Kama –The Hidden Source of Vital - Spiritual Energy -2

The physical science regards atom as the basic unit of matter. As per the hypotheses prevalent until half a century ago, the origin and properties of matter and hence all its reactions and energy-variations were attributed to specific arrangements, distributions and motions of the subatomic particles in the nuclei of its atoms. Further research had discovered that the atom or subatomic particles are not the most basic entities, rather, these are consequences. After the theories of (quantum) energy waves etc, it is now believed that the root cause of the manifestation of Nature is some kind of cosmic vibration that could be regarded as generating the physical as well as conscious energy waves; the sparks of which motivate the motion of subatomic and subtler particles and give rise to the physical existence of the universe and control its expansion and ultimate destruction.

The science of spirituality begins at much deeper levels. It affirms the origin of Nature and cosmic expansion through the evolutionary impulse generated by the commingling of Prakrati and Purusha. These (Prakrati and Purusha) are also referred as Rayi and Prana, and Siva, or Agni and soma in the Veda literature. We may think of these as sublime cosmic power currents of mutually complementary nature. As the flow of electricity is not possible without both the positive and negative currents, no energy or motion could be realized in Nature without the vibrating linkage of Prakrati and Purusha.

The Sankhya school of Vedic Philosophy describes that the cosmic impulse induced by the vibrating linkage – consistent cycle of mutual commingling and separation, originate the evolving existence of the Para and Apara forms of Nature. We get the first experience of this effect in the motion of (sub) atomic particles. A clock starts and continues operating with the harmonic motion of its pendulum. Similarly, the existence and unlimited activities of Nature commence and continue with the vibrating linkage of Prakrati and Purusha.

In order to explain and illustrate the deeper science and philosophy of this subliminal process, the Purusha (Brahma) and Prakrati are rhetorically described in the scriptures as representing the eternal man and woman. The trinity Gods: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - symbolize the powers of eternal creation, maintenance and evolution. The Goddesses referred as their respective consorts are Savitri, Lakshmi and Parvati. Hidden behind this rhetoric description of divine couples is the fact that the eternal Being (Purusha) is incomplete without Prakrati. No creation, no life and no growth would be possible without the conjunction of the two. There would be nothing except the absolute void. From the anthropological viewpoint, the conjugation of the mutually supplementary powers of man (male) and woman (female) is the root cause of all the gross existence of the world. The confluence or coupling of the two naturally complementary streams of the sex-element gives birth to new life. This reaction is like generation of spark from friction, from impulsive cycle of conjugation and separation.

The vibrating linkage in the sublime domains of Nature is also reflected in every expression of life, every process of the living body. For example, the respiratory cycle, the consecutive compression and expansion of the muscles, the beating of the heart, the pulsating flow of blood, the cyclic growth and division of the cells, the rhythmic cascade of molecular interactions etc….

Any disruption in this system invites the terror of death. This is true not only for the gross body, but also in every expression of Nature. Like the high and low tides of the sea, every activity in the universe is based on the cosmic impulse of the vibrating linkage – cyclic conjunction and disjunction of what is termed in the science of spirituality as Prakrati and Purusha or Rayi and Prana.

Human life entirely depends upon this eternal cosmic process. What is transacted by the Prakrati and Purusha in the subliminal realms of cosmic creation is supposed to be performed by man and woman together in the gross domains of life on this earth. The alliance of the two is therefore essential on the social fronts. Apart from the exceptional cases of individuals living singly because of some unavoidable compulsion or because of some ascetic ideals or noble aims, the life-partnership (as married couples in general) or company of man and woman is the most natural, common and favourable mode of life in the human society. No one would object to accept that the natural growth and happiness of life is sustained on the association of man and woman.

It should be noted that the intimate companionship of man and woman is required not only for reproduction or carnal pleasure. The joy of sexual linkage and desire of having offspring may trigger such relationships in a couple. However, this is not all. In fact, the intimate association between the two enables creative channelization of kama4 in both and thus helps arousal of their otherwise dormant consciousness; this soothing exaltation is required in every moment of life. The attachment of a child with his mother and eagerness of being in her lap or proximity are also indicative of this natural requirement.

The sons deprived of motherly affections and the daughters bereft of father’s love and protections are often found to lack in healthy psychological development. The presence of boys and girls both among the children augments the happy ambience of a family. The boys who have no company of sisters and similarly the girls without having brothers remain deprived of overall development of personality and risk some hindrance in mental evolution. With the emergence of youth one has to arrange for a married life. Healthy association between husband and wife together would offer natural boost to each other’s progress in all dimensions of life. In old age, affectionate interaction with the (grand) sons and (grand) daughters also provides extra sublime support to the hidden consciousness of the (grand) mothers and (grand) fathers respectively.

Renowned psychologists like Dr. Freud, though in a narrowed sense of the word, have advocated "Kama" as the utmost need of human life. It is affirmed to be fulfilled in intimate interactions, amicable alliance between the opposite genders. Somehow in our country, the Sanskrit (or Hindi) word "Kama" is mostly used to imply sexual pleasure or related desires. This is why it is often discarded as an erotic or obscene terminology and the concept of inevitability of Kama appears debased and unacceptable to many of us. But a sane consideration of the overall meaning of the word with scientific outlook and an open mind would convey that Kama is indeed an eternal necessity reflected in origin and infinite expansion –– right from the commingling of Prakrati and Purusha and the gross generation of life…, to the contributions of married life in the society and sustenance of the world. Finding flaws in this interpretation or countering it by some linguistic analysis etc would only be a prejudiced and futile exercise of arguments.

Unmindful and uncontrolled use of any resource is risky. Extremities or exploitation of everything should be avoided. Incontinence and greed of unwise, short-sighted people often cross limits in unchecked, insidious misuse of the faculties of Two sense organs i.e. Tongue and genitals (the sex-organs). The God has given them with duel work load.

For instance look at the state of our tongue. Many of us have ruined its vital power in abusive, bitter and false speech and all kinds of unhealthy (though lavish) foods and invited physical and mental sufferings and economical and moral decrepitude in several respects. This is not the flaw of the natural faculties of taste and voice endowed in the tongue. If restrained, refined and used wisely, this tiny organ alone could serve great purposes in enlightened progress of our life.

The same is the case of the genitals (the sex-organs). If these are restrained carefully together with adoption of Brahmcarya and the nectar of Kama hidden in the sex-element is enjoyed with moral purity and cautious control, the sexual indulgence too would prove to be beneficial and fulfilling like the elixir of life. After all, careful processing and medicinal use of poison makes it a life-saving drug too. However, at the same time we must note that adulteration and ill usage of these are always detrimental and could convert even the nectar into a deadly toxin. Thus, it is not the Kama, rather, its perversion and eroticism that are debauching and should be reproached and avoided.

When the relations between a daughter and father, sister and brother, or mother and son could be so sacred, happy and healthy, why would those between other kinds of social interactions between the two sexes be pernicious? Take for instance the case of husband and wife. This relationship could be most enlightening and exceptionally encouraging for unalloyed progress of both if insulated from the aberrations of sensual lust. Marriage in such cases would prove to be an excellent means of nurturing fulfilment in the lives of both the partners by healthy alliance and mutual support…. Lord Krishna had mobilized a welcome revolution in this regard.

The Indian society of those days of yore was subjected to blind traditions – even the young boys and girls were not allowed to play together. People clung to a blind conviction that meeting or interaction of men and women, of whatever age groups would lead to immoral, untoward consequences. This had darkened people’s mentality and thus captured the smiles of children too in the barrier of social absurdity; little boys and girls were not able to laugh or play together under these baseless constraints.

Lord Krishna removed these suppressive barriers and encouraged healthy alliance between the two sexes by way of organizing the blissful programmes of "Raslila" in which the boys and girls, men and women all used to play and dance together. He found it illogical to discriminate among humans on gender basis; so what if one section of the human society can grow moustaches and the other doesn’t. How could the difference between the anatomies of the genitals make one sex inferior or harmful to the other in any way? In fact, this difference in the physical and psychological nature of the two sexes is a remarkable symbol of Nature’s art that offers soothing mutual complementarities’ among them. The sick mentality that the two different sexes would commit mistakes and indulge in obscene, amoral acts whenever they associate is an extreme of mistrust of humans towards themselves.

Chastity of conduct, virtuous development of character could be ensured only by refinement from within. This demands inculcation of sraddha, prudence and farsightedness towards noble ideals and human dignity. Social norms should not prohibit healthy alliance, interaction and collaboration between the two sexes; else the society would be deprived of the great benefits available from the joint efforts, mutual support of its two major pillars. Lord Krishna had propagated this message effectively by his enchanting Raslilas.

The spiritual science of sublime power of the sex-element accords sacred interactions between man and woman. The intimacy of their relationship as married couple could also incorporate sensual connections and mutual satisfaction of sex. There should be no restriction on healthy association, joint efforts and social unions of men and women in general. As two or more men or women can share the joy of friendship without any risk or suspicion, the same way men and women could also maintain unstained, respectful alliance. This natural, serene, sober association should not be prohibited.