Concept of Tantra Sex in Tibetan Buddhism
The ancient Hindu granths outline a path to god through sex. This is the essence of tantra sex that forms an important part of Hindu philosophy. But many do not know that Tantra sex is very much a part of Buddhism also as practiced in Tibet and goes by the nomenclature of "Tibetan Buddhism". This proves that Buddhism, in my view is not a separate religion, but an offshoot of Hinduism.
The concept of Tantra sex in Tibetan Buddhism is heavily borrowed from Hindu philosophy. Tibetan Buddhism is distinct from other forms of Buddhism and has the concept of Yab-yum. What is Yab-yum? It is a concept of two deities in a sexual embrace. There are many paintings and sculptures that amplify Yab-yum ( sexual embrace). All of them are supposed to represent the Bodhisattva Vajrapani, This deity is recognised in Tibetan Buddhism as a great follower and disciple of the great Buddha himself.
The concept of Bodhisattva Vajrapani is peculiar to Tibetan Buddhism and is not having the same importance in other forms of Buddhism. He is normally depicted in Tibetan art as a savior of mankind all over the earth. He holds a Vara ( thunderbolt) in his hand and is depicted with 3 faces and 6 arms. These arms and faces are important as they facilitate the concept of tantric sex known as Mahacakra. The Bodhisattva in this form has ferocious sex with his consort and while having sex also destroys the nagas. Who are nagas? they represent serpents and snakes who seek to hinder the sex act or Yab-yum.
The concept of Yam-yum is a offshoot from Hindu philosophy. While having sex with his consort he holds the Vajra in his hand and points it at the sky.In the classical pose depicted in Tibetan art, show the Bodhisattva sitting in a cross legged pose with his consort in his lap. This is the recommended pose for salvation, protection and also has great grace and beauty.
There are many pieces of these sculptures in the museums and the Buddhist temples in Tibet. The Bodhisattva is somewhat akin to the Hindu god Kaal Bhairav and has a similar fierce representation.The Bodhisattva in this sexual embrace has his head adorned with 5 leaves and wears anklets of pearls and other jewels. His beloved in this union is also suitably adorned and both deities are normally in a sexual embrace in the nude. This is the classical union to achieve salvation.
As in Hinduism the sexual poses represent Shiva and his consort Shakthi, so does this sexual embrace represent the union of Upaya( masculine) and Prajna( feminine) and is a path to salvation or nirvana. This is an interesting subject and a visit to the monastery at Twang will educate the seeker further. In short the sexual embrace of Yab-yum is the road to bliss and being one with the Bodhisattva.
Like it on Facebook, Tweet it or share this article on other bookmarking websites.