In the first verse of dhyānam (meditation mantra) in the Kālikāshtakam, a hymn to Kālī attributed to Adi Shankara we learn that Mā Kālī is ever desirous to have union with Her husband, Mahākāla (महाकालकामाकुला कालिकेयम्) and in the 8th verse of the dhyānam (meditation mantra) from Āgamavāgīś Krishnānanda's Tantrasara, we learn that Mā Kālī desires to unite with Her husband in the "reverse position" (महाकालेन च समं विपरीतरतातुराम्).

How are we sensual imagery that often comes with Mā Kālī? What exactly is the nature of this "sexual union" of Shiva and Shakti which features so prominently in the Kashmir Shaiva tradition under the names "yamala" and "sanghatta" and which also appears in the iconography of the Yab-Yum Buddha in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition?

In this talk, we first explore four mantras that express the idea of "yamala" (union), then I go on a long digression exploring why many are attracted to Kālī in today's day and age and finally, using the Gospel, of Sri Ramakrishna, we explore some ideas regarding sexuality in spirituality! Let's explore the transgressive and very often misunderstood and misrepresented themes of arousal and sexual union that come with Mā Kali’s imagery.

This is the third lecture in the series on Mā’s bhāva following the “Why is Kali drunk?” and “Why is Kali Crazy” lectures!

For more detailed instructions for how to perform Kālī pūjā, watch this playlist: https://www.patreon.com/collection/233799

Lectures happen live every Monday at 7pm PST and Friday 10am PST and again Friday at 6pm PST.
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