20 Mar Kaula Tantra
The Kaula sect retained its loyalty to the goddess, sexuality, the role of women, and the love of sensuality and the earth. Kaula divinized passion and sexual desire and taught the primacy of the body. The world was seen with what might be termed a “sexualized” view (Wallis, 2012), seeing the whole of reality as “the harmonious and joyous pulsating union of various sets of complementary opposites” (p. 237). The real goal of this form of tantra was to experience the divine in every aspect of life and liberation in this lifetime. Desire was seen as the motive force of the universe.
There was complete freedom from rituals and rules; nothing was considered pure or impure, and there were no dietary restrictions. All bodies were seen as a manifestation of the divine, and ecstasy as the natural human state.
In the Kaula Way taking pleasure (bhoga) and yoga coexist. Sexual union in the quest for being, practicing as a couple, the clear-headed use of alcohol, consuming exciting meals, and the participation of initiated women are tolerated and offer a Way that supports the revelation of vibrant joy (Odier, 2020, p. 127)
Goddesses were worshipped and women were initiated and encouraged to practice. The empowering transmission was believed to be given through sexual union, which was transformed into a ritual through which the human couple became a divine couple. Kaula included a frank acceptance of sexuality and other sensual elements in its spiritual practices.
© 2024 Catherine Auman
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