Healing with Rati: From Sexual Energy to Authenticity

Sexual energy is the source of all creation, and when this force is turned inward, it becomes a spiritual power that can lead to higher consciousness.
— Gopi Krishna

Through passion, we direct ourselves toward an object in order to bring it into existence. Passion is the energy that drives the world.
— Hegel

In Hindu mythology, Rati रति, the goddess of love, carnal desire, lust, and passion, and sexual energy. As the consort of Kama कामदेव, the god of (erotic) love, her story is one of both creation and resurrection, a narrative of how love transcends the physical and embodies the spiritual. Just as Rati's devotion restores her husband Kama from death into a formless, omnipresent energy, the sexual force she symbolises can also be transmuted into something more —an energy that unites us with our authentic selves and leads to purposeful living.

The Venus of the Hindus

Rati is showcased as someone who had the supernatural capabilities to charm the God of Love —Kama. Together, they fill the universe with the sweet fragrance of longing and affection.

One day, Kama, eager to spread the joy of love, devised a bold plan. He wanted to awaken the heart of Lord Shiva शिव, who, lost in deep meditation, seemed distant from the world of love. To help Parvati पार्वती, the beautiful daughter of the mountains (personification of Himalayas), win Shiva’s heart, Kama decided to shoot his enchanting love arrow at the great god.

With Rati by his side, he approached the tranquil abode of Shiva, surrounded by the gentle whispers of nature. But as Kama drew his bow, a sense of trepidation washed over Rati. "Beloved," she cautioned, "Shiva is not like the others. His meditation is profound, and his power is unmatched." Yet, driven by his passion, Kama pressed on. He released his arrow, piercing the depths of Shiva’s concentration. Instantly, the serene landscape quivered with the magic of love. Flowers bloomed, birds sang, and the air shimmered with newfound energy. But in an instant, Shiva opened his third eye, a fiery gaze that scorched the world around him. In a flash, Kama was reduced to ashes.

Days turned into nights as Rati mourned the loss of her soulmate. She wandered the cosmos, seeking solace in the memories of their love. It was during one of her lamentations that Parvati approached Rati with compassion. With hope rekindled, they approached Shiva’s meditation. Rati poured out her heart, her devotion palpable in the air. "Oh, great Shiva, I plead with you! Kama’s love is a divine gift. Please, grant him life once more!"

Moved by the sincerity of Rati’s love and Parvati’s dedication, Shiva opened his heart to their pleas. In a moment of compassion, he agreed to restore Kama, but in a new form. "Kama shall live again," he declared, "not as he was, but as an ethereal force of love, unseen yet ever-present."

As the cosmic energies converged, Kama was reborn, a spirit of love that transcended the physical realm. Rati felt his essence surrounding her, though he was no longer visible, their love remained an eternal bond that connected their souls across dimensions.

Ra Ma Da Sa, Sa Say So Hung

In spiritual traditions, sexual energy is considered one of the most powerful forms of energy. While Rati represents the sensual and emotional aspects of this energy, Kundalini is the primal life force residing at the base of the spine. Kundalini, often depicted as a coiled serpent, lies dormant in most people until it's awakened through spiritual practices such as yoga, breathwork, and meditation. When this energy is activated, it travels up through the chakras, leading to spiritual awakening, and a deep sense of purpose.

Rati’s mythological role aligns with Kundalini’s spiritual significance in that both represent sexual energy’s transformative potential. Whereas Rati shows us the emotional and relational dimensions of love, Kundalini symbolizes the rise of this energy into higher realms of consciousness, leading to enlightenment and self-realization. When we combine Rati’s lessons with Kundalini’s path, we learn that sexual energy is not something to suppress or fear, but rather a force that can lead to deep healing and alignment with our authentic selves.

Authenticity and Purpose

Authenticity arises from the integration of all aspects of ourselves —our desires, our passions, and our spiritual nature. When we live authentically, we act from a place of clarity, creativity, and inner peace. We find ourselves more aligned with our life’s purpose, more grounded in our interactions, and more connected to the the nature.

By consciously transforming sexual energy, we open ourselves to discovering our true self and purpose. Sexual energy is a life force, and when directed mindfully, it brings balance to the body and mind, can be a pathway to self-realisation and purposeful living. Instead of allowing sexual energy to become trapped in the lower realms of physical gratification, we can elevate it, much like Rati’s love elevates Kama beyond the physical realm.