> > >MIND,BODY,TEMPLE >Relationships > >Osho takes us through the legend behind Khajuraho's erotic sculptures and considers them as depicting emptiness of desire. > >The most graphic, erotic and sensuous sculptures the world has known are on the temple walls of Khajuraho. >Every facade - wall, window, pillar, and ceiling - of Khajuraho is carved with figures of mythical and historical origins, and many depict the innocent form of love on these walls. >Built over 1,000 years ago, the grandeur, beauty and art of these temples leaves one in awe. Equally intriguing are erotic sculptures from Kamasutra. >Big-bosomed and beautiful young women and hefty men are shown in positions even the acrobats may find impossible to get into. Legend has it the creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon. Hemavati, the beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest, was seduced by the moon god while bathing in the river one evening. > >The child born of this union between a mortal and god was a son, Chandravarman. Harassed by society, the unwed mother sought refuge in the dense forest of Central India where she was both mother and guru to her young son. The boy grew up and founded the Chandela dynasty. When he was established as a ruler, he had a dream of his mother, imploring him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and bring about realisation of the emptiness of human desire. > >This is clear from the lack of expressions on their faces in various poses of sex. > >If the temples of Khajuraho can be said to have a theme, it is woman. A celebration of woman and her myriad moods and facets: writing letters; applying kohl, dancing with joyous abandon, playing with her child. > >Woman-innocent, coquettish, smiling- infinitely seductive, infinitely beautiful. Depicted in detail, sharply etched, sculpted with consummate artistry, these statues have a blank expression. With eyes glazed, it seems they are not having pleasure from what they are engaged in. > >Or could it be that they have gone beyond pleasure in a state of ecstasy? Discovered in the last century, these temples have always created controversy about the philosophy of showing sexual poses on their outer walls. >Osho explains... > >These temples in Khajuraho have, on the outer side, beautiful women, beautiful men, and all in love postures… >Inside there are none. >The idea is unless you pass through sexuality with full awareness in all its phases, in all its dimensions-unless you come to a point when sex has no meaning for you...only then you enter the temple. > >Otherwise you are outside the temple, your interest is there. >If you are still interested in sex, then the temple is not for you. > >But the message is not against sex; it is the outer wall of the temple, the temple is made of it, and you have to pass through the door and go beyond. And the beyond is nothing but utter emptiness. > > > >veegopalji >[courtesy: MVG] > >- > > > _