At the Start of Sexual Union - Keep Attentive
एक एव भवेल्ज्ञानी स बन्धः स च शोधकः । स शिष्यः स गुरुर्धीमान्योगी ज्ञानविशारदः ॥
eka eva bhaveljnani sa bandhah sa ca shodhakah | sa shishyah sa gururdheeman yogi jnaanavishaaradah ||
VBT Verse 71
The Sutra
"At the start of sexual union keep attentive on the fire in the beginning, and so continuing, avoid the embers in the end."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
The most famous tantric technique. During sexual union, bring total awareness to the initial fire of arousal. Stay with this fire of awareness throughout the act. "Avoid the embers in the end" means: do not let awareness collapse into the final release. Instead, ride the wave of energy upward. When the fire is maintained as awareness rather than dissipated as climax, it becomes a vehicle for cosmic consciousness.
Original Sanskrit
एक एव भवेल्ज्ञानी स बन्धः स च शोधकः । स शिष्यः स गुरुर्धीमान्योगी ज्ञानविशारदः ॥
eka eva bhaveljnani sa bandhah sa ca shodhakah | sa shishyah sa gururdheeman yogi jnaanavishaaradah ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 71 (Technique 48 of 112)
How to Practice
This is practiced during intimate union with a partner, with mutual understanding and reverence.
At the very beginning of arousal, bring total awareness to the energy rising. This is the "fire."
Do not let the mind wander into fantasy. Stay completely present with the physical sensation.
As the energy builds, maintain awareness. Do not rush toward climax.
The instruction "avoid the embers" means: do not let awareness collapse at the peak.
Instead, let the energy rise upward through the spine. Stay aware, stay present, stay in the fire.
This transforms sexual energy into spiritual energy. The body becomes a temple of awakening.
Duration
Natural duration of the union
Best Time
Natural - when intimacy occurs
Related Techniques
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