Yab yum

 

Yab yum is a common symbol in the Buddhist art of India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet representing the male deity ‘in union’ with the female deity. It is to be found for example in Tantric Buddhism. 

The symbolism is identical to that used for shiva and shakti, with the main difference being that the symbolism often includes or implies [by the position of the figures]  sexual union of the two deities – a sort of symbolic reference not only to the idea that ‘love’ is the driver to this, but sexual actions are a key part of the process of achieving the union.  In effect, you use various sexual practises and stimulation to achieve a spiritual experience.

When the masculine and feminine principles [anima and animus] merge you obtain a balancing of the two sides of the personality.  Logic and reason [Yab] merges with creativity and compassion [Yum]. 'Yum' is thus the personification of many of the creative functions and the way to obtain access to the higher spirit.  Thus she acts like a path to further spiritual progress, and a route to greater creativity. 

Masculine - dark; feminine - light/white

By merging with her [the creative, emotional, compassionate], the male [logic, reason, language] principle knows Divine Love and also comes into direct contact with the Higher spirit.

In fact, it is ONLY via the feminine - yum - that a person can obtain spiritual experience.  Nothing can be obrained by using intellect or memory or ego, which is why the activities on this site include the very very important ones of Squash the big I am, and Suppression of memory.