PSYCHIC PROTECTION FOR TANTRIC PRACTITIONERS.


Tantric sexual love is a potent form of magic as well as a path toward
enlightenment. It is ritualistic in nature; even when the act of sexual
union is spontaneous, the conscious intent or will toward the
spiritual/sexual combination elevates the lovemaking to a form of
ritual. The idea of psychic protection exists in most, if not all, forms
of magical ritual, usually as a necessary, vital way of both "beginning"
and "ending" the ritual.


Naturally, an initia ted Tantric couple will desire this protection;
ideally conferring it upon each other. But the protection is vitally
important for *White Tantric* practitioners as well, when meditative
masturbation and "astral Tantric union" are practiced. In fact, it may
be even more important during such white Tantric practices, for one is
physically alone and thus more vulnerable.

This form of protection is designed for two purposes: to prevent sexual
energy from escaping from the body, rather than being channelled to the
lover or directly to Siva; and to prevent any outside forces to intrude,
meaning any outside force which would pollute the act. This could be as
simple as loss of concentration or desire for the quick release of
orgasm overwhelming the spiritual connotation, or as complicated as the
idea of spirits or demons of some sort intruding upon the act.

"Energy loss" may occur through the bodily orifices; also through the
pores, fingertips, and the Subtle Body. The Yogini Tantra describes a
very simple techniqu e for preventing this energy loss: concentrate the
attention fully upon the physical and subtle body, willing yourself to
see each chakra, visualize the Subtle Body as an aura around the
physical, charged with energy. Now, using the index and middle finger,
perform *Nyasa* upon one's own body, or the body of one's lover. *Nyasa*
means "placing," and is a technique to "seal" the physical and Subtle
body. An act of Will, or intention is required for effectiveness. Feel
the energy flow fro m your fingertips, see the openings seal up as you
touch them. Reciting the protective mantra: AUM  BHUR  BHUWAH  SWA is
very helpful. This mantra is the three realms or worlds; this world, the
next, and Eternity. This mantra will help focus the mind to the intended
task.

Although different texts prescribe different areas of the body to touch,
and different ways to go about it; the Yogini Tantra states: "Lightly,
gently, softly, with the first two fingers, touch first the head, then
forehead; eyes, throat and earlobes; breasts , upper arms, heart; navel,
thighs, feet, and sexual organs. Charge thus with the vital energy of
transformation."

In order to prevent intrusion by outside influences, a field or aura of
psychic protection must be created. Even if one does not accept the
reality of ghosts, demons, or spirits as actual beings, very few people
have not, at least once, experienced sudden feelings of fear, sadness,
or emptiness during sex or masturbation. The protective aura will
prevent such feelings, no matter what one belie ves their case to be;
actual non-corporeal intruders, psychological barriers, or simple loss
of the Will/intent which elevates simple biological acts to the Sublime.

The technique for creating this field is quite simple, as long as proper
intent is maintained. Again, one may chant AUM  BHUR  BHUWAH  SWA to
keep the mind focused, if necessary. Visualize a luminous golden aura
surrounding your body, or the body of your partner. Ideally, begin at
the crown, encircle the entire physical and Subtle bodies, back , front,
sides, internal and external, including the chakras. This golden aura
corresponds to the "Egg of Brahma" or the "mystic circle," and is a
sphere of protection. Naturally, if the sexual act is one between
Tantric lovers, the partners should visualize this protective aura
around one another; if alone, around one's own body.

As you visualize the sphere of protection, move the hands in loose,
sweeping gestures around the body. This is called "Dance of the Hands,"
and may be performed, standing, movin g the arms in circular sweeps from
the navel (male or female chakra) outward, upward, downward, allowing
energy to flow and protect the entire psycho-organism. If the attention
is focused and directed properly, the solitary--or *both*
partners--should immediately feel the power, becoming energized,
stimulated, and invulnerable.

Saliva is a potent protective in Taoist and Tantric tradition. The kiss
is an aspect of psychic protection, which also serves to distribute the
energies of sexual love in harmony. T he Kama Sutra lists the forehead,
eyelids, cheeks, throat, breasts, lips, mouth, thighs, arms and navel as
areas ideal for protective kissing.

When the act of lovemaking has concluded, lie in embrace for a time,
with the Lingam and Yoni in contact for as long as possible. The embrace
also conveys protection, and the Lingam and Yoni will be naturally
sealed while in contact, long enough for the sexual secretions to be
fully absorbed. If the lovemaking has been *astral* in nature, simply
lie still for a time , allowing the sexual energy to circulate and
charge your body. Contract the sphincter muscles, drawing in the vital
energies of vaginal fluid or semen. White Tantric male practitioners
usually receive more detailed instruction than can be gone into here
with regard to semen. If the ultimate has been achieved during any of
the three forms of Tantric Sex, the protection remains. However, a
tradition dictates that during the *afterglow* one should again touch
the bodily parts lightly, and visualize the golden protective aura being
drawn back upwards, re-entering through the crown chakra, and flowing
into the body to remain as an energizing, liberating inner field.

 Then one should say thank-you. Western Tantric students no doubt have
their own ways of doing this. My own method is to sit on the floor,
assume Padmasana (Lotus position), lock my hands behind my back, raise
my arms, then bend forward, prostrating myself until my forehead touches
the floor, rising back up, performing the Namaste gesture, and utterin g
the mantra 'AUM,' touching the hands to the heart, lips, forehead and
crown, bowing once again with hands in Namaste above head, rising up,
and thanking Siva for taking me as his own, thanking Sakthi for allowing
me to become one with her and unite with my Lord, and finally,
acknowledging the Inner Deity, consumed with gratitude that physical and
spiritual bliss have been achieved and duality transcended.

AUM HAMSA SOHAM AUM.

D. Yogini Padma Ushas Suryananda, quotes from Yogini Tantra as cited.