Yab-Yum, the Consort Practice
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There exist three unique practices in Tantric Buddhism, which are:
1. The Jambhala Practice. 2. The Guardian Practice. 3. The Yab-Yam or Consort Practice
The Consort Practice, in particular, leaves most people perplexed and puzzled. Isn`t it true that Buddhism forbids lascivious sexual acts? Why does Consort Practice have any presence in the Buddhadharma?
The Consort Practice originated in India. The Indian people mature at an early age, and their desire for sex is often great. The Tantric gurus had responded according to the nature of sentient beings and designed the Consort Practice as an expedient means to reach them and liberate them. It is established on the very principle expounded by Vimalakirti when he said: `Without cutting off lust, anger and ignorance and yet not being part of these.` Such is the expedient approach of `first attracting sentient beings through desire, and later leading them into the wisdom of the Buddha.`
The principle establishes that the union of two individuals can be used as a form of cultivation, through which wisdom is produced. And with wisdom one can see through the illusion of sexual lust, by which desire is cut-off, and one is helped to attain purity, transforming desire into emptiness. And through emptiness one attains Primordial Wisdom. The Consort Practice, if cultivated in accordance with this principle, undoubtedly leads to Supreme Purity.
Non-leakage. Emptiness. Bliss. Purity. These are all found within the context of this practice.
The Consort Practice is what Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) describes as `Extracting the pearl from the mouth of the poisonous snake.` If one cultivates the Consort Practice not according to the highest principle, and is not equipped with the proper techniques, it results in wrongful cultivation, and it is very easy to sink into the Vajra Hell. Therefore, it is the most dangerous cultivation practice, and we must certainly be cautioned!
The Consort Practice is most susceptible to slander and criticism. Likewise, Guru Rinpoche was smeared by his friend, Golden Light Youth and Bhasadhara (Guru`s wife)!
Many of the techniques taught in this practice have long been lost. As the practice is shocking to most and is easily misunderstood by the uninitiated, it is best to avoid practising it. (Tsongkhapa, himself, only practiced with a visualized consort, a Jnana Mudra)