"Here, in this body are the sacred rivers. Here are the Sun and Moon, as well as all the Holy places of pilgrimage. I have not encountered another Temple as blissful as my own body."
— Saraha
Tantra Guru, approx. 8th Century
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In Tantra the principles of yin and yang (Tibetan yab/yum) are studied to the point of dissolution. Beyond harmony, Tantra seeks union. To more easily experience the dawn of unity, a consort to play with may be valuable. Melting into the other, the self is enriched. Male and female dissolve into each other, awakening the coexistence of the inner opposite. This exercise and exploration is represented by a classical thangka (Tibetan scroll painting), a workshop with people doing one of the many Yab/Yum exercises, and a new impression or the energy of the practitioners. (Click on picture for an expanded view.)
Playing with the consort in yab/yum is a step along the way. However, is only a step, and it may not be necessary. Since it is our own inherent nature that is being awakened and energized, the eventual point of yab/yum work is the power and the skill to evoke yab/yum alone, without dependency on the other.
Gravitas is the Latin root for the English "gravity." It means weightiness, substance, dignified demeanor and has overtones of ground, earth, roots. When we have gravitas, we are coming from a deep and connected place.
Levitas is the Latin root for our words "levity" and "levitate." It means lightness, playfulness, spontaneity and has overtones of space. When we have levitas, we are not too serious and we are not stuck.
To encourage gravitas, use the yinning and yanging of the legs exercise and other grounding methods; think before speaking; act with special care. To encourage levitas, "shibabo!" Use the opening the crown exercise, smile, giggle, quip, let go . .
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