Viewed from the perspective of the Kundalini thesis 'Virginity' symbolizes the 'Sublimation of Sexual energy' leading to a connection to the individualized soul. Phrases such as 'Reborn,' 'Born again,' 'Twice Born,' and 'Resurrected' reflect the tremendous physical and mental expansion caused by this transformation. A transformation that may occur suddenly, sometimes within months, but usually, it takes many years (or decades) for the brain and nerves to physically evolve. This process completely alters the normal state of consciousness as if the old personality died and was 'born again' or 'resurrected' from the dead. It is this spiritual transformation of body and mind, that is the foundation on which religions, mythology, and legends are built.
There is a long historical precedent in the ancient religious practices which considered chastity and celibacy an indispensable practice for spiritual advancement. Even to this day, Catholic and Buddhists monks take a vow of celibacy. Different religious sects had understood the link between sublimation of sexual energies and spirituality but through the long march of history have lost its significance. While in Yogic and Taoist Philosophies this knowledge of the biological nature of recirculated sexual essences has never been forgotten and is taught openly. Western patriarchal religions regard sexual procreation as a legitimate avenue open to expression, but Urdhva–Retas , (i.e., sublimation) does not factor into their belief system except in a subconscious manner. There are particular faiths such as the Catholic religion that still practices celibacy but without any link to higher consciousness.
The ancient philosophers believed that humanity was a reflection of the universe, as indicated in their universal motto, "As Above so Below." Interpreted in this way, the Gods, Goddess, and Divine child become personifications of psychological forces within oneself. Therefore the trinity of forces exists within, as the Virgin Goddess is a personification of Kundalini. She is the dormant Shakti, whose feminine creative energy (Shakti) rises upward to meet the archetypal masculine God, that flows downward from the heavens starting with the crown chakra. Once the two opposites are purified, conjoined and married,(symbolized by the sacred marriage), a Divine Child (spirit) is born within.
In India, Kundalini is worshiped as a Goddess. Her activities, actions, and wisdom portray the effects of an intense awakening. The emphasis on virginity teaches purity, restraint, chastity, and self-discipline because these efforts are an integral part of the biological and psychological conditions necessary for enlightenment. Similarly, the Greek Virgin Goddess Athena and Egyptian Isis have the same function in denoting in mythic form the proper practices for further evolution. Arthur Avalon presents an insight into this aspect in his book “Serpent Power.”
“Man is a microcosm, (Ksudra-Bramanda).3 the world is a microcosm (Bramandra), there are numberless worlds, each governed by its own Lords, though there is one great mother of all whom these Lords themselves worship, placing on their heads the dust of her feet. In everything, there is all that is in anything else. There is thus nothing in the universe which is not in the human body. There is no need to throw one’s eyes into the heavens to find god. He is within, being known as the ‘’ ruler within ‘’ (Antarymina) or “Inner Self” (Antaratma).” (2)
The birth of the Divine child takes place by the power of the “Great Mother of All,” the Goddess, Kundalini. When she rises up the Sushumna into the crown chakra the individual experiences, an expansion of consciousness which lasts until the Pranic energy in the form sublimated essences (Ojas) is expended. Brahmacharya is a major biological factor responsible for spiritual enlightenment; it is the energetic component bonding together two ends of spirit and matter. Without a considerable amount of Ojas obtained from sexual essences, no expansion of consciousness can occur. It has been stated in yogic philosophy that continuous celibacy over a period of twelve years is required for a permanent state of Samadhi. Yoga and Taoism have understood the intimate connection between the physical body and higher awareness. Yogic practices such as Brahmacharya and The Taoist “Microcosmic Orbit’’ are based entirely on re-circulation and sublimation of sexual essences.
Physical postures (asana) along with pranayama were predicated on the knowledge gathered through observing initiates spontaneous awakenings. By repeating the exact movements, the yogi could attune the body to the increasing intensity of the Pranic spectrum. Why would anyone believe that the physical stretching (asana) or Breathing (Pranayama) could affect the spiritual unless of course the human body itself is saturated with cosmic intelligence? The yogic system is focused on merging individual consciousness with Brahman; the vital energy for this is provided in Brahmacharya; to understand the symbol of the "Virgin Birth" one needs to be conversant with Yogic Philosophy. Sri Swami Sivananda has written these thoughts on Brahmacharya:
Re: Do you believe in God ?
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