Three: The Five Elements in Tantra
107
Downward-moving prana In this practice the focus is in the secret chakra, behind the genitals. Contract the muscles of the pelvic floor, the muscles of the perineum and anus, hold for a few moments, then release. Repeat. You can also, if you wish, hold the breath while contracting and releasing a few times. Exhale on the final release, directing the prana downward out of the body, and merge with the relaxation that comes with the release. The relaxation makes this a good practice to do when anxious or ungrounded. THE FIVE SECRET TSA LUNG PRACTICES General The secret level of these practices works with the same five pranas as do the previous practices, but these practices are done entirely with the mind, thus they are “secret.� They are a simplification of the tsa lung practices that can be done anywhere because they use only attention, not movement, to activate the chakras. A shape and a color are associated with each chakra. The shape is not related directly to the shape of the chakra, but rather to the pattern made by the channels of energy in that location. The color is related to the qualities of the elemental energy being activated in the chakra. The syllable A [ ] is visualized in each chakra to support and protect the experience. Practice with each chakra three times or until it feels clear. Then evoke in it the quality you wish to cultivate: compassion, peacefulness, love, openness, wisdom, generosity. Develop the qualities you need in your practices and in your daily life. This practice is analogous to clearing a room for a shrine and then making the altar, hanging the sacred images, and lighting the incense. Focus on the crown chakra. Visualize an umbrella shape rising from the throat chakra and spreading out through the brain to the top of the head. The color is pale yellow or gold. The upward-moving prana, associated with the earth element, rises through the throat chakra, through the brain, and up to the crown chakra. Pray that the five wisdoms, the positive divine qualities, awaken here and that they become strong and vivid. Feel the opening of your crown chakra, your connection to the highest spiritual dimensions. Visualize a luminous white A in the crown chakra. Let it intensify. It represents compassion. Allow compassion and luminosity and bliss to pervade all experience— your entire body, every being, and every place. The compassion is lively