefinesalivingbeing.Thephenomenonof

    breathing,movement,animation,pulsationisprana—theverybasic,fundamental,

    primevalforceofanimation.

    • ThisisthesubjectoftheKena Upanishad,inwhichsixgreatyogamastersasked

    thesagePippalada,“Whatmakesthingsmove?Propelledbywhichforcedoesa

    thingcomeintomotion?”

    • TheanswerisalsoexploredintheMundaka, Katha,andShvetashvatara

    Upanishads,andintheAtharva Veda,andisfurtherelaboratedinthetantric

    scriptures,especiallytheSvacchandaTantra.Itisfullyexpandedinthe

    SriVidyatradition,whichisthesubjectofthesixthandfinalseminarinthe

    LivingTantraseries.

    • ThescienceandpracticeofTantrabegantoblossomwiththediscoveryofthisunique

    kindofconsciousnesswithitsself-containedpulsationfoundintheminutestentitiesofthe

    universe.Itiscalledanga,thatwhichmoves:

    • Angaendowspurpose,reason,intelligentpulsation,andpurposefulmovementand

    meaning;itexistsineverycellandeveryatom.

    • Apointofreferenceinspaceandtime,propelledbyitsowninherentkama—will—

    splitsandunfolds.Thisprocessisshowninayantrausingabindu,fromwhich

    evolvesadownward-pointingtriangle,whichistheyoni,thewombfromwhichthe

    entireuniverseevolves.Theforcethatresidesthereistheprincipleofanimation—

    consciousnesssaturatedwithintelligence(chit),aswellasbliss(ananda):

    • Thatforceiscalledangushtha,theonewholivesintheanga—thatis

    consciousnesssaturatedwithintelligenceandjoy.

    • Thatangushtharesidesineverycell;itisself-awareness,thesoul,the

    livingentity.

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-47

    • Eachcellbreatheswithpurpose,touniteandembraceothercells,toconnectwith

    them.Thisinherenturgeiscalledkama, kama kala,orkama tattva:

    • Theprimordialwill,intention,desiretoembracethelifeforce,andthelocus

    ofthelifeforce—thatiskama,alsoknownasManmatha—theforcethat

    churnsthemindanddrivesustobreatheandtoconnect.

    • Atthecellularlevel,cellsbreathe(cellularrespiration)withpurpose,and

    connectwitheachother,multiply,andformorgansandtissues.

    • Theonewhobreathesresidesinsidethecellandexistedbeforethecell.Because

    oftheonewhobreathes,matterwasdrawntoformabody.

    • Thissameprocessdescribestheoriginoftheuniverseatthecosmiclevel:

    • FromtheBigBangcamematterandenergyandtimeitself,andallwereequally

    distributed.

    • Pureatman,pureconsciousness,thebasicfundamentalprincipleofenergy,does

    notdependonanyformofmatterorenergyforitslocus.Itexistsindependently

    andisthesourceofallotherforces,havingitsownwillandintelligence.

    • Becauseofthat,abodyofmattercollectsandevolvesintostars,planets,etc.

    • Similarly,inourownbodyexistsasacredentitywhoseexistenceisnotdependenton

    anythingelse:

    • Thisisconsciousness—thesacredfire.Anditisactuallyprana.Theanimated,

    radiantaspectofourownsoulisprana shakti.

    • Jnana, bala,andkriya—intelligence,vitality,andthepowerofaction—areinnate

    andintrinsictopranashakti.

    • Thesethreepowers—thepowerofwill,knowledge,andaction—wecallMother

    Nature.

    • Thismovingforce,thefireofintelligence,thefireofconsciousness,issacred

    becauseitleadstothetotalrevelationofitself,anditispresentineverything.

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    • Therealizationofthesacrednatureoffire—anaturalmanifestationofthatforcewhich

    movesbyitsownintrinsicvirtue—isthehighestspiritualexperienceoftheEast.

    • Ourownsoulisthatwhichmovesandmakeseverythingmove.Ourownpranashakti

    pulsatesandmakeseverythingmove.

    • Alivingbeingisaprani—onewhobreathes.

    • Tantradistinguishesthedifferentkindsoflivingbeingsorpranisonthebasisof

    thenatureoftheirmovementandtheirfunctionandpurpose.

    • Somecreaturesareawareoftheirintelligenceandpurpose,butsomearenot.

    Allarepranis.

    Aspects of the Sacred Fire• Thesacredfireresidesineachcellasangushtha.Italsoresidesbetweenthecellsandis

    thatwhichrelatestwocells.Itmakesthemmultiplyandassignsfunction,purpose,and

    organizationtothegroupsofcells,andsoformsorgansandtissues.

    • Thatwhichmakesusbreathe,makesusmove,makesusthink,makesusspeak,the

    tantricscall“fire”andshakti:

    • Thevastbutdormantformofshaktiresidingineachcell,limb,andorganis

    kundalinishakti,theunknownpartofourself.

    • Thepartofthatenormouspowerandintelligencewhichisactiveandwhichwe

    haveconsciousaccesstoiscalledpranashakti.

    • Bothkundalinishaktiandpranashaktiareaspectsofthesacredfire.

    • Thesacredfireofpranashaktideterminesthecourseoflifethroughourthoughts,speech,

    andactions.

  • Seminar Two — Secret of Tantric Rituals

    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-49

    • Tantricstrytoawakenthatsacredfireintwoways:

    1. ApplytheyogicprocessoftantrickriyaintheSamayapath:

    • Thisinvolvespranadharanatogaindirectexperienceofthepranicfireand

    thefieldofpranicshakti.

    • Anythingbroughtintothatfieldbeginstovibrateandbecomesalive.

    • Bringgodsandgoddessesfromdifferentchakrasormarmapoints—the

    ideas,images,orbeliefsfromvariousaspectsofyourmindfieldwhichare

    inertandasleep—anddropthemintothatanimatedpranicfield,thesacred

    fire,atyourajnachakratoenlivenandawakenthem.

    2. Awakenthesacredfireintheexternalfireplace,thekunda:.

    • Toawakenthefireatthenavelcenterintheinternalyogicmannerrequires

    muchyogasadhana,butthisexternalmethoddoesnot.

    • Lightthefireinthekunda,andimbuethatfirewithmeaningandpurpose.

    • Thepurposeoffireatacrematoriumistoburnbodies.Anotherfireburns

    downyourhouse.Anotherfireneedsapersoneducatedinthespiritual

    scienceoffiretoigniteitproperly.Somefiresareforweddings,somefor

    otherceremonies,andsomefortantricrituals.

    • Thebottomlineisthatthefireyouaretryingtoigniteoutsidefortantric

    ritualsisthesamefirelitinsideusbyMotherNature.

    • ThesacredfirelitbyourDivineProvidenceresultedintheformationofourbody,whichis

    abeautifulyantraandanaltarthatincludesmanyyantrasandmandalas:

    • Sevenornineofthosealtarsareparticularlyimportant.Theyarethechakras.

    • MotherNaturedidpranapratishthaandpranadharanaonourbehalf.

    • Greatenlightenedsoulsdiscoveredthescienceofpranadharanaandpranapratishtha

    andsharedtheirknowledgeofhowtotransformanordinaryfireintoasacredfirewitha

    well-definedpurposeandmeaning;andthatiswhatthesacredfireisallabout.

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    Different Forms and Functions of the Sacred Fire• Fireinstars,inthedigestivesystem,inanger,inlove,thatburnsdownahouse,that

    acceptsoblations—allthisisthesamefirewithdifferentfunctions.

    • SeeThe Pursuit of Power and Freedom,Panditji’stranslationoftheKatha Upanishad,

    andAt the Eleventh Hourformoredetailsonthespiritualsignificanceoffire.

    • Lifeanddeatharedefinedbythepurposefulfunctioningoffirewithin:

    • Inlife,fireleadsthebodyandmind,keepingtheconglomerateofcellsaliveand

    workingwithacommonpurpose.

    • Indeath,thefireisstillthere,butwithadifferentpurpose;andthereisstillakind

    oflifeinthecellsthemselvesthatfeedstheweboflifeasthebodydecomposes.

    • Thelifeforceiseverywhere;theconcentrationofthepranicforce,andtheinfusionof

    meaningandpurposebringitintoacompletelyfunctionalstate.Thisispranapratishtha.

    • Thesacredfireisthatwhichhaspurposeandknowsitsmeaningandpurpose,isaware

    ofitsexistence,andgivesmeaningandpurposetoeverythingittouches.

    Internal Fire Rituals and External Fire Rituals• Theproceduresforpropitiatingthefirearethesamewhetheritisaninneroranouterfire.

    • Aninternalfireritualisforthefirelitinthechakrasofthehumanbodyandfedbypranic

    andmantricfirewood.

    • TheshrinesanddifferentaltarsofthehumanbodyaredesignedbythePerfectOne—

    yourinnateintelligenceandkarma—andtheyareperfect:

    • Exampleofacell—designedbythesacredfireandperfectinitsfunction.

    • Externalaltars,churches,yantras,icons,etc.,arenotasperfectaswhathasbeen

    designedbytheeternalDivineBeinginourownbody.Therefore,ifwecangainaccess

    tothekundainthebody,thefireofferingsmadetherearemoresuccessfulandmore

    fruitfulthanexternalofferings.

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    • Externalritualswillhavegreaterperfectionandaccuracyifinstructionsfromthescriptures

    areexactlyfollowedwithnodistortion.Theyarebasedonthedirectexperienceofalong

    lineofexperiencedpractitioners.Onceyouhavegaineddirectexperienceandunderstood

    thebasicdynamics,thenyoucanaddtothisgreatbodyofknowledge.Otherwise,you

    createconfusionforothers,andmayevenharmyourself.

    The Sacred Fire and Its Subdivisions, Their Attributes and Functions, and How They Work Inside and Outside the Body

    • Fireinthedigestivesystemknowshowtohandleofferingsoffood,basedonwhatis

    neededtodigestit.Exampleofacowwithahugecapacityforfood.Theintelligentfirein

    thedigestivetractknowswhichfoodtosendontothecow’ssecondstomach,whichto

    keepforcud-chewing;andhowmuchsalivatoadd.

    • Fromitsseatatthenavelcenter,thefiremanifestsinmanyformswithmanyfunctions:

    • Thefirethatpervadeseverynookandcrannyofthebodyisvaishvanara agni.

    • Thefirethatdigestsfoodisjathara agni.

    • Similarly,thereareotherfiresinthebloodstream,theliver,etc.

    • Thewaythedigestivesystemworksisthesamewaytheexternalfireritualworks.

    Thetastebudstriggerdifferentresponses,whichresultinthesecretionofappropriate

    enzymesanddigestivejuicestoaccepttheofferingoffoodtothestomach.Inthisway,

    nutrientsaretransformedintotheformthebodycanaccept,andaretakentotheright

    place,fortherightpurpose,andwiththerightfunctionandmeaning:

    • Thefirethatpermeatesthebodyalsoresidesinconcentratedformindifferent

    partsofthebody,whereitperformstheuniquefunctionofacceptingourofferings

    andtransformingthemintothekindofenergyneededbythedivinitiestowhom

    wearemakingtheoffering.

    • Inreturn,thosedivinities—thebrain,nervoussystem,kidneys,pituitarygland,

    heart,etc.—goongivinggiftstous.

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    • Wepouroblations,makeofferingsintothegreatkundaofjathara agniatthenavel

    center,andthetonguesoffireacceptouroffering(food)andtransformitintothe

    appropriatestateofenergyforthedivineforcesthatruleourbody.

    • Theofferingsandgiftswereceiveinreturnarehealth,happiness,vitality,strength,

    enthusiasm,well-being.

    • Inexternalofferings,wefirstinvokethefireinitstotalityandmakeofferingstoit;then

    invoketheparticularaspectortongueforaparticularpurpose:

    • Analogyofwhenyouaresick,youmakeuniqueofferingsofmedicine—suchas

    ibuprofenorTylenolforarthritisorpain.It’snotageneralofferinglikefood.

    • Thegeneralofferingisalargevarietyoffoodtonurturethetotalityofthebodyand

    mindwithabalanceddiet.Likewise,youfirstgiveabalanceddiettoallthetongues

    ofthefire.

    • TheUpanishadsandmanytantrictextsdescribethevarioustonguesof

    thefire.

    • ThenameofallseventonguestogetherisJatavedas Agni.

    • Jatavedasistheonewhoknowsalllivingbeings;theonewhoexistedbefore,during,

    andafterlifeinthephysicalbody;whoknowsyourdestiny,yourkarma,yourintentions,

    strengths,andweaknesses.

    • InvokeJatavedasbecausewiththeknowledgeofallthis,theritualbearsfruit.

    • Jatavedasislikeaguru,aguide,afriend,andaparent.Asanexample,theall-knowing

    JatavedasAgnidirectsthehealingpowerofturmerictotheinflammationinthebody.

    Jatavedasknowsyou,yourintention,yourproblem,andthehealingqualityofturmeric.

    • Inexternalofferings,thegrossistransformedintothesubtle—matteristransformedinto

    heatandlightandevenmoresubtleenergy.Energyisreleased:

    • Theenergymayappeardiffuse,butasinthemedicineanalogy,itstillfindsits

    target.

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    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-53

    • Medicineinitsmostfinalstateistransformedintointelligence,feelings,experience.

    Whateverisnottransformed,fromthestandpointofthephysicalbodyandnervous

    system,iswastetobeeliminated.

    • Similarly,intheexternalofferingofsesameseeds,dates,sugar,ghee,etc.,with

    mantrarecitation,uponhearingthemantraandunderstandingtheintention,seeing

    thenatureoftheingredientsoffered,andseeingthenatureofthedivinitiesinvoked,

    thefullyawakenedsacredfirethendirectsthesubtleenergyofintelligencetothe

    rightplacewiththerightintention.

    • ThefirstmantraofVedicliteratureacknowledgesthisfunctionofthesacredfire:

    om agniméòe purohitam |

    yajïasya devamåtvijam |

    hotäraà ratna dhätamam ||Rig Veda I:1||

    I meditate on Agni, the forerunner, the Lord of the grand ceremony of life, the one who

    sponsors the ceremony, the one who makes the offerings, the repository of gems.

    • Thefireistherealpriestthatpresidesoverthewholeritual,makingsurethateverythingis

    properlyconductedandthattheenergyreleasedfromtheofferingreachestherightplace

    andreturnsintheformofthedesiredeffect.

    The Use of Rituals• Someritualsareintendedforcleansingpurposes,andsomearemoreforhealing.The

    ingredientsusedvaryaccordingly.SeeSecretofTantricRitualsResourcesforalistof

    theseingredients.

    • Removingobstaclesmaybethemaingoalwhentheobstaclesareoverwhelming.

    Otherwise,makeanefforttomoveforwardratherthanfocusingontheobstacles.

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    Living Tantra Guidebook 2-55

    Study Questions 11.Whatmakesusmove?Whatmakesthelungsmove?

    12.Whatdefinesalivingbeing?

    13.Whatisanga?Describewhatconnectsthecellsofthebodyandrelatesthemto

    eachotherandgivesthempurpose.

    14.Whatiskama?

    15.Whatarethethreeinnatecharacteristicsofconsciousness?

    16.Whatisthedifferencebetweenkundalinishaktiandpranashakti?

    17.Whattwomethodsdotantricsusetoawakenthesacredfire?

    Whataretheadvantagesanddisadvantagesofeach?

    18.Whatarethedefiningcharacteristicsofthesacredfire?

    19.Whyareexternalfireofferingsmoresubjecttoimperfections?

    10.Whichfirepermeatestheentirebody?

    11.Describethedynamicsoffireusingtheexampleoffoodandthehumanbody.

    Howisamedicinalofferingdifferentfromafoodoffering,andhowisthemedicinal

    offeringrelatedtoanexternalfireritual?

    12.Whyisthetotalityofthesacredfireinvokedfirst,beforeaspecifictongueofthefire?

    13.WhatisJatavedas Agni?

    14.Whenmightyouuseritualstohelpremoveanobstacle?Wouldthisbea“medicinal”

    applicationofritual?

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    Lecture 6: Rudra Yaga—Tantric Rituals for Healing Ourselves and Healing the Planet (Parts1and2)

    Outline 1. RudraYaga:atantricritualforhealingourselvesandtheplanet

    a. Itcanbedoneasaninternalyogicpractice,orasanexternalritual,orasa

    combinationoftheyogicandritualisticpractices

    b. Yagameans“anoffering;anunconditionalgiving.”Rudraisthecompassionate,

    nurturing,healingpowerresidinginthecosmosandinus

    2. Tobenefitfromthispractice,preparationisessential

    a. Itcreatesthefieldthatcannurturethepractice

    b. Itallowsittobearfruit

    3. RelationshipofRudraYagatopranashaktiandkundalinishakti

    a. RudraKuta—therangeofpowersatthethreelowerchakras

    b. HowRudraYaganurturesthosepowers

    4. Adailyyogic(internal)practiceofRudraYaga

    a. Invoketheappropriatedivineforcesforthepractice

    b. Usingpranadharana,establishpranicshaktiinfusedwiththemaha mrityunjaya

    mantraatthenavelcenter

    c. Meditateonthemaha mrityunjayamantra(dojapa)atthenavelcenter

    d. Mentallydoafireofferingatthenavelcenter

    e. Surrenderthefruitsofyourjapa,andthenreturntotheeyebrowcenter

    5. AMishraapproachtoRudraYaga:acombinationofinternalmeditationandexternalritual

    a. Buildthekunda(fireplace)andgatherthefirewoodandritualingredientsfor

    theofferings

    b. Invoketheappropriatedivineforces

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    Internalaspect

    a. Usingpranadharana,establishpranicshaktiinfusedwiththemaha mrityunjaya

    mantraatthenavelcenter

    b. Dojapaofthemaha mrityunjayamantraatthenavelcenter

    c. Transfertheshaktifromthenavelcentertothekundathroughtheuseof

    trikhanda mudra

    Externalaspect

    a. Ignitetheexternalfirewithasimplemantra

    b. Makeofferingstothefireandthedivineforcesusingspecificmantrasandingredients

    c. Makeofferingstothemaindeitywiththemaha mrityunjayamantra

    d. Makefinalofferingstothefireitselfwithaprayerthatallofferingsbeacceptedfor

    thewell-beingofall

    6. Acomplete(Samaya)RudraYagapracticeusingtheShataRudriyamantras

    FirstPart

    a. Invokethedivineforces

    b. Doprana dharanaandestablishthatshaktiatthenavelcenter

    c. Invokethe33divinitieswithVishveDevaSuktaatthenavelcenter

    d. RecitetheShataRudriyamantraswithyourfocusatthenavelcenter

    e. Dojapaofthemahamrityunjayamantraatthenavelcenter

    f. SurrenderthefruitsofthepracticetoRudra

    SecondPart

    a. Doprana pratishthaofagniatthenavelcentertobeginthefireoffering

    b. Ignitethefirewithmantras

    c. Makementalofferingstothefireandthedivineforces

    d. MakeofferingswiththeShataRudriyamantras

    e. Surrenderthefruitsofthepracticewithaprayerforthepeaceandprosperityofall

    7. ShataRudriyaasamasterpractice:

    a. Itcanbedoneinternallyorexternally;themapisthesame

    b. Successdependsonpranadharana,andpotentuseofthemaha mrityunjayamantra

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    Lecture Notes

    Rudra Yaga: a Tantric Ritual for Healing Ourselves and the Planet• IntheKaulaschoolofTantra,RudraYagaisritualistic.IntheSamayaschool,itispurely

    yogicandinternal.IntheMishraschool,itisacombinationofbothritualisticandyogic.

    • Whatisyaga?Yaga,fromtherootyajmeans“togive,toofferunconditionally.”

    • RudraYagameanssurrenderingorgivingtoRudra.InRudraYaga,ahealingenergy

    emerges.RudraYagacreatesanatmosphereconducivetothetotalhealingofthenatural

    worldandofourselves.

    • WhatisRudra?GenerallyRudraissaidtobeaformofShiva.

    • AcommonmisunderstandingisthatRudraisafierce,violentaspectofShivawho

    makesonecry.

    • Rudraisactuallytheonewhocriesuponseeingsuffering.Rudraisfullof

    compassion,mercy,love,andforgiveness.HesitsatthesummitofMount

    • Kailash(atourownsahasrarachakra)andseesthepain,theignorance,thefear,

    thecravings,theillness,etc.,andfeelsbad.(Theenlightenedaspectofourselves

    feelsbadtoseethedestructivebehaviorofourselvesandothers.)

    • Fromcompassion,tearsfall,andthewindcarriesthesetearsofcompassion

    everywhere,andfromthemallformsoflife-sustainingentities,likeherbsand

    grains,fruitandvegetables,arise.Rudra’stearsarethelove,kindness,intelligence,

    andpowerofwill,knowledge,andactionthatresideinallthedifferentformsof

    sustenance.Theyarethehealingessenceinherbs,inwater,infire,andthe

    healingpowerthatresidesinthesun,moon,stars,inourthoughts,speech,and

    action,andinourintentions.

    • RudraYagameanstosurrenderourselvestoRudra,theembodimentofthegreatestof

    allhealingpowers.

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    • Thispracticecanbedonetohealourselves—ourbody,breath,mind,thoughts,actions,

    andintentions;ortohelphealothers;ortohelphealthenaturalworld.

    • Thebiggerthegoal,thebiggerthesizeofthepractice.Agrouppracticeisneededfor

    healingthelargerworldaroundus;buteventhen,wearethefirstrecipient.Othersarenot

    separatefromus;theyarepartofyou,andyouarepartofthem.

    To Benefit from This Practice, Preparation is Essential• Thelightofthesunshinesequally,buttheformsoflifedifferinhowtheyuseitorben-

    efitfromit.Rainfallsonrockyaswellaspermeablesoil;butthepermeablesoilabsorbs

    therainandsproutsseedsandblooms,whereastherainrunsoffthebarren,rockysoil.

    Likewise,wemustprepareourselvestobeabletomakethebestuseofthehealing

    energyoftheRudraYaga.

    • RudraYagaengendersdeeptransformationwhichwemaynotevenbeawareof;andthat

    transformationbeginstotakeplaceinthesociety,culture,community,andthenatural

    world.Thisisthelongestlastingservicewecanoffer.

    • Doyourpracticeasselflesslyaspossible.Offerthefruitsofyouractionstoeverybodyand

    thewholeofnature.Whenthefruitscomebacktoyou,thensharethemwithothers.

    Relationship of Rudra Yaga to Prana Shakti and Kundalini Shakti• RudraisthemostprimordialformofDivinity,andthepresidingforceofthetotalsumof

    pranicshaktiwithinus.

    • Rudrabreatheslifeinus.Rudraisthepranathatanimates,thatmakessomeoneor

    somethingalive.

    • Rudraisdepictedashavingaconsort,ashakti,whohasmanydifferentnames:Durga,

    Kali,Tara,Chinnamasta,Kamala,etc.Rudraandhisshaktiarealwaysshowntogether,

    eithersidebyside,facingeachother,orinembrace.

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    • KundalinishaktiandpranashaktiarelikeRudraandhisshakti—theygotogether.Rudra

    isthetotalsumofmanifestandunmanifestenergy.Rudraniishisinherentshakti,whichis

    active(pranashakti),andkundalinishaktiishisinactive,dormantaspect:

    • Pranaisthedynamic,awakenedformofshaktiandconstitutesthelifeforce;and

    kundalinishaktiisthedormant,out-of-reachpranicforce.Weaccessthevast

    reservoirofdormantshaktibyusingthepranicshaktialreadyatourdisposal.

    • BythegraceofRudrani,andunderherguidance,wegainaccesstothevast

    reservoirofRudra.

    • Analogyoffireanditsheat—theycan’tbeseparatedfromeachother;thesameis

    truewithpranashaktiandkundalinishakti.

    • RudraYagaisaritualtorestoreandnurturekundalinishakti.

    • Thesumtotalofenergyandconsciousnessisdividedintothreemajor“peaks”called

    kuta.TheRudraKutaistherangeofpowersatthefirstthreechakras.TheVishnuKutais

    themiddlepeak,andtheBrahmaKutaisthetoppeak.RudraYagarestoresandnurtures

    theenergyoftheRudraKuta.

    • Onechakraisnotinferiororsuperiortoanother:

    • Whentheenergyofthemuladhara,therootchakra,isderanged,yousufferfrom

    fear,sloth,fatigue,confusion,andinertia.

    • Thepowertocommandandtherevelationatthesixthchakra,theajnaoreyebrow

    center,areconstantlyaffectedbyinstinctiveurgesandprimitivefeelings.

    • RudraKuta,thelifeforcethatgovernsandguidesthefirstthreechakrasandtheir

    relatedorgansandfunctions,isveryimportant.

    • Mostproblemswearetryingtoovercomearerelatedtothefirstthreechakras:

    anger,hatred,jealousy,greed,attachment,desire,etc.

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    • RudraYagaisthepracticetoinvoke,awaken,andreceivetheblessingsandguidanceof

    Rudra:

    • ThreewaysofpracticingRudraYaga:

    • TheSamayaschoolofTantraisapurelyyogicmethodwiththebodyas

    atemple,andthechakrasasshrinesandkundas.Theingredientstobe

    offeredareourthoughts,sentiments,memories,karmicproblemsand

    virtues,alongwithwisdomandthepranicforce:

    • Thebeginningpointispranadharana.Bringthatpranicforcetothe

    navelcenterandenergizeitthere,makingthemanipurachakrathe

    locusofthepranicforce;andfromtherenurturetheentirebody.

    Firstinfusethespacewiththepranicforce,and

    • theninfuseitwithyourmantra,youryantra,oryourimagery;then

    meditateonit.

    • TheKaulaschoolofTantraispurelyritualistic.Needtounderstandhowto

    selectandpreparetheingredients,makethekunda,andfollowtherulesfor

    timeandplace.

    • TheMishraschoolofTantracombinestheexternalKaularitualsandtheinternal

    practicesoftheSamayaschool.Itallowspractitionerstogetthebenefitsevenif

    theylackthemasteryofyogicpractices,oroftheritualpractices.

    • RudraYagaisflexibleinapplication;practicescanbesimpleorcomplex,shortor

    long.Somestepsarecomplex,othersaresimple.Somepracticesrequiredaysor

    months,inthecaseofgrouppractices;butinthecaseofdailymethodicalpractice,

    maytakeonly30to40minutes.

    A Daily Yogic (Internal) Practice of Rudra Yaga• Sitwithrelaxedbreathing.

    • Mentallyofferyourloveandrespecttotheguideofallguides,theteacherofallteachers,

    theinnerintelligence.

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    • Payhomagetotheremoverofobstacles,Ganesha.

    • Offerlove,respectandgratitudetothatgreatforcethatinvitesrevelationandempowers

    youtoreceiveintuitiveunderstanding,BatukaBhairava.

    • Offerhomageto:

    • Kshetrapala,thelordofthefieldofthebodyandmind.

    • Dashadikpala,lordofdirections.

    • The64yoginis,thecompassionatemothers.

    • Mentallyinviteandinvokethegroupof33divinities.

    • Offeryourhomagetoyourownpranicshakti,thelifeforcethatkeepsyoualiveand

    inspired.

    • Nowdobhastrikapranayama,andthenpranadharana(seeResourcesforinstructions).

    • Aspartofpranadharana,infusetheenergyattheeyebrowcenterwiththemaha

    mrityunjayamantra.Thismantraisthehighestmantraforhealthandhealing,andfor

    nourishmentandhealingateverylevel(seeResourcestolearnthismantra).Repeatthis

    mantrathreetimes.

    • Thenusingthepowerofwillandintention,bringthatpranicforceandthemantra

    enlivenedbythatpranicforcetoyourmanipurachakra(thenavelcenter);andstabilize

    thisawarenessthere.

    • Meditatehereatthenavelcenteronthemaha mrityunjayamantraforhoweverlongyou

    havedecidedtomeditate.

    • Tofinishthepractice,doafireofferingatthenavelcenter:

    • InvokethesacredfireknownasJatavedaswiththemantra:

    Om agnaye namah svähä

    Repeatthreetimesasyouvisualizethefireshining,withthekundainyourpelvis,

    andthetipoftheflamesatyoursternum,oryourthroat,ortheflamesfillingyour

    wholebody.

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    • Makeofferingsmentallytothisfireinyourownnavelcenter.

    • Thesticksthefireconsumesareyourownkarmicsticksstoredatthefirst,second,

    andthirdchakras.

    • Theofferingsyoumakeofgheeareactuallyyourself-identityaccompaniedby

    attachmentandpossessiveness.Holdthisgheeinabowlofloveanddevotion,

    andwithdeterminationasyourspoon,offerthisself-identitytoJatavedas—thefire

    whichknowsthepast,present,andfuture.

    • Repeatthemaha mrityunjayamantrafollowedbysvahaasyoumakethe

    offerings.Continueforabout5minutes,ifyourprecedingmeditationwasabout

    15minutes.Thevoiceofyourownheart,yourowninnerfeeling,willtellyou

    whetheryoushouldmakemoreofferings.

    • Whenyourealizeyouaredonewithyourfireoffering,mentallysurrenderthefruits

    ofthejapa(mantrarecitation),aswellasthefruitsofthisfireoffering,toJatavedas,

    thesacredfire,witharequesttoacceptthefireofferingforthepeaceand

    prosperityofall.

    • Nowbringyourattentionfromthenavelcentertotheeyebrowcenter.Againpay

    attentiontothepranicforceattheeyebrowcenterandthengentlyopenyoureyes.

    • Ifyouhavearegularmeditationpractice,thispracticejustaddsthestepsofdoingprana

    dharana,meditatingatthenavelcenter,andmakingafireofferingatthenavelcenterthat

    capturesyourownsenseofself-identificationwithyourattachmenttoit,turningitintolove

    andfaithanddevotionasyouofferittothefire.Thiscanbepartofyourdailypractice;it

    takesyourpracticetothenextlevel.

    A Mishra Approach to Rudra Yaga: a Combination of Internal Meditation and External Ritual

    • Startwiththeinternal,thenmovetotheexternal.

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    • Firstbuildthefirekunda,collectthefirewood,andpreparetheingredients.Theninvoke

    theforcesasbeforeforthefireritual(mantrasfortheguru,Ganesha,BatukaBhairava,the

    64yoginis,Kshetrapala,andDashadikpala;andtheVishveDevaSukta).

    a.InternalAspectofRudraYaga:

    • Gototheeyebrowcentermentally,anddobhastrikaandpranadharanatogetthe

    feelingofthepranicfieldthere.(Thereisnoneedofdoingthepranayamaifthe

    feelingisalreadythere.)

    • Next,inhaleandretainthebreath,recallthemaha mrityunjayamantra,andwhen

    theenergyfieldattheeyebrowcenterandthemantrahaveblended,thenbring

    thatenergytoyournavelcenter.

    • Dojapaofthemantrawithawarenessatthenavelcenter.Seethefirethatfills

    thenavelcenter.

    • Whenthemantraandtheimageofthefirebecomestableatthenavalcenter,

    formthetrikhandamudraandbringittotheheart.

    (SeeHimalayanInstitute.org/resourcesforhowtodothetrikhandamudra.)

    • Exhalethepranicforce,theagni(thefire),andthemantra(maha mrityunjaya)from

    thenavelcenteroutthroughthenostrilsandintothetrikhandamudrawiththe

    intentionofplacingthatessenceintothemudra.

    • Bringthetrikhandamudranearthekundaandgentlydissolveit,lettingtheenergy

    ofyournavelcenterenterthekunda.

    b.ExternalAspectofRudraYaga:

    • Now,ignitethefire.Youcanusethesimplemantra:

    Om agnaye namah svähä

    • Addsmallstickstogetthefiregoing.

    • Makethreeofferingstothefireitselfwithghee,recitingthismantraasyoumake

    eachoffering:

    Om, agnaye svähä

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    • Makefivemoreofferingstothefivedifferentformsofpranicshakti:

    Om pränäya svähä

    Om apänäya svähä

    Om udänäya svähä

    Om vyänäya svähä

    Om samänäya svähä

    • ThenmakeofferingstoGanesha,BatukaBhairava,the64yoginis,Kshetrapala,

    Dashadikpala,andthesunandtheplanets:

    Om gaëeçäya svähä

    Om batuka bhairaväya svähä

    Om yoginibhyaù svähä

    Om kñetrapäläya svähä

    Om indrädi daçha-dikpälebhyo namaù svähä

    Om ädityädi nava-grahebhyo namaù svähä

    • Next,makeofferingswiththemainmantra;inthiscase,maha mrityunjaya.Doa

    mala(108repetitionsofthemantrawith108offerings).

    • Makethefinalofferingwithalltheingredientslefttothefireitselfwithaprayerthat

    alltheofferingsmadebeacceptedforthewell-beingofall.(Offerinamountsthat

    don’toverwhelmthefire,andwitheach,mentallyrequestthatthisofferingaswell

    asallthepreviousofferingsbeacceptedforthepeaceandprosperityofthewhole

    world.)Dothesamewithanyleftoverghee.

    c.ThiscompletestheshortversionoftheMishra(partinternalandmeditativeandpart

    externalandritualistic)styleoftheRudraYaga.TheMishrapathbringstogetherthe

    internalSamayapathandtheexternal,ritualisticKaulapath.RudraYagacanalsobe

    doneinapurelySamayainternalway,orinthepurelyexternal,ritualisticKaulamanner.

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    A Complete (Samaya) Rudra Yaga Practice Using the Shata Rudriya Mantras

    • RudraYagaintheSamayaschoolofTantraisamoreelaborateversionwhichincludes

    manymoremantras:oncemastered,abiggerRudraYaga,involvingmanypeopleand

    lastingfordaysormonthsoryears,canbedone.Themoreelaboratepracticeisas

    follows(visitHimalayanInstitute.org/resourcesforthesemantras):

    a. FirstPart:

    • Recitethecompleteinvocationmantrasforthegurulineage,Ganesha,Batuka

    Bhairava,the64yoginis,Kshetrapala,andDashadikpala.

    • Dopranadharanaandthenpranapratishtha,sendingtheenergyfromtheeyebrow

    centertothenavelcenter.

    • Invokethegroupof33divinitieswiththeVishveDevaSukta.

    • Then,withyourfocusatthenavelcenter,recit