It is really a question of how far we carry the neurobiology/prana
relationship. Neurobiologically speaking, sexual essences are the source of ecstatic
conductivity (kundalini), and the purification of the nervous system through an effective
integration of yoga practices provides the opening for the process to move forward,
yielding the spiritual experiences. As we know, the stand-alone performance of mechanical
vajroli (from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika) by men is not effective for expanding sexual
function, and is just as likely to lead to unhealthy diversions in sex. This is why
mechanical vajroli is not recommended in the AYP writings. It has been found that the
daily sitting practices in the main lessons (deep meditation, spinal breathing, etc.) and
the sexual methods in these tantra lessons (holdback, blocking, etc.) are more than enough
to get the job done.
I am not saying that the physical/spiritual connection between whole body ecstasy and
natural vajroli is absolutely how it is, going all the way in to the the most refined
levels of divine ecstasy, but there is strong evidence that the connection between the
neurobiology and spiritual experiences goes pretty far. The emergence of soma, amrita and
ojas can be seen to be subdivisions of this, very refined substances finding their origin
in the neurobiology of digestion (soma), brain functioning (amrita) and radiating outward
in all directions through the entire nervous system (ojas). And you are right -- the
presence of these substances is also evidence of natural vajroli, as is whole body mudra
and other indicators of ecstatic bliss permeating the body and beyond.
Whether the neurobiology model of enlightenment turns out to be true in the long run is
the question, isn't it? By taking this approach, many are given a handle on their
experiences in terms of understanding the symptoms and underlying neurobiological changes
that are clearly occurring. I have been asked hundreds of times in private, "Why is
my spiritual ecstasy accompanied by sexual arousal?" The rise of natural vajroli is
the reason. It is a key component of kundalini awakening.
Putting the neurobiology out in front also hangs a big carrot out there for modern
science to grab on to. There are plenty of things here that can be measured, and sooner or
later science will get around to it. As many more practitioners come forward having these
experiences (inevitable now), and the general lay of the land of the enlightenment process
becomes more familiar everywhere, a fertile new field for scientific research will emerge.
Those who are more mystically inclined can ignore all the neurobiology and simply enjoy
the ride.
Either way, our bhakti (spiritual desire) and the maintenance of an effective daily
practice routine will continue to be the engine for human spiritual transformation in
ourselves, and in the population at large.
Onward!
The guru is in you.
Note:
For detailed
instructions on the methods of tantra in relation to the broad scope of yoga
practices and the enlightenment process,
see the AYP Tantra book.