The Questions of Gyenema
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substances of the body? What are the characteristics of the so-called corporeal body and the aggregate?” Machik said: “Listen, girl. The characteristics of the energy currents are just as I explained before during the [teaching on] Mantra, but I will explain it a bit again now. So listen, and remember how it is. The Energy Currents “The energy currents (rtsa; pr›˚a) equal the number of channels. In a very abbreviated [list], they can be condensed into twenty-two. To be extremely concise, they can be condensed into three. And most concisely, they are condensed into two. “First of all, when they are counted as twenty-two, there are four types: outer, inner, intermediate, and secret energy currents. The first has eight: (1) the equalizing energy that causes all the elements to abide; (2) the cutting energy that blocks each of the five elements; (3) the destroying energy that divides the nature of the five elements; (4) the moving and beating energy; (5) the energy that causes the destruction of the aggregate; (6) the energy that supports the aggregate; (7) the energy that performs all action; and (8) the energy that causes pervasion throughout.20 “The second also has eight: (1) the ascending throat energy; (2) the heart energy that generates all memory; (3) the transference energy that separates the pure essence from the refuse; (4) the descending energy of the genital area; (5) the energy of strength that produces the complexion and radiance; (6) the energy of afflictive emotion that is a karmic lack of compassion; (7) the energy of equanimity that is karmically great compassion; and (8) the energy of the great wisdom of reality that engenders transcendent knowledge. These are called the inner energy currents.21 “The third has five [energy currents relating to] the functions of the five organs, such as the eyes, and so on. When the first energy circulates, it causes the eyes to see forms. The second causes the ears to hear sound. The third makes the nose smell aromas. The fourth causes the tongue to experience tastes. And the fifth makes the skin feel tactile sensations. Those are the five intermediate energy currents. “The fourth is called the inner energy of total equality of great enlightenment. It is a single abiding energy that equalizes the naturally nonexistent