Tantric Temples of the Body

The physical body is a temple of the soul, and microcosm of the entire universe. The bodily temple, as with many traditional Hindu and Buddhist temples, contains gardens, rivers, sanctuaries, and gates; as well as containing all the elements of the world: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The nine gates to the bodily temple are as follows: the anus, the Yoni or Lingam, the mouth, he nose, the two eyes, the two ears, and the ‘Gate of Brahma’. The Gate of Brahma, known in current medical terminology as the fontanel, is an actual opening, visible at birth, which closes as the baby grows (also known familiarly as the ‘soft spot’ at the crown of an infant’s skull). Eastern tradition holds that the soul enters and leaves the body through the Gate of Brahma.

Although the bodily temple may be entered via any gate, it is the Gate of Brahma which leads to higher spiritual realization. In addition to the purely physical body, tantra describes the Subtle Body. The subtle Body contains one’s aura, the charkas, while physical nerve centers located along the spinal column evoke their ‘traits’. The two bodies are inseparable, both should be worshipped as one temple. The microcosm of the universe can be described in the following terms:

“In this body the central Great Axis, Mount Meru, the spinal column, is surrounded by seven islands. These islands are named Prana (the vital force), blood, flesh, fat, bone marrow and Soma (seed/ova). There are rivers and seas, all the stars and planets, sacred pilgrimage places, shrines and presiding deities. In this body, Brahmanda, there is the nectar-rayed moon atop the spinal column; it turns its face downward, and rains nectar day and night. The ambrosia from the moon subdivides into two subtle parts. One ray nourishes the body like sacred waters, and descends as a subtle channel on the left side.

The other ray, brilliant as the purest milk, enters the central nerve o the spinal column in order to maintain and recreate the moon in its proper place atop the central Great Axis. At the lower region of the Great Axis of Mount Meru is the Sun, located within the body itself. From the Inner Sun, situated at the solar plexus, a subtle channel emanates to the right of the body, carrying solar flame upward by the power of its rays. This moves through the body, swallowing up vital secretions and leading the spirit to Liberation. Lord Surya moves through the vessel of the body.

Who knows this microcosm of the body and experiences its mysteries truly reaches the highest state. "The main act of worship at the Bodily Temple is the ascension, the channeling of sexual energy upward from the root chakra, which contains the basic life force, through the sexual chakra, producing a liquid thrill. Upon reaching the solar Plexus chakra, the Inner Sun is awakened to progress with its 64-petalled flames, purifying the chakras. Upon reaching the heart chakra, the fire of love floods the three rivers and the solar and lunar energies unite, illuminating the temple.

An ecstatic transcendental delight is produced. Worshipping the Bodily Temple takes place on all levels, from the physical to the most subtle. Regard the body as a True Temple, cultivate this awareness at all times and in all places. The physical and subtle condition of the body is most important. Physically, out of respect for the divinity within, the body should be kept clean, well nourished and healthy; through the practices of hygiene, bathing and the practices of Hatha yoga and Pranayama, as well as having a healthy diet.

The temple deity’s satisfaction should be sought after; provide enjoyment and laughter and sensual delight to satisfy the divinity within. Hold nothing back out of embarrassment or doubt; true worship is not an act of rote but of spontaneous and total love. During tantric lovemaking, such worship of one’s own bodily temple and that of the partner produces fulfillment of all desires. Tantric sexual love is an act of great magical and spiritual potency.
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