An Orgy and my Personal Equation * 71

The first thing is to understand as to what is an Orgy. It is defined in the dictionary as wild and drunken revelry where guests engage in unrestrained sex.  It also is defined as a sexual act with drink where 3 or more persons are involved. The word is derived from the Latin word Orgia and appears to be part of ancient history.

All cults and  religious groups have accepted Orgy as a part of their philosophy. The ancient Greeks and Romans laid special stress on it and had vivid and colorful rituals that were supposed to give divine guidance. The advent of Christianity saw the Orgy being regarded as "evil". The  act did not die away, but only it was attributed to the Devil.

Hinduism is an enigma and though the word orgy is not used, yet practically it was accepted by Hinduism and forms a part of Tantra sex. This is enunciated in what is known as a Puja session in Tantra when men and women congregate in a circle with men changing places, while women remain seated. One is free to indulge in close and carnal contact and is supposed to bring great benefit to the planet and the participants. There is however a subtle difference as unlike the ancient concept of drink and revelry, in Hindu Tantra philosophy, wine and drink are not taken.

I attended my first orgy in Russia as a young subaltern. I say first as I had only one other experience and that was in the Ashram of Rajneesh. Even Swami Shraddhanand conducted such tantric rituals and though I  was his follower, I never was part of these rituals.

 On my umpteen visits to Russia, I had my only experience of a orgy, when my Russian girl friend suggested it. I was intrigued and went. In all there were 3 couples and we made the fourth. Was it satisfying? No, I am afraid not, I perhaps never got over my inhibitions after  some time just went to sleep. I realized that an orgy cannot be 'staged' and needs a deeper spiritual connotation.

My next encounter was when I was posted to Lohegaon, the airbase at Pune. Air Force orders at that time forbade membership of cults and groups. I was unaware of this order and so visited this ashram. I also once met Rajneesh in Bombay. In due course I attended one of his meditation sessions in a room with about a dozen participants. Here the atmosphere was electric and I felt magic was in the air. Out of the 6/7 women 2 were Indian. I can say the session lasted about 3/4 hours with meditation and unrestrained cohabitation. It was the most elevating  experience of my life and I can only say that it was an experience to remember. I never went again as my CO, who came to know about it forbade it. So that was the end of my essay with the ashram. Later when was commanding the heli-unit at Mumbai, I used to attend the ashram of Swami Shraddhanand at Bassein Road close to Bombay, but  though aware of his tantric rituals never attended his sessions.

A look back at history and one can see that an Orgy has been part of man's life since ages. It certainly had a sexual connotation, but the overall aim of these sexual orgies was to connect with the divine. Though later Christianity turned a puritan leaf, the fact of sexual energy and its connection with the divine is something that needs deep study. It is an advanced state of the mind, a realm above the thinking of an average human being. It is only Hinduism with its concept of tantra and path to salvation and enlightenment that accepted this concept. Islam also accepts this, but in a more earthy way, by bringing in a practical aspect.

One fact does stand out that even during ancient times Orgies were conducted only at  night and were by invitation only. Common people were not invited to it. Perhaps there is a mystery about it. Even now in England orgies do take place, but they are secretive affairs. The most celebrated orgies were conducted by Dr Ward in the early fifties in England. They were secret affairs and certainly did not follow the philosophy as enunciated in the Tantra. This was wrong and Dr. ward was arrested, though on a different matter. In India, the Aghori clan still indulges in such orgies as they pray to Kaal Bhairav, the fierce manifestation of Shiva.