Tantra:
There
are various ways for realization of SELF as Brahman, who is the source of Truth,
Existence and Bliss. Tantra is one of them. Through Tantra we experience the
Supreme Bliss of Knowledge & Power.
Most People are unclear about what Tantra really is and what it can do for you.
Probably the most common view is that Tantra has some connection with Oriental
religion, with uninhibited sex, and with the lovemaking positions and techniques
outlined in the Kama Sutra, Hinduism's oldest sex manual. To some, Tantra is
a free-love cult, a survival of the psychedelic sixties; to others, it's New
Age spiritual sex therapy. See also: Sex
Therapy
None of these views of Tantra are wrong outright, but none really explain what
Tantra actually is. So what is Tantra? What does it mean? And, most important
of all, what is its relevance to us today?
The roots of the word are Sanskrit:
Tan - thread, web, stretch, spread or expand, and
Tra - tool or instrument.
Tantra - tool for expansion or a weaving.
The word Tantra is Sanskrit, the sacred language of Hinduism and the most ancient
language of the World. It derives from the root word tan, which translates as
"to extend, expand, spread, continue, spin out, weave; to put forth, show,
or manifest." Like the universe we inhabit, Tantra is continually expanding,
spreading, and manifesting itself like a "cosmic weave," made up of
different energies. We are part of this weave, as are our forefathers and foremothers,
all life, and every type of energy and matter. This includes thoughts, actions,
and all physical matter. Through Tantric practice one can experience an expansion
of consciousness and recognize the interconnectedness of the web of existence.
Some Definitions of Tantra:
Because Tantra is a mystical subject, it is nearly impossible to define. Even
eminent scholars have had a hard time explaining what Tantra actually is. The
different explanations of Tantra indicate its multifaceted nature. Tantra is
a spiritual science, which means it is also mystical, in its interconnectedness,
the holistic wisdom link between ourselves and the universe we inhabit.
By embracing Tantra, we become more "real," more "complete."
How? By recognizing and stimulating our inherent sensual spirituality, we discover
parts of ourselves that have remained asleep or have been repressed. With Tantra,
an energy is released that is evolutionary and "upwardly motivated."
We can learn to use this energy for pleasure, for achieving our worldly goals,
and for aiding our spiritual evolution.
Familiarity with Tantra can help a person to enjoy life to the fullest. It can
help do away with guilt or fear, break down self imposed or limiting cultural
boundaries, and guide us in our search for solutions. Tantra teaches us to become
familiar with our mystical nature, and when we do so, our boundaries expand.
We enter into new domains of awareness. We become empowered, more fulfilled,
and more perfect.
Traditional dictionary definitions of Tantra are revealing. A Sanskrit word,
Tantra is sometimes translated as "leading principle, essential part, model,
system, framework,
doctrine, rule, theory, scientific work," also as "order, chief part,
rule, authority, science, mystic works, magical formulas, means, expedient,
stratagem, medicine." Finally, a Tantra is sometimes defined as "a
type of mystical teaching set out mostly in the form of dialogs between a cosmic
couple. intimate insightful dialogs, between God and Goddess, Shiva and Shakti,
the male and female Tantric adepts, were at times written down and became known
as Tantras. Naturally, these dialogs, being intimate, included sexual secrets
as well as many other fascinating
topics.
Tantra has been well tested over thousands of years, not in worldly laboratories
but in the laboratories of the human body, by Yogi scientists and Tibetan Lamas
who were not driven by commerce but by the earnest desire for spiritual knowledge
and liberation. Their observations and insights have been passed down to us.
The sacred Hindu and Buddhist scriptures known as Tantras provide detailed instructions
on a wide range of topics, including spiritual knowledge, technology, and science.
Their content is often paradoxical. In Tantra, science and mysticism go hand
in hand, as do sensuality and asceticism. Just as advanced scientific treatises
are difficult for the layperson to comprehend, so traditional Tantras require
adequate preparation before they can be properly understood.
At the same time, Tantra can refer to any of a number of sacred texts in the
Hindu, Jain and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Many of these texts contain detailed
guidelines for spiritual practice. From this perspective, Tantra is a vast body
of spiritual and physical knowledge, encompassing an array of practices, including
all forms of yoga. These practices are aimed at expan- ding consciousness and
liberating oneself "through life and not through escape, using the body
as an instrument."
In Tantra, the energies of the body are used as the fuel for spiritual develop-
ment.
In the West, Tantra is often called the "Yoga of Sex." While there
is a kernel of truth in this phrase, the popular press has created a misleading
impression that Tantra is about having better orgasms or about becoming a better
lover. Since Tantric practices are designed to expand consciousness, they can
expand a person's capacity to give, receive and experience pleasure, not only
in the sexual realm but in all areas of life, provided that person is willing
to do the work.
Many contemporary Tantra teachers emphasize very powerful techniques for enhancing
sexual pleasure and intimacy, while some traditional teachers discourage students
from exploring sexual Tantra at all.
Frequently Asked Questions on Tantra:
What is Tantra?
The spiritual art of love...of connecting spirit with form. It is experiencing
love through through the beauty of the earth and all existence. It is about
acceptance, rather than deniel. It also embraces compassion...about truth within
unconditional love...
What are its elements? Is Tantra a yoga?
Some call it Tantra Yoga. If we see yoga as union, then I agree. Others say
Tantra is not a part of Yoga, which most people see as Hatha Yoga anyway, but
rather an entire lifestyle. Many in the yoga community consider Tantra "something
they would rather not deal with," so to speak. So, in that sense it is
not about yoga as practiced in America, unless that yoga teacher also embraces
the openess an sensual nature of Tantra.
Is Tantra a religion, or a movement within religion(s), or is it entirely separate
from religion?
Tantra is not a religion. It is a spiritual path. When religion enters, then
barriers are drawn. However, some call Tantra a religion, although there is
no organized body of thought or practitioners as such. Tantra cannot be encapsulated
into a religion or dogma.
What is the exact relationship between Tantra and sexuality?
In Tantra, sexuality is total and filled with bliss. However, Tantra is not
about sex. Sex practiced or performed in Tantra is what is taught by most teachers
of this spiritual lifestyle. By some Yogins sexual ignition energy is used as
a tool to raise the Kundalini, or the participants bioenergy. Some practitioners
simply use this energy as a tool. At some point Tantrikas experience a bliss-filled
state that can be identified as asexuality. Perhaps because of general sexual
suppression by cultures and religions, ancient carvings in Nepal and India depicting
unbridled sexual sharing create indelible labels. Some Tantrikas do not engage
in sex at all.
Is Tantra an attitude, a belief, or a practice?
No belief. It is an attitude and there are practices, in sex, and many other
areas of life that can be used as tools. Many of these include contemporary
conscious psychotherapeutic methods, as well as Eastern philosophy and techniques,
such as pranyama, yantra, mantra, etc., as well as simply applying expanded
consciousness to one's existence.
Are there common elements in its practice, if it has any? If so, how do these
relate to any common attitudes or beliefs? When you say you "practice"
Tantra, what do you do exactly?
Tantra is a lifestyle of letting-go, feeling a oneness with everything. If we
were to relate Tantra to life in general, we would say there is much more lay-back
living, more enjoyment of our sensual nature, a sexual freedom which follows
a lifestyle of let go as well. Practicing Tantra is to walk our talk...to visualize
others as Divine... to meditate, get and give and receive massages ..and to
say YES! more often...to seek for the purest, highest quality of life, yet to
accept whatever we have...and to feel our Divine nature...God...Goddess.
Origins/Ideals:
Where and when did Tantra start, if it had an origin?
While there are many opinions, there is no real beginning as such. See articles
and books, particularly the Hindu vedas, and the spiritual philosophy of Tilopa
and Milaropa. However, it is now known that using sexual-heart energy of the
Kundalini for transcendence and connecting with God or Divinity was known by
many cultures throughout the world. There are references to it in both the new
and old testament's of the Bible, in the Koran, the Bhagavagita and countless
other spiritual texts.
Are there certain types of cultures where it arises?
Interesting question. Tantra seems to arise and gain interest when we have gone
too far with our material world. More of the lay-back, natural cultures like
the Cherokees and Polynesians follow a similar lifestyle. Some pagan traditions
also do. Whenever civilization has filled its members with fear, Tantra becomes
popular. It is something we all experience at one time or another in our lives.
Now, in Russia, Tantra has become very popular.
Are there historical or fictional people associated with its origins?
You can see glimpses of Tantra in Krishna's playfulness with the dakinis, and
Jesus, no doubt, was also a Tantrika based upon his words of love and his association
with Mary of Magdalene and Veronica of Nazareth. Tilopa, Naropa and Milaropa
also were the so-called original messengers of Classical Tantra. However, even
with the writings of Sir Richard Burton, much has been lost to antiquity
Is there an 'ideal' Tantra, regardless of how it manifests today? If so, what
is this like?
Returning to the Biblical Garden of Eden, or a vision of Nirvana or Heaven.
A community of people filled with unconditional love, bliss, a joy of life,
tenderness and acceptance of all. Enjoying the good life, so to speak, unaddicted
yet experiencing with totality and enlightened, of course [chuckle].
Is there an objective or ideal focus of a Tantrika? If so, what is it?
Not really. Maybe enjoying God's existence at every moment and allowing enlightenment
to occur in the process. Becoming aware...awake. Follow a form of mantra or
yantra meditation, eat a proper vegetarian diet, be gentle and find love within
you at each moment. The lifestyle itself is the gift and path....
What are the essentials of 'Tantric philosophy' if there is such a thing?
Same as above.
How does this relate to other Eastern or Western philosophies?
Most philosophies and religions have a dogmatic point-of-view of existence.
Eastern and Western philosophies are tied up in dogma. Tantra is about dropping
dogma, and simply being in bliss. This is difficult to talk about since all
talk is the beginning of a philosophy. Philo from the Greek language means "life"
and "sophy" from sophic represents study. In Tantra life in its totality
is beyond study... It is experience.
Sociological/Cultural:
Are there certain sects of religious traditions which consider themselves or
are considered by others to be 'Tantric'?
Yes, many. Yogi Bhajan of the 3HO organization (adapted from the Sikh tradition)
considers his path "white" Tantra. Pagan traditions call it Tantrik
practice, Tibetan Buddhists follow a Tantra path (commonly called yellow Tantra),
and aspects of Voodoo and Santamaria use similar practices as in black Tantra,
and the worship of Kali, the destroyer. This is only a sampling. There are many
texts available on Classical Tantra in new age book shops and select libraries.
Swami Virato follows the path of red Tantra...for the passion of flesh and spirit.
Are there Western forms of Tantra or rough equivalents?
Not really. Perhaps what is being taught by most teachers today could be called
Western forms. Quodoshka was a similar form practiced by Native Americans (Cherokee).
Can Tantra be found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism? If so, in what forms
and characters?
Yes. Read the various texts. Some say Tantra predates all of them.
Why do people get excited and mention sex when they hear the word Tantra?
Because sex sells, and most Tantra teachers accent this portion of the Tantric
lifestyle in their courses, workshops and seminars. However, Tantra is much
more than sex.
What inhibits Tantra, what stimulates it, and what kinds of people are more
likely to practice it?
Fear and a closed mind inhibit living the Tantric life, while dance, other movement,
meditation and pranyama (various breathing techniques) stimulate it. People
who are adventurous and open are more likely to connect to a Tantric lifestyle.
Is it possible for Tantra to die out?
Never!
Tantra in the eyes of Great Recent Tantric - Dr. Narayan Dutt Shrimali:
A hypothesis and the principles derived out of it make the rock bottom of any
systemised knowledge. When the same principle is ascertained as law, it is rendered
the form of pure science. Now it is clear that science is the knowledge brought
under general principles through minute analysis and experimentation.
Tantra is an eminent science having thousands of principles. In fact, it is
the system of our life and a science of practice and practical knowledge. Through
Tantra, we can attain superb powers by attracting and deriving the divine faculties
pervading the entire cosmos. The aspirant of Tantra makes his internal capacity
sharp and intensely forceful just like a magnet. This science is the process
of activating the various dormant vital glands and Chakras of the astral form,
present inside the human body. It makes us aware of the truth that a person
can get liberation from his own subjugation, can achieve immense power and even
with the physical body present, can free himself from his body and expand his
faculties infinitely.
Each and every element of the nature is associated with the other. Every action
has a definite basis and for that action, there also exists an equal and opposite
reaction. This uninterrupted succession of atomic process is going on in our
atmosphere. Formation of water vapours, rain from the clouds due to attraction
between positively and negatively charged atoms, storms, tempest and earthquakes,
all are interrelated to each other.
Tantra is the process of intensification of our peculiar inner potentialities
so that we can command this atomic arrangement which in other words is known
as 'Siddhi'. The flow of energy is going on ceaselessly in the environment and
when your own inner energy becomes capable of influencing the external ones,
nothing will remain impossible for you and this is the science of Tantra in
which the aspirant's wish is first and foremost.
Fear of Tantra is baseless:
The notions of an ordinary person about Tantra are not worthy to mention as
this science of power has been misused very much. Those who are quite conversant
with Tantra, by awakening their internal cosmic faculties, acquire knowledge
to progress ahead and by activating the internal Chakras become ultimately successful
in attaining Self realisation and thereby Supreme Bliss, whereas the imperfect
Tantriks focus their attention towards the leftist part which hitherto has been
utilised by such Tantriks in causing pain and harm to others and in achieving
sensual enjoyment. Thus they involve themselves in a wrong direction. Although
they can cause damage to the common men, yet eventually such Tantriks undergo
severe sufferings and their lives get highly miserable.
This is human nature that every person focuses his attention first on the bad
aspect of any subject and not on the virtuous one. This attitude proves harmful
to them. As I have said earlier that Tantra is a process of activating internal
cosmic faculties of the invisible world and making them favourable for oneself.
During this process, that vigorous energy at first affects the person who is
trying to overpower it and if at that time the aspirant does not get frightened,
the divine energy itself behaves like a slave and then performs all the miraculous
deeds at the will of the aspirant. To explain further I am citing an illustration-
If you go outside during winter without wearing woollen clothes, what will happen?
The frozen particles of cold wave will fall violently upon you and you will
fall sick. But in case you are totally prepared- you have a healthy physique
covered with woollen clothes, cold cannot affect you in any way and you will
proceed ahead without any fear. The same is the case with Tantra. If you are
not afraid, have the required equipment and also a sound knowledge then Tantra
is the easiest way for you to acquire the divine powers.
To emerge successful in Tantra, fearlessness as well as elevation of inner consciousness
are absolutely essential because in this Sadhana, the power is to be evolved
from within.
Confidentiality in Tantra:
In our ancient scriptures, there is great emphasis on the fact that the real
Tantra should be kept confidential. What is the reason behind this secrecy?
If this science has got usefulness, it should be popularised and propagated
everywhere, every person should have its knowledge. But this is not the case.
What is the reason behind it?
The real Tantra and its secrets were passed on verbally by the competent Guru
to his disciples only. The disciples memorised that science and also got realisation
of 'Siddhi' but the Guru got his disciples to promise that this knowledge would
be granted to only those who really deserved it. So they had this relevant argument
behind their secrecy. As I have written above that every action has equal and
opposite reaction. For example if you disturb anyone - tease a dog, bull or
snake, it will certainly attack you. You should have strength to fight them
and ultimately bring them under your control. The same is true for Tantra. If
a suspicious, weak and fearful person starts Tantra Sadhna, he on experiencing
some distress or crisis, generally leaves it midway and thus puts himself in
danger due to reversible reaction of the Sadhna because at that moment the inner
energy of the aspirant is feeble and so is easily overpowered by the external
forces. This is the reason why only a competent Guru is capable to impart the
knowledge of Tantra. A Guru minutely and completely analyses the disciple and
on getting assured that his disciple would never misuse that power, he starts
teaching Tantra Sadhna. Immediately after getting success, the aspirant becomes
very much energetic and his vigorous activities must be utilised for public
welfare as well as for Self Realisation and not for causing harm to others.
Due to the afore mentioned reasons, the methods of Tantra Sadhnas have been
written incompletely, or in symbols and one, who performs Sadhna according to
what is written in scriptures can never be successful as the complete knowledge
can be attained only through the guidance of a Guru.
How Tantra became a taboo? What then happened in between that has made Tantra
a taboo today ?
Perusal of the past reveals that after Gorakhnath pseudo gurus like Bhayanand
started the misuse of Tantra and thus got introduced vile practices like meat
eating, sex and money spinning into the system. These false Tantriks not just
used these rather expounded that without them success is impossible in field
of Tantra. These unconscientious one's even stooped so low as to resort to drinking,
rape and swindling.
It was then but natural for the common man to keep distance from such practicers
who were unfortunately more in number than real masters of Tantra. Soon society
began to shun Tantra and a belief was generated that Tantra itself is a vile
practice and has no useful applications in life.
But the problem was not with Tantra rather with the charlatans who used Tantra
as an excuse to give vent to their beastly cravings. In fact Tantra is a science
that can instill totality in life. A question may arise that when there are
Mantras to procure divine blessings why do we need Tantra?
Wise and capable persons do not come to their conclusions in a moment, but only
after a careful analysis of any thing. When the left wing of Tantra got predominant
and those, who were keen to do these leftist Sadhnas for their petty and selfish
ends, did not get success, they turned into big critics of Tantra and only those
persons created misconceptions about Tantra.
Apart from this, the British education and Moghal's culture had an attack on
the fundamental elements of Indian society i.e. religious rites, Mantra, Tantra
etc. They were aware of the fact that this great science of Vedas, Upnishads
and Mantras was responsible for the highly elevated Indian culture, so they
thought that if they circulated misconceptions against this science, the Indian
people would spontaneously become slaves and unfortunately they succeeded in
their evil mission. It should be remembered that psychological subjugation is
more dangerous than physical one and this was the mental dependence which caused
our deterioration from the heights of prosperity.
The objective of 'Mantra Tantra Yantra Vigyan' is to present the proper and
complete knowledge of these occult sciences in simplest form before the people
so that they themselves verify it and emerge successful in life through it's
use. Only then this science will flourish and we will get deliverance from mental
over subjugation and will also regain our self respect and an exalted spiritual
stature.
The Real Benefits of Tantra:
Tantra is basically the source of energy and if you master this science, you
can easily conquer your materialistic obstacles, other persons can be influenced
by you and their activities can be channelised according to your own will. The
harmful effects of planets, influences of an evil eye and evil spirits can be
removed. It is also helpful as a remedy of mental tension, unbearable pain and
other physical and psychological ailments. The scope of Tantra is very wide
including Vashikaran, Maran, Ucchattan, Hypnotism, Divine Vision etc., which
in many ways are beneficial in modern life.
In fact, Tantra leads to the path of self surrender and it pertains to all the
aspects of physical and parapsychological life. Life, a divine gift bestowed
upon by the Almighty can be fully purposeful by regenerating one's inner creative
faculties and giving 'Karma', a predominant role in our lives and this is the
genesis of life's purposefulness and success.
"One who fears Tantra cannot be a human; and a Sadhak he never can be.
In the times of Guru Gorakhnath Tantra was a much respected science popular
in all stratas of society for it has in it solutions to all problems of life.
Actually Mantra is a prayer, it is a request put to the concerned deity to help
one. But it is not necessary that the deity shall be moved by one's plea. On
the other hand if one uses Tantra one could compel the divine power to help.
Tantra in fact is a guarantee that the concerned deity shall without fail have
to shower its blessings.
A prayer may fail to touch the heart of the deity but Tantra forces it to grant
the desired boon. The Sadhanas in Tantra and Mantra methods might appear similar
yet Tantra is a thousand fold more powerful and unfailing.
Tantra gains all the more significance in the present times when every person
has no spare time on hands. One cannot be expected to devote several hours each
day to long Sadhana procedures. Today every one wishes for instant success and
Tantra sure can bring it ; for Tantra means performing a Sadhana by a special
meticulous procedure. Nothing is left to chance and all aspects are taken care
of, so that success is sure and instant.
Still if due to human weakness some imperfection creeps into the Sadhana or
Mantra chanting there are no negative results as is often (wrongly) believed
by most people. Only result shall be that the desired wish shall not be fulfilled,
but then one could try again.
Tantra is a jewel of the Sadhana world that can solve quickly and effectively
all problems of human life like poverty, misery, unhappy married life, being
childless, jobless, failure in business or health and so on. To resort to Tantra
means adopting a sure way to success." - Dr. Srimali
