Great-Bliss-Tantric-Sex-and-the-Path-to-Inner-Awakening

The Maṇḍala
Powdered or very small semi-precious stones (or rice, whole or powdered), colored red and
white to draw the maṇḍala, or use a permanent cloth maṇḍala of Vajravilāsinī.
The Five Offerings
The Five Offerings (Pañca Upacāra) are made to the deities of the maṇḍala during the Ritual of
Empowering the Maṇḍala (Maṇḍala Adhiṣṭhāna):
1. Flowers (puṣpa) - Flowers that represent the female essence, such as bandhūka (Engl. ixora) or
red hibiscus (jabā), and the male essence, white lotus (kumuda) or yellow lotus (pita padma).
2. Incense (dhūpa) – Cones are ideal. Incense sticks should be avoided for burning because the
wood on the stick burns, adding a less refined element to the aroma. You can also mix your own
powders and place them on a charcoal pellet for burning. Sandalwood (candana) is the most
spiritual, frankincense (sihlaka) is gently invigorating, while jasmine (mallikā) or musk (kastūrī)
are good for setting romantic moods. Marijuana (gañja) incense with no THC is also available.
Psychoactive incenses that are all legal in the United States include areca nut (tāmbūla),
aśvagandha (an aphrodisiac), fly agaric (Lat. Amanita muscaria; soma), and morning glory seeds
(dhātura), and should be used with caution.
3. Oil lamp (dīpa) – The light of the Dharma dispelling ignorance. You can also use a candle.
4. Perfume (gandha) - Anything pleasant-smelling, in an oil, cream, or perfumed water, or a
powdered or granular perfume. A traditional blend is a mix of fragrant tree bark, sandalwood,
dried fragrant fruits, nutmeg, cardamom, saffron, camphor, and musk.
5. Food (naivedya) – A simple food offering that will not spoil quickly like fruit or nuts. One
popular combination is to use three round fruits such as an apple, orange, and peach, representing
the Three Jewels.
Altar
To set up an altar for the consecrations, see Chapter 9: Preparing for Practice.
Ritual Implements
The Victorious Vase (Vijaya Kalaśa) – A vase used for holding the power of the deity in the
sacred space during consecrations. It may be made of gold, silver, copper, or clay, and is without
a pouring spout. The ingredients of the vase (substitutions are common) are:
1. The Twenty-Five Essences (Tattvas), holding the essential powers of the natural world:
a. The Five Nectars: 1) feces, 2) urine, 3) human flesh, 4) female sexual fluids, and 5) male
sexual fluids.
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