Since the understanding of Absolute reality is based on its dual nature, a number of different interpretations of duality have been added to the concept of Prajna and Upaya. One of the ways of understanding these metaphysical terms is by means of explaining Prajna and Upaya as female and male, the extremes of bipolarity. Prajna and Upaya as Lalana and Rasana Prajna and Upaya as Lalana and Rasana is one of the ways by which the Hevajra Tantra explains the dual nature of ultimate reality. Prajana and Upaya as Lalana and Rasana is one of the many complex combinations of the bipolarity of ultimate reality. Absolute is said to exist in a kind of combination of dissimilar attributes, active-passive, positive-negative, male-female, intelligence emotion etc. Prajna and Upaya are among the chief contradictions that comprise the absolute. Prajna refers to the static principle, and comprises the ultimate knowledge of all reality and operates at the metaphysical level. Upaya refers to the active element, operating on the physical level. Prajna and Upaya as Rasana is one of the many interpretations of the bipolarity of ultimate reality. There are three important nadis employed in tantric sadhana- these are lalana, rasana and avadhuti. The Hevajra Tantra associates the dual nature of the Absolute with the first two nadis. Lalana is said to be of the nature of wisdom (prajna) and rasana of means (upaya). The dual nature of Ultimate reality is referred to as lalana and rasana and their union is termed as avadhuti. Lalana is believed to be on the left, rasana on the right and avadhuti in the middle. Hence, lalana and rasana are also called udma and dakshina respectively. Again, lalana is considered to be the nature of the moon and rasana of the sun. Another contradictory interpretation is that the lalana is the bearer of the seed, and rasana, of the ovum. Here there is an anomaly because lalana, which is prajna (female,), is said to carry the seed while rasana, which is upaya (male), bears the ovum. However, the real aim is to show that the essential duality of the ultimate descends on the physical body as well. This interpretation is therefore one of the many ways of showing the duality of Absolute reality. Everything is said to exist as a combination of opposing elements, more so the Absolute reality. These opposing elements, Prajana and Upaya, may be understood and interpreted in a variety of ways of which Lalana and Rasana is one. |