Jimutavahana literally is referred to Lord Shiva, meaning one who rides the clouds. The theorem of transcendence in tantric practices has an illustrious legend to its background. It is believed that Parvati (Shiva`s wife) in the embrace of Lord Shiva, while being carried above the clouds, was so ecstatic that she gave Him this new name. As the unorthodox hermit, Ekavratya, who lived by his own rules distanced from traditional society, Shiva conceded to Parvati`s soft, sweet words, her smile stirring love in Shiva`s severe heart. The two Supreme Beings complemented each other majestically. She was gentle and divinely refined; He was wild and forceful. Her subtle lasya tempered his energetic tandava, created perfect harmony. Together, the Divine cosmic couple captivated the vibrations of the Universe. Parvati gently beguiled Shiva into the ways of the world and through myriad questions enkindled his concern for the cosmos, Nature, society, life and marriage, which He was previously unaware about. This is where transcendence in Tantric practice comes into the realistic realm, descending down from heavenly atmosphere.
Shiva`s great wisdom, acquired through eons of brooding and meditation, was shared for the well-being of the cosmos. Parvati was the perfect student, Shiva the perfect teacher. Through their cosmic united venture, the world was enriched by consecrated conversations. The secrets of the Vedas, the magnificence of the Shastras and the deep mysteries of the Tantras were revealed to every earthly being. Lost in the heights of the summit of Mount Meru, at the very centre of the Universe, Shiva, the supreme yogi and Shakti, his female consort, together viewed the world. The cosmic couple hence became satiated with the transcendental peace that followed the rapture of their union.
Shiva, in this context, explained to his consort the meaning of transcendence in Tantric practices. According to Him, the whole of existence is consummated in transcendence, which is the end of all yogas. Transcendence reaches beyond all phenomenal restrictions and is the ultimate goal of evolution; the ultimate destiny of one`s creaturely existence. The procreating force of Brahma brings all beings into existence, while the preserving force of Vishnu preserves their lives. The transcendental force of Shiva in Tantra leads one beyond worldliness, moving from the mundane to the metaphysical. On the highest level, transcendence is the complete experience of reality beyond both worldliness and death.
Each of these three deities is inseparable from its respective counterpart, the feminine energy or shakti. In Tantric practices, every higher principle exists through the union of male and female forces. Shakti is the essence of sheer bliss. Through bhakti or devotion, she uplifts the force of faith. The shakti of Brahma, Saraswati, is the patroness of the 64 traditional arts. These arts and sciences add to the charm and eloquence of a person.
Going by transcendence in Tantric practices, without such modes of expression, one`s life would be devoid of zeal, fervour or passion. These 64 arts form a means of communication and self-expression for one`s most mystifying urges. Shiva`s consort, Kali is the initiator to transcendence. A woman becomes one with Kali by coming to terms with her own tremendous power of initiation. Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu`s consort, is the pure incarnation of preservation, prosperity and beauty. The triad of the three forces of creativity, transcendence and preservation correspond to birth, death and life in one`s very existence.
Love unites one with the source, the supreme creative force in the Universe, where Shiva and Shakti fuse.
