Kundalini Yoga system is remarkably different than
most of the religious systems of the world. Most of the religious
traditions look forward to maintaining celibacy to attain spiritual
growth. It is mainly because of this attitude that the thought, sexual
involvement is detrimental to a greater development of self, has come
into being. On the other hand, Tantra yoga suggests that sexuality can
be a very powerful force that should be harnessed for increased
self-awareness and consciousness. Thus, Kundalini Yoga is curious, in
that it not only allows sexual feelings and contact, but uses sexual
experience as a means to enlightenment and knowledge.
The Tantra school believes in the notion that if the enormous energy,
trapped into sexuality, is released from the lower end of the spine, can
flow up the spinal column to bring divine illumination to the brain.
According to their belief, Kundalini energy flows in the interior of
spine, along an energy channel called shushumna. The Kundalini energy is
thought to be the most powerful of all supernatural energies. On the
other side of the canal are two additional energy channels, one called "Ida"
corresponding to the male, and the other the "Pingala"
corresponding to the female. Ida is at the right of the base of the
spine and the pingala is at the left side.
After achieving mastery of self by relaxing body tension, silencing
mental talk, and releasing energy blocks, an individual is ready to join
with a partner having the same energy level. Together they form a "whole".
To reach this position the partners must achieve a highly developed
awareness within their being. In the Tantric lovemaking (maithuna), the
partners undergo a diversity of meditations and rituals before making
physical contact. It is of utmost importance that throughout the
lovemaking process the partners must maintain the spiritual link. It is
interesting to know that in the Tantric yoga, the partners do not aim at
orgasm. On the other hand they try not to have one. In the process they
draw the forces of Kundalini energy upward. It helps in releasing the
power of various chakras. The process of "maithuna" is not
aimed at the sexual release as an end, but on sex as a conduit through
which the evolution of self may continue.
