Tantra and Sacred Space

  

The concept of "sacred space" is a recurring theme in both Tantra and Sacred Sexuality, and some investigation can reveal that it represents several significant areas of these paths. In reflecting upon sacred space for self, partners, and groups I realized that it could be presented as a four-way matrix: Inner vs. outer and energy vs. consciousness. In this article we will look at inner energy, inner consciousness, outer energy, and outer consciousness in terms of creating and maintaining sacred space.
It could also be said that sacred space is a necessary component for creating and sustaining intimacy - intimacy with self, others, and life in general - because it provides the container for maintaining focus and allowing one to be present and, therefore, capable of intimacy. This concept of creating sacred space in order to enhance and support intimacy is often unfamiliar to Westerners who generally are both outwardly oriented in order to get their needs met, and at the same time conditioned to be distractible and unfocused. The idea of internal sacred space can be particularly foreign to those whose minds are constantly busy strategizing how to deal with the demands of this culture and whose bodies are chronically tense. The media, and in particular the use of "sound bites", rapidly changing images on TV commercials, etc., have exacerbated this conditioning. Stress is rampant in modern urban life, and stress-related illnesses are predominant among medical complaints. Entering into sacred space is exactly the opposite of stressful life.
There is both an inner and an outer sacred space, probably similar to some degree to what most people have experienced as inner calm vs. inner turmoil, or as outer calm vs. turmoil. Ancient Sacred Tantric teachings have much to say about how to skillfully navigate both the inner and outer territory and how to cultivate desirable inner and outer states of sacred space. Inner sacred space will be the primary discussion of this article, because it has always been the fundamental emphasis of authentic Tantra. Within the cultivation of inner focus is the other spectrum of sacred space - energy vs. consciousness; thus it is important to address the presence of energy within sacred space, and compare it to the presence and influence of consciousness.
Inner sacred space could be seen as the art and practice of creating inner sacred ambiance and spaciousness. The ancient Tantric yogis and lamas realized that among the most reliable and available resources for accomplishing that can be found in the body, and that the body can be used any time, anywhere, as both a feedback instrument and an instrument for shifting state. Thus most of the practices for creating inner sacred space included yogic ways of working with the body and the breath. The body was seen as consisting of both physical and energetic components, and that as one strengthened the physical and increased the circulation and quality of energy, the inner atmosphere shifted. The Tantra Kriya yogic approach to creating inner sacred space emphasizes the development of a consistent "container" for holding, building, and focusing energy, as opposed to letting energy leak out and disperse. The yogis discovered and practiced techniques for closing off the body's orifices and psychic/energy escape points/openings; in conjunction with focused breathing, specific "bandas" (locks) are held closed to suppress leakage so that energy can build and transform inside. As the energy builds, the frequency of the energy can be increased, and higher vibrational energy is more conducive to experiencing higher consciousness.
Within the container energy is circulated via the meridians, energy channels, and chakras, and worked with to enhance relaxation and flow and to minimize and release tension. Some psychic schools call this intentional circulation and modulation of energy "running the energy". As energy is circulated through the meridians and the chakras, its nature and character changes, and inner sacred space is created. The chakras are influenced by the circulating energy and awareness, and in return affect the quality of the energy and the inner awareness. Each chakra contributes its unique influence, such as compassion, love, and joy from the heart chakra.
The primary focus of most "energy meditations" is either the chakra system or the central channel (the shushumna) that runs through the chakras from the base of the spine up to the crown at the top of the head. Gradual expansion of the capacity of the shushumna is an important aspect of authentic Tantric practices and is a key to cultivating inner sacred space. The central channel is so vital to Tantric practice because it connects and unites Shiva/heaven with Shakti/earth, and the expansion and strengthening of this channel provides the sacred inner temple for Shiva and Shakti to flow, meet, and integrate. Regular practice of the central channel and chakra energy meditations will help an aspiring tantrica learn to contain energy and consciousness, circulate them, transform them, and cultivate sacred space. Also with regular practice of energy circulation the energy and the awareness become more refined, and it is this refinement of energy that develops the perpetuation and stabilization of inner sacred space as seen in the master yogis and lamas.
Breathing practices have long been used to shift state and can be a powerful contribution to creating inner sacred space. Deep abdominal breathing, especially, vitalizes and energizes the belly and the thorax and all organs and energy channels within. Yogic breathing practices, called pranayama, can lead to diaphragmatic release and the opening of expanded, natural, flowing breathing. This results in deeply relaxing releases of tension and energy blockage, both in the chest and belly and in the body in general. Inner sacred space is further enhanced by the relaxation of the body that yogic and Tantric breathing offers. For example, Vijaya breath contains and builds energy and awareness while stimulating the throat chakra. In addition, specific sounds are used in toning practices to vibrate the body and all the chakras.
Furthermore, the chanting of a mantra not only offers this vibrating effect, it also includes the prayer and teaching within the mantra, which if practiced with reverence and focus, will contribute to inner sacred space. These sounds, tones, mantras, and breathing practices all assist in purifying toxicity within the body temple, and thus contribute to the purity and sanctity of the inner sacred space. Modern urban life with its distractions, separation, and pollution requires that we regularly cleanse out our inner temple and purify the space.
The Sufis say that the center of our inner temple, our inner sacred space, is the heart chakra. Thus many prayer like hand movements ("mudras") are practiced with hands over the center of the chest, such as the Namaste' prayer pose. Like the Tantric paths they also emphasize the other necessary component of creating inner sacred space, which is the purification and quieting of the mind, the cortex and neo-cortex.
Only when the mind is quiet can there be sacred space, and conversely, a mind filled with incessant worry, sadness, and blame will create toxicity in our inner temple and disallow authentic sacred space. The beauty of the Tantric energy meditations is that in order to contain and circulate energy the mind must focus steadily on awareness of the energy, and in doing so it will become quiet. So not only does the energy become refined, but also the mind silences and inner sacred space emerges.
It is because of this that I place considerable emphasis on learning the energy meditations in the workshops I teach - they provide the foundation for personal as well as shared inner sacred space - the sharing of true, sacred intimacy. And in that spacious sacred space one is able to fully feel and embrace the excitement, arousal, and sensory pleasure of the Tantric sexual practices. Inner sacred space is the prelude to deep, energized relaxation, and to shifting from agenda to going with the spontaneous flow, shifting from orgasm performance to expanded orgasmic states wherein one feels divinely guided and fully connected with self, partner, and life. Sacred space helps us with letting go of agendas and surrendering into the Great Mystery of life. As almost an afterthought I will make some mention of what most people familiar with Sacred Sexuality and Kama Sutra think of when sacred space is mentioned - the outer temple.
Certainly creating outer atmosphere and ambiance can help tantricas shift state, and thus is not to be overlooked. Creating a temple-like ambiance and sharing rituals in sacred space is a powerful support for couples and groups wishing to share Tantric and Kama Sutra practices. In the workshops we call it "temple duty"! The loving, artistic use of candle light, incense, flowing and erotic music, erotic art, spiritual art, bells, etc. can assist in shifting state. I find all of these very helpful in the workshops, and like most Tantra and Sacred Sexuality teachers I have gathered sacred art and special music for the workshops. I even created a CD of heart-centered music ("Opening to Love") for nurturing rituals and intimacy. Creating beautiful external sacred space and ritual is an ancient tradition that still serves us.
Lastly, there is one more level of creating external sacred space that deserves mention: it has to do with how we treat each other. If we interact with respect, setting and honoring boundaries, offering sensitivity, listening, caring, honoring, equality, communication, and loving positive thought to each other, we will definitely enhance the sacredness of the space between us and the space we share. Methods for these important interactions are taught in many workshops and books, and I encourage everyone to become masters of loving communication and interaction. And beyond the sharing of partners there is the role of community support wherein loving group energy creates what Osho Rajneesh called "the Buddha field" - a sacred space in which healing and transformation naturally takes place in accelerated ways. We witness this every time in the workshops, sacred circle (Sufi) dances, and rituals - so powerful and so precious!
In closing I encourage you, the reader, to increase your attention of inner and outer sacred space, finding ways that are meaningful to you to cultivate and expand your inner temple and the temples around you. And have fun doing it!
Peace and blessings,
Robert

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