DURATION OF COMMITMENT                                  DURATION.TXT
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       A couple who are going to perform a tantra maitual ritual agree to
       a duration of the commitmrnt to each other. 

       The duration of commitment of the partners is agreed upon.
       Then [if the partners are not married] a ritual marriage is 
       performed. The duration of the marriage is the duration of the
       commitment chosen.

       If the partners are already married, the commitment is often set
       to be for life or eternity.

       Commitment "for the duration" is a more complicated and ritualistic 
       procedure than for life or Eternity: the male gives his partner silken 
       robes, flowers, perfume, jewelry, fruit and other gifts, and proclaims 
       her the embodiment of Divine Sakthi. 

       Then the two join hands and are covered by a cloth of natural fiber, 
       saying together: "Swasti," meaning "It is well."

       Each in turn recites the following: "It is Kama who gives and Kama 
       who accepts. It is Kama who takes the Kamini for the satisfaction of
       Kama. Inspired by Kama, I take thee. May Kama and Kamini be fulfilled."
       The man then ignites a fire and offer gifts of food and flowers to the 
       fire, by placing the gifts into the fire and allowing them to be 
       "eaten" or consumed by the sacred flames. 
       The couple circles the fire seven times, meditating on Brahma/Saraswati,
       Visnu/Laksmi, and Siva/Kali. After this, the couple places garlands of 
       flowers upon one another, and the ceremony is complete.