Anatomy of Ecstasy — Luminous Tantra examination

Eleven questions. Nine of eleven passes, and you can take it again as often as you like.

What does the chapter draw from Antonio Damasio about feelings and consciousness?

Feelings interfere with clear and rational conscious reasoning Consciousness exists independently of the body and its states Sensation is irrelevant to the basic experience of being alive, at least in theory Feelings are the basis of consciousness, not mere accompaniments
In tantric anatomy, what role does the pelvic floor play?

The foundation of the energetic body, where energy is directed A purely structural support with no role at all in practice An area that should be kept permanently and firmly tense, though this can vary A region of the body that tantric practice avoids entirely
What quality of the pelvic floor does the chapter stress as critical, alongside strength?

That it is as rigid as possible That it is never consciously engaged That it is relaxable as well as responsive That it works only together with the abdominals
How does the chapter reconcile mystical and physiological language about 'drawing energy up'?

Both describe one phenomenon from different angles, and both enrich practice The mystical account is correct, and the physiology is simply irrelevant The physiological account proves that the rising energy is purely imaginary Neither account has any real bearing on how the practice is actually done, at least in some cases
What did Barry Komisaruk's research on people with complete spinal cord injuries show?

Sexual sensation is confined to the genitals and nowhere else Orgasm can occur via vagal pathways that bypass the spinal cord Orgasm is impossible for anyone without an intact spinal cord The vagus nerve plays no role whatsoever in sexual response, though not always
Why does the chapter call slow, deep breathing a 'physiological strategy' in tantra?

It shortens the time needed to reach climax during practice It suppresses arousal so that the practice stays calm and quiet It stimulates the vagus nerve, shifting toward states where arousal can build It raises the heart rate in order to intensify excitement quickly and build toward climax
Which neurochemical is described as the bonding molecule of trust and attachment?

Dopamine Oxytocin Prolactin Norepinephrine
Which substance, named after the Sanskrit word for bliss, produces timelessness and boundary dissolution?

Endorphin, the body's natural opioid Oxytocin Dopamine Anandamide
What role does prolactin play, and how does tantric practice relate to it?

It drives anticipation and wanting; tantric practice seeks to increase its release It produces bonding and trust; tantra seeks to avoid its release It brings satiation after orgasm; sustained arousal partly sidesteps it It heightens alertness and focus; tantric practice depends on it
What does the cortical homunculus and brain plasticity imply for tantric practice?

Attentive, pleasurable touch can expand sensitivity beyond the genitals Sensitivity to touch is fixed at birth and cannot ever change, however much one practises Touching many different areas tends to dull overall sensation Only the genitals are capable of producing genuine arousal
In the PC muscle awareness practice, which skill does the chapter say is often harder and essential for deeper states?

Maximum squeezing held for as long as possible Rapid pulsing repeated without any rest at all Engaging the buttocks and thighs at the same time, at least in some cases Deliberate release and opening of the pelvic floor