3. Tāntric Sexuality

The Tāntric tradition of India witnesses its prominence in the level of application. Symbols are one of the basic teachings of Tāntrism and those are largely related with sex concept. There are also some symbols which are highly significant in the Tāntric sādhanā. Among them, symbol of five Makāras is the basic one and they play a vital role in the degeneration of the Tāntric tradition and system. Vāmācāra, Dakṣiṇācāra etc. are some of the sub-sects of Tāntrism. The five Makāras will come under the Vāmācāra. It is known as so because there are five items which start with the syllable “M” that is why it is recognized as five M’s. They are Madya (wine), Māṃsa (meat), Matsya (fish), Mudrā (grain) and Maithuna (Copulation)^[1]. It is not proposed here to have a detailed analysis of the five Makāras, except the last one Maithuna. According to Tantra, Maithuna indicates the union of male and female; the opposite poles required to be brought together for the purpose of creation by nature.

Pushpendra Kumar states:

“Tantra has presented the subtle meaning of creation, that is, spiritual creation for which two opposite poles are required. These two poles are Śiva and Śakti. Śiva resides at the sahasrāra (brain) while Śakti at the Mūlādhāracakra (pelvic region). In between these two, there are six centres of energy around the spinal cord. The energy which resides at the Mūlādhāracakra awakens and penetrates all the centres and units with Śiva at the Sahasrāracakra. This is the real Tāntric Maithuna or copulation which occurs in the Sādhaka. So, it is not a gross Maithuna or copulation taking place between two physical bodies but it is a spiritual communion with Śiva and Śakti which gives birth or transforms the whole personality of Sādhaka” (1998: 201).

The sexuality, sexual concept and that of sexual symbols in Tāntric system are purposefully used mainly for supernatural gains. They are represented as part of ritualism. In a material as well as Kāmaśāstra view Tāntric mode of sexuality is totally inappropriate. Tāntric system is entirely different and wide ranged subject. But an elaborate discussion on the topic is not attempted here.

Footnotes and references:

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[1]:

For a detailed reading on the five Makāras, see Pushpendra Kumar, 1998:196-203