From: mimir@u.washington.edu (Grendel Grettisson)
Subject: Hatha Yoga Practice and it's relation to Tantric Sexual Stuff
Date: 16 Jun 1993 08:22:36 GMT

HATHA YOGA PRACTICE, ITS IMPORTANCE TO PREPARATION FOR TANTRIC SEXUAL
PRACTICE, ITS IMPORTANCE TO MAINTAIN HEALTH & LIFE.
(c) 1993 Rose Dawn Scott.

Hatha Yoga is sometimes dismissed as only the first step, or simple
physical exercise. Yet Hatha is much more than that; it is a
philosophy as well as a method to strengthen and limber the
body. Pranayama, recognized as a vital science by most eastern and
even many western spiritual traditions, is part of and inseparable
from Hatha. Hatha also provides a potent form of meditation ; for it
has been said that the body is a Yantra, the breath its
mantra. Yantra/mantra is often used in meditation as an outside method
of focusing the mind. If the yantra/mantra/meditation takes place
within one's own body, the feeling of union is bound to be much more
profound and easily grasped.

The root word of yoga is the Sanskrit "Yuj," meaning yoke. Yoga itself
means Union. Union with the true Self, with the Universal Self, with
the Tantric partner during lovemaking, with the Divine through the
mundane.  Ha + Tha = Sun + Moon, the union of the solar and lunar
energies within the body, as microcosm of the universe.

The first written descriptions of yoga asana and pranayama come from
the _Yoga Sutras_ of Patanjali, an Indian physician and Sanskrit
scholar, although the practices are believed to have been older than
that.  Patanjali collected, refined and interpreted the asanas.

Although Hatha Yoga is profound from a spiritual standpoint, it's also
excellent physical exercise. Not only the obvious benefits of
strengthening and toning muscles, developing flexibility and balance,
but each asana has a deeper effect on inner organs and the entire
glandular system. It is a preventative for all kinds of physical (and
emotional) ills, and a corrective for many hormonal imbalances and
diseases. Its benefits for any sort of sex are twofold: (a) strengthen
the body and develop flexibility, and (b) through harmonious balancing
of hormones within the body, assisting with certain *problems* such as
impotence, premature ejaculation, menstrual pain, and lack of sexual
desire.

Anyone can can benefit from the regular, progressive practice of Hatha
Yoga. Tantric aspirants can achieve a double benefit, by preparing the
body as a fit vessel for spiritual evolution through Tantric
sexuality.

Obviously, I can't go into any detail about the asanas themselves on
paper. Hatha Yoga classes are offered literally everywhere these days,
though, so that shouldn't be a problem. Cheap sources, such as classes
at the Y, community centers, community colleges, etc., are a very good
starting point, to get the basics down. Books are also very good--I
will recommend a couple which seem to be particularly well-suited for
Yoga practitioners in my opinion. The negative about books is that, if
one is not practicing the asana correctly, there won't be any physical
person available to correct the posture. Ideally, practice under a
trained Yogi from one school or another would be the way to go. The
downside of this method is (1) cost; (2) ensuring that the Yogi is
sincere and not out to rip you off financially, and (3) even if the
Yogi is both sincere and affordable, doubtless s/he will attempt to
instill the particular philosophy of their *school* into the
student. If the student finds benefit in that philosophy, fine,
however, I've run into problems personally, when an excellent Yogini
attempted to 'seduce' me into her own Swami's belief system, much of
which I completely disagreed with. My experience as a teacher of Hatha
Yoga has purposefully left out as much philosophical discussion as
possible, concentrating on the physical and emotional benefits of
Hatha, without any spiritual suggestions.  Naturally, some spiritual
aspects come into play; however, when one is in a teacher/student
relationship, I tend to view anything outside the realm of the
specific *knowledge* the aspirant has asked for as subtle extortion,
however well-intended.

In this case, you're reading this file, so in a way you've asked for
it ;) I will say what I always say: if it's not for you, don't do it.
While Hatha Yoga has universal benefits, any spiritual or meditative
qualities it possesses should be approached from the method that works
best for the particular student, be it eastern-oriented,
western-oriented, completely from within, or any combination thereof.

That said, a few generalities.

In Tantric tradition, sexual union is considered the highest form of
Hatha Yoga (as well as many other things, but we're talking Yoga
here!). Practiced alone, the 'union' takes place between the solar and
lunar energies within each body, the upper and lower life energies,
the body and mind. Practice of Yoga as a conscious means to transcend
duality takes place on both physical and mystical levels. Naturally,
the rejuvenation and perfection of the physical body also makes it
much easier for Tantric sexual union to lead to higher transcendental
realms, as aches, pains, and imbalances would naturally impede such
evolution.

Traditionally, the ideal time for Hatha practice is early morning or
early evening. In my opinion, whenever each person will have a time to
ensure that the practice will be regular and faithful is the
best. Some asanas *must* be performed on a completely empty stomach,
and it is not recommended that Hatha be practiced either just before
or after a meal, or just before or after heavy physical exertion. I,
personally, find that practice of Hatha *after* strenuous
exercise--with a slight break--channels the energies aroused by the
strenuous activity, and allows me to bask in radiance. Tradition also
states that any inverted postures should not be practiced by women
during menstruation. I follow this advice, but more out of habit than
conviction. ONE MOST IMPORTANT AND COMPLETELY TRUE CAUTION: INVERTED
POSTURES MUST *NEVER* BE PRACTICED BY PREGNANT WOMEN!! This is purely
medical in its nature, whatever its mystical connotations might be,
for inverse postures can cause the placenta to separate, endangering
the developing baby's health. More mundanely, it can also cause severe
discomfort as the weight of the pregnant belly in such asanas will
interfere with breathing and put a strain on the Yogini.

 Another definite caution is that Hatha, by its nature, is
progressive, and no postures should be forced; if pain is felt, one
should stop or modify the asana. The physical reasons should be
obvious: injury could inadvertently result if one tries to perform
asana when not ready. The mystical reasons are tha t: one begins on a
path, from wherever one is.  Rather than try to force spiritual
progress before one is ready, it should come in slow, natural steps.

From a purely personal standpoint, what joy to find something that
seemed *impossible* not only possible, but easy! Then, eternally,
moving forward, conquering impossibilities. Though the basis of
conquering seems purely physical, and even mundane, to me at least, it
has profound spiritual ramifications. Another personal opinion: some
people seem to "take" immediately to certain asanas while finding
others very difficult, even with continued practice. Meditation on the
asana and the reasons for its trouble or its instant access provide
valuable clues to each person about his/her own true inner nature,
strengths, and weaknesses. For example, Padmasana (Lotus) was
instantly accessible to me, as were other asanas supposed to be
difficult, such as Visnu's Sleep Posture, Full Shoulderstand, and some
of the more complicated twists.  However, any simple asana requiring
balance proved much more difficult.  From this, I read that imbalances
and disharmony would prevent my progress, and worked harder on those
asanas--gradually and without force. I obtained the desired results,
and am now excellent at balancing! With daily practice, I have found
personally, no asana is impossible. In fact, sometimes, a posture that
was painful and inaccessible becomes easy and natural within a matter
of days!

Remember, though, we progress at different levels, and physical
disabilities or problems have an effect, which has nothing to do with
one's spiritual fitness. So if Hatha seems difficult, persevere; don't
be discouraged too quickly. By continued, regular, committed practice,
inner strength will develop along with the outer.

Each human being is a Yogi or a Yogini. The asanas only seem bizarre
to us western folk because we're not used to them. Physical and mental
conditioning and habit get in the way. The way we're used to moving
and breathing is un-natural! Yoga is natural. Overcome the body/mind
conditioning, and asana and prana will become natural. The body and
mind will be cleared from baggage. Progress *will* result. This I
guarantee unequivocally--provided the practitioner maintains
practice.

 Another note: practicing asana nude is the ideal way. This allows
maximum freedom of movement, without the restriction of clothing, or
the dangers of shirts flapping over the face while in inverse
postures! It also allows the life energies to circulate more
freely. If the temperature is cool, or when in a class, where nudity
could be frowned upon ;) the clothing should be of natural material,
i.e., cotton, raw silk, light wool.

The word "asana" means more than "physical posture," but a posture
that is "firm and pleasant." Firm and pleasant at once.

Literally thousands of asanas are recorded, however many of them are
adaptations of asanas, allowing for progress and/or variety. It is by
no means necessary to attempt them all! A few asanas are pretty much
universally accepted by all schools as vital, and those are the ones
emphasized in books, classes, and television shows. Numerous sexual
postures, from Tantric tradition, the Kama Sutra, and Taoist
teachings, derive directly from asana. Asana may also be practiced
with a partner.  Some of the asanas are perfectly suited to
this. There are books specifically written for "yoga with a partner."
For a Tantrist, this partner should be the sexual partner, obviously,
or the prospective partner. A Tantric Sexual Initiator/Initiatress
would be an ideal instructor of Hatha Yoga as well.

In advanced Tantric teachings, specific asanas are prescribed, as sort
of archetypical, ritualistic methods of evoking and joining with other
life-forms and/or realms beyond this world. At the beginning, you can
either follow directions from a teacher or book as to which asana to
perform, and which follows which, or simply listen to the best
teacher: your own body and mind. Personally, I tend to begin with
energizing b reathing cycles, practice Hatha, and end with calming
breaths, then finally Savasana (corpse pose or complete relaxation
pose), while meditating and opening the chakras in Savasana,
circulating the energy consciously, then pulling the chakra-light back
in through the crown of the head. It's highly individual, but common
sense dictates that an active, exertive asana should not be followed
or preceded by calming breaths; and that each forward-bending posture
should be followed by its mirror-image backw ard-bending posture.

When muscles and connective tissues are loosened, the vital energy
travels more easily through the body. Many asanas were developed to
assist in releasing these energies; then in channeling them. Thus
studying the subtle body and knowing its channels is a great benefit
to Hatha. Visualize the energies being released and travelling their
designated paths while practicing, again, the consciousness and intent
elevating the form from merely physical to spiritual. Also, it may be
eas ier to achieve certain postures by first meditation on them,
visualizing oneself taking the steps to assume the posture. If inverse
postures are difficult, a powerful visual image of rays emanating from
the solar plexus and anchoring the body in place, so it doesn't wobble
or fall, can aid immensely in actually achieving those postures--and
they are all very important, to reverse the Ha-Tha currents and enable
them to 'meet in the middle,' so to speak, and for their effects on
the glandular systems and internal organs. Once the inverse asana has
been conquered, when coming out of it, consciously "re-absorb" the
rays and store them back in the power chakra located at the solar
plexus region.

When practice of Hatha and Pranayama becomes part of one's daily
routine, it is quickly integrated as a vital part of one's *life.* Any
regular practitioner will find unimagined stores of energy and release
of mental and physical tension. When practiced either alone or as a
couple as part of Tantra, the ph ysical parameters will be deepened
and finally transcended, allowing the spirituality of sexual energy to
rise, and effect a positive transformation on any Yogi or Yogini.

Suggested books:

_Sex and Yoga_ by Nancy Phelan. Pub. 1968, Harper & Rowe; 1969, Bantam
Paperbacks.

_Patanjali: Yoga Sutras_ by Bengali Baba, Poona Press (India, available
from U.S. bookstores with a yogic/eastern slant).

_Yoga: Immortality and Freedom_ by Mircea Eliade, 1958, Pantheon Books.

_Tibetan Yoga & Secret Doctrines_ translated by Lama Kazi Dawa Samdup.
Oxford University Press, 1965.

_Tantra: the Yoga of Sex_ by O.V. Garrison, Julian Press, 1964.

_Light On Yoga_ by Sri B.K.S. Iyengar, Allen & Unwin, 1976.

_Yoga Sutras_ by R.S. Misra, Doubleday Press, 1973.

_Autobiography of a Yogi_ by Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, Self-
Realization Fellowship, 1969 & constant re-releases.

_Yoga With a Parnter_ by Sandra Jordan, Arco Publishing, 1980.

_Focusing_ by Eugene T. Gendlin, Everest House, 1978.

_The ABC of Yoga_ by Kareen Zebroff, Arco Press, 1980.

_The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga_ by Sri Swami Visnudevananda,
Julian Press, Inc., N.Y., 1970.

_Lilias, Yoga & You_ by Lilias Folan, pub. by Cincinnati PBS,
1972.

Excellent sources for obtaining some of the older or less common books,
aside from used bookstores or local 'occult' or 'eastern' bookstores,
are:

Vedanta Press
1946 Vedanta Place
Hollywood, CA 90028

American Yoga Association
3130 Mayfield Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Shasta Abbey Books & Supplies
Box 479
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067

Destiny Books
377 Park Ave. South
New York, NY 10016

Light of Yoga Society
2134 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

U.C. Berkeley Press
2223 Fulton Street
Berkeley, CA 94720

Motilal Banarsidass Publishers
Bungalow Road
Jawahar Nagar
Delhi, 110007
INDIA

Auromere
1291 Weber Street
Pomona, CA  91768

NOTE: As I haven't purchased anything new for my library in a while,
some of the above may be outdated. If so, please notify me (and don't
say I didn't warn ya if you waste your $ 0.29~~). As far as I know,
the above still offer free catalogues; however, it would be most
polite if one enclosed an SASE asking for info.

ASANAS & THEIR EFFECTS FOR TANTRIC SEXUAL PRACTICE:

For gaining flexibility of the body, specifically toward ease of
achievement of sexual positions:

Cat Stretch. Everybody teaches this one.
Padmasana; including Bound Padmasana & Padmasana/Yoga-Mudra. (The
Lotus, with variations).
Ustrasana (The Camel, or pelvic stretch).
Halasana (the Plough).
Pascchimottasana (forward bend). Limbers spine and legs, also good
as a vehicle for learning 'active submission.'
Salabhasana (Locust).
Bhujangasana (Cobra)
Dhunurasana (Bow)
Locust, Cobra, & Bow are traditionally performed as a triad.

Awakening Vital Energy:

Pranayama - all vital or recharging breath cycles. Solar-Lunar
breathing. Brahmari Breath. See Prana text here, or learn from teacher
or book specifically focused on Pranayama.  Salamba-Sarvangasana &
Niralamba-Sarvangasana (half and full shoulderstand).  Cobra, Locust,
Bow triad.  Kapalasana (Headstand). If headstand can't be achieved
even with regular practice, Paruottasana (alternate head to knee pose)
has many of the same benefits, and is easier to master.  Ardha
Matsyendranasana (spinal twist).

Endocrine Glands:

Pituitary: Headstand, Paruottasana.
Thyroid: Shoulderstand.
Suprarenals: Cobra, Locust, Bow Triad. Spinal Twist. Supine Camel
or Pelvic Stretch.
Ovaries: Cobra, Locust, Bow Triad. "Hidden Padmasana," which
consists of Padmasana with hands performing Namaste gesture behind
back, lying face-down on floor. Garudasana (Eagle posture).
Testicles: Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal contraction). Uddiyana Nauli
(a more difficult variation thereof). Matsyasana (Fish Pose).
Eagle. Cobra, Locust, Bow Triad.

Impaired Libido:

All inverted postures. Elemental exercises (see file on Five Elements
& Sexual energy here). Virasana (warrior posture), esp.  with
Gomukhasana (alternate over-shoulder hand clasp behind back, creating
powerful circulation of energy). Tarasana (pose of astar--esp. for
Yoginis). "Frog" or "Yogini" posture (obviously, esp. for
Yoginis). Aswini Mudra (known as Kegel exercises to modern
women--contraction/relaxation of anal sphincter muscles and, for
Yoginis, vaginal muscles.

Menstrual problems--note, to be done early in cycle, not during
menstruation:

Cobra, Locust, Bow. Uddiyana and Nauli. Aswini-Mudra. Hidden
Padmasana. Camel and Supine Camel. Headstand. Shoulderstand. Fish.

Premature ejaculation:

Pranayama, esp. Solar-Lunar, cooling breath, and healing breath.
Headstand or head-to-knee). Shoulderstand. Maha-Mudra, spinal twists,
supine Camel. Balancing poses, which heighten
concentration. Ejaculation and its control has an entire history of
its own in Tantra!

Kundalini and Chakra awakening and opening:

Vivid meditation while in Savasana (corpse or relaxation pose).
Goldasana and Vrikasana, two types of balancing poses. "Bound"
balancing postures create a special circuit for channelling
energy. Forward bend, and alternate leg forward bend. Yogini pose for
yoginis, while meditating on "Though I am open to all, none but the
Ether possess me." Cobra, Locust, Bow, and Akarna- Dhanurasana
("Archer," a progressive variation on Bow). Bandha-
Padmasana. Mayurasana (the Peacock pose), a difficult and advanced
posture. Note that peacocks have the power to digest snake venom,
eliminating any frightening experiences associated with the rising of
Kundalini! Yoganidrasana, Visnu's Sleep Posture, an advanced variant
on the bound-plough pose. Simhasana (Lion), traditionally recommended
for colds and sore throats, also effectively awakens Kundalini.

HARI AUM TAT SAT.

D. Yogini Padma Ushas Suryananda, other sources as cited.

(c) 1993 Rose Dawn Scott.