NOW I speak of the first sprouting shoot of the Yoga plant, of
complete realization of the Brahman, which isto be achieved
according to the Tantras, by means of the six Chakras and so forth
in their proper order.
1. In the space outside the Meru [spinal column], placed on the left
and the right, are the two Siraas [Nadis], Shashi [i.e. the Moon;
the feminine Nadi, Ida, on the left] and Mihira [i.e. the Sun; the
masculine Nadi, Pingala, on the right]. The Nadi Susumnaa, whose
substance is the threefold Gunas, is in the middle. She is the form
of Moon, Sun, and Fire; Her body, a string of blooming Dhaatuura
flowers, extends from the middle of the Kanda [i.e. Bulb, or Root]
to the Head, and the Vajraa inside Her extends, shining, from the
Genitals to the Head.
2. Inside Her [i.e. inside Vajraa, within the Susumnaa] is Citrinii,
who is lustrous with the lustre of the Pranava [usually interpreted
as "Aum"] and attainable in Yoga by Yogis and Yoginis. Citrinii is
subtle as a spider's thread, and pierces all the Lotuses (Chakras)
that are placed within the backbone, and is pure Intelligence.
Citrinii is beautiful by reason of these Lotuses, which are strung
on Her. Inside Citrinii is the Brahma-nadi, which extends from the
orifice of the mouth of Hara [i.e. Shiva, as the Svayambhu Linga] to
the place beyong, where Aadi-deva [i.e Para-Bindu] is.
3. Cintrinii is beautiful like a chain of lightning and fine like a
lotus fiber, and shines in the minds of the sages. She is extremely
subtle; the awakener of Pure Knowledge; the embodiment of all Bliss,
whose true nature is pure Consciousness [Shuddha-bodha-svabhaavaa].
The Brahma-dvaara [i.e. the entry and exit route of Kundalini in Her
passage to and from Shiva] shines in Her mouth. This place is in the
entrance to the region sprinkled by ambrosia, and is called the Knot
[Granthi-sthaanam], as also the mouth of Susumnaa.
