________________
TANTRIK SADHANA: NYASA
79
latter in the Subtle Prakriti. The last in the form of Kundali Shakti then unites with Shiva in the upper brain called the thousand petalled lotus (Sahasrara). In Yoga this involution actually takes place with the result that ecstacy (Samadhi) is attained. But very few are successful Yogis, Therefore Bhutashuddhi in the case of the ordinary worshipper is an imaginary process only. The Sadhaka imagines Kundali, that She is roused, that one element is absorbed into the other and so on, until all is absorbed in Brahman.
He then thinks of the black man of sin', in his body. He inhales meditating on 'Yam' the Vayu-Bija for 16 instants and dries up the sinful body; holds breath meditating on 'Ram' the AgniBīja for 64 instants and burns the same with all sinful inclinations;* exhales meditating on 'Vam' the VarunaBija for 32 instants and bathes the burntbody with the nectar-like water from head to feet. The Sadhaka then thinks that a new Deva-body has come into being. Then meditating on 'Lam' the Prithvi Bija in the Muladhara and by divine gaze he strengthens the same. Then placing his hand on his heart and uttering Mantra 'Ang, Hring, Krong, Hangsah, So'ham he infuses into the new body the Pranas of the Devi (i. e. Ishtadevata). Thus performing Bhutashuddhi the Sadhaka should think that he is one with the Devi.
NYASA
Nyasas should be performed after first purifying the materials of worship (af) and so forth.
Nyasa is a very important and powerful Tantrik rite. It is performed by placing the tips of the fingers and palm of the right hand on various parts of the body accompanied by recitation of Mantra. It is of many kinds, e. g. Jiva-nyasa, Mātrika or Lipi-nyasa, Rishi
*Cf. Kalmaṣa-dahana rite in Jain Mantra-kalpas which is performed by touching the middle of the left arm and thrice reciting the Mantra:
" विद्युत्स्फुलिंगे महाविद्ये सर्वकल्मषं दह २ स्वाहा ||
""
The detailed Jain Bhutashuddhi rite is given at p. 2A of Nirvanakalika. Its similarity to the rite above described may be noted.