| EXPLANATION OF TANTRA Tantra has been one of the most neglected branches of Indian spiritual studies despite the considerable number of texts devoted to this practice, which dates back to the 5th-9th century AD.
Many people still consider tantra to be full of obscenities and unfit for people of good taste. It is also often accused of being a kind of black magic. However, in reality, tantra is one of the most important Indian traditions, representing the practical aspect of the Vedic tradition.
The religious attitude of the tantriks is fundamentally the same as that of the Vedic followers. It is believed that the tantra tradition is a part of the main Vedic tree. The more vigorous aspects of Vedic religion were continued and developed in the tantras. Generally tantriks worship either Goddess Shakti or Lord Shiv.
The Meaning of Tantra :
The word "tantra" is derived from the combination of two words "tattva" and "mantra". "Tattva" means the science of cosmic principles, while "mantra" refers to the science of mystic sound and vibrations. Tantra therefore is the application of cosmic sciences with a view to attain spiritual ascendancy. In another sense, tantra also means the scripture by which the light of knowledge is spread: Tanyate vistaryate jnanam anemna iti tantram.
There
are essentially two schools of Indian scriptures - "Agam"
and "Nigam". Agams are those which are revelations while
Nigam are the traditions. Tantra is an Agam and hence it is called
"srutishakhavisesah", which means it is a branch of the
Veds.
The main deities worshipped are Shiv and Shakti. In tantra there is a great significance of "bali" or animal sacrifices. The most vigorous aspects of Vedic traditions evolved as an esoteric system of knowledge in the Tantras. The Atharv Ved is considered to be one of the prime tantrik scriptures.
Types & Terminology :
There are 18 "Agams", which are also referred to as Shiv tantras, and they are ritualistic in character. There are three distinct tantrik traditions - Dakshin, Vam and Madhyam. They represent the three "shaktis" or powers of Shiva and are characterised by the three "gun's" or qualities - "sattva", "rajas" and "tamas". The Dakshin tradition, characterised by the "satva" branch of tantra is essentially for good purpose. The Madhyam, characterised by "rajas" is of mixed nature, while the Vaam, characterised by "tamas" is the most impure form of tantra.
Desire for Worldly Pleasures :
Tantra is different from other traditions because it takes the whole person, and his/her worldly desires into account. Other spiritual traditions ordinarily teach that desire for material pleasures and spiritual aspirations are mutually exclusive, setting the stage for an endless internal struggle. Although most people are drawn into spiritual beliefs and practices, they have a natural urge to fulfill their desires. With no way to reconcile these two impulses, they fall prey to guilt and self-condemnation or become hypocritical. Tantra offers an alternative path.
The Tantrik Approach To Life :
The tantrik approach to life avoids this pitfall. Tantra itself means "to weave, to expand, and to spread", and according to tantrik masters, the fabric of life can provide true and ever-lasting fulfillment only when all the threads are woven according to the pattern designated by nature. When we are born, life naturally forms itself around that pattern. But as we grow, our ignorance, desire, attachment, fear, and false images of others and ourselves tangle and tear the threads, disfiguring the fabric. Tantra "sadhana" or practice reweaves the fabric, and restores the original pattern. This path is systematic and comprehensive. The profound science and practices pertaining to hath yog, pranayama, mudras, rituals, kundalini yog, naad yog, mantra, mandal, visualization of dieties, alchemy, ayurved, astrology, and hundreds of esoteric practices for generating worldly and spiritual prosperity blend perfectly in the tantrik disciplines. |