Misleading Prehistoric Tantric Vidya practice in modern world

 

Tantric Vidya, also known as Tantra, is a profound and complex spiritual system originating from the Indian subcontinent. The word "Tantra" derives from the Sanskrit root words tan, meaning "to expand," and tra, meaning "to liberate." Tantra, therefore, can be interpreted as a means to expand consciousness and attain liberation. Unlike many other spiritual paths that focus primarily on renunciation or asceticism, Tantra embraces life in all its aspects, including the material, sensory, and spiritual, as a path to enlightenment.

Origins and Historical Background

Tantric practices date back thousands of years, with roots in ancient Vedic traditions and pre-Vedic indigenous practices. Tantric thought emerged as a distinct spiritual path in the early centuries CE, gradually developing into a wide-ranging body of philosophy and practices. The development of Tantra was influenced by various sources, including the Vedic religion, early Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and local folk traditions. As a result, Tantra is not a monolithic tradition but rather a rich tapestry of diverse philosophies and practices.

The Tantric path is especially prevalent in Shaivism (worship of Shiva), Shaktism (worship of the Divine Mother or Goddess), and Vajrayana Buddhism. Over time, Tantra split into "right-handed" (Dakshinachara) and "left-handed" (Vamachara) paths, with the latter often embracing practices considered unconventional or taboo in society, such as the use of alcohol, meat, and sexuality in rituals. Both paths, however, aim to transcend dualities and awaken the practitioner’s full potential.

Core Philosophy of Tantric Vidya

At its core, Tantra teaches that the universe and the individual are interconnected, and that spiritual enlightenment can be achieved by awakening the dormant spiritual energy within oneself. This energy, often called Kundalini, is symbolized as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. When awakened through various practices, it ascends through the chakras, or energy centers, along the spine, ultimately reaching the crown chakra, where the practitioner experiences a state of union with the Divine.

Unlike many spiritual paths that perceive the material world as an obstacle to enlightenment, Tantra regards it as a manifestation of divine energy, or Shakti. In Tantric thought, Shiva (the transcendent) and Shakti (the immanent) are seen as two aspects of the same reality. The union of these two forces represents the merging of spirit and matter, consciousness, and energy, leading to a state of non-dual awareness.

The Different Schools of Tantra

Tantra is not a single, unified system but consists of various schools and practices. The three main branches are:

1. Shaiva Tantra: This branch focuses on the worship of Shiva and is prominent in Kashmir Shaivism and Shaiva Siddhanta. Shaiva Tantra emphasizes the awakening of consciousness through meditation, mantra, and visualization practices.

2. Shakta Tantra: Shakta Tantra emphasizes the worship of the Goddess, or Devi, in her various forms. This branch is prominent in Bengal, Assam, and other parts of India. Shakta Tantra focuses on the worship of feminine energy as the creative force behind the universe.

3. Vajrayana Buddhism: Also known as Tantric Buddhism, this school developed in Tibet and emphasizes esoteric practices aimed at rapid spiritual awakening. Vajrayana Buddhism incorporates visualization, mantra, and ritual to attain enlightenment, and it has unique techniques, such as Deity Yoga and Mahamudra

Each school has its own texts, known as Tantras, which contain instructions on meditation, rituals, and philosophy. These texts often contain coded language and require initiation from a qualified teacher (Guru) to be understood and practiced safely.

The Practices of Tantric Vidya

Tantric practices are varied and can be broadly categorized into external rituals and internal meditative practices. Some key Tantric practices include:

1. Mantra: In Tantra, mantras are sacred sounds or phrases with spiritual significance. Reciting mantras is believed to purify the mind and body, awaken spiritual energy, and connect the practitioner with divine forces. Each mantra is associated with specific deities or spiritual energies, such as Om Mani Padme Hum in Buddhism or Om Namah Shivaya in Shaivism.

2. Yantra: Yantras are geometric symbols used in Tantric meditation and worship. They are visual representations of the divine and are often associated with specific deities or cosmic principles. The Sri Yantra, for example, represents the cosmic union of Shiva and Shakti and is used in Shakta Tantra.

3. Chakras and Kundalini: Tantric practices involve working with chakras, which are energy centers along the spine. Through techniques like pranayama (breath control), meditation, and mantra, practitioners aim to awaken Kundalini energy and guide it through the chakras, leading to spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

4. Mudras: Mudras are symbolic hand gestures used in Tantric rituals and meditation to channel energy and focus the mind. Each mudra has a specific meaning and purpose, such as invoking a particular deity or sealing energy within the body.

5. Meditation and Visualization: Tantric meditation involves visualizing deities, sacred symbols, or energy centers within the body. These practices are designed to dissolve the ego and merge the practitioner’s consciousness with the divine. 

6. Ritual Worship: Tantric rituals can range from simple offerings to elaborate ceremonies. These rituals often involve offerings of flowers, incense, food, and other items, as well as the recitation of mantras and the use of yantras.

7. Left-Handed Tantra (Vamachara): The left-handed path in Tantra involves practices that are often considered taboo, such as the use of meat, alcohol, and sexuality. These practices aim to transcend dualities by using sensory experiences as a means of spiritual growth. While controversial, these practices are highly regulated and require strict guidance from a teacher.

Symbolism in Tantric Vidya

Tantra is rich in symbolism, which serves to convey complex metaphysical truths. Some key symbols in Tantric Vidya include:

Shiva and Shakti: Shiva and Shakti represent consciousness and energy, respectively. Their union is a central theme in Tantra, symbolizing the non-dual reality where spirit and matter are one.

Kundalini: Kundalini is depicted as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine, representing dormant spiritual energy. Its awakening symbolizes the spiritual journey from ignorance to enlightenment.

The Lotus: The lotus symbolizes purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening. The chakras are often represented as lotuses, with each petal corresponding to different aspects of consciousness.

The Lingam and Yoni: The lingam and yoni are symbols of Shiva and Shakti, representing the union of male and female principles. They are commonly used in Tantric rituals to symbolize cosmic creation.

Tantra and Sexuality

Tantra is often misunderstood as a path that exclusively revolves around sexual practices. While it is true that some Tantric traditions incorporate sexuality as a tool for spiritual growth, sexuality in Tantra is viewed as a sacred act that transcends physical pleasure. The sexual union is symbolic of the cosmic union between Shiva and Shakti, and it is used as a means to experience non-dual consciousness.

Sexual practices in Tantra are not indulgent or hedonistic; rather, they are approached with reverence, discipline, and the guidance of a teacher. These practices aim to transform sexual energy into spiritual energy, ultimately leading to higher states of consciousness. It’s important to note that sexual practices are only a small part of Tantra and are typically reserved for advanced practitioners.

The Role of the Guru in Tantra

In Tantric Vidya, the role of the Guru is of paramount importance. Tantra emphasizes the need for direct transmission of teachings from a qualified teacher, as many of the practices involve working with powerful energies that can be dangerous if not handled properly. The Guru initiates the disciple into the Tantric path, imparting sacred knowledge, mantras, and rituals.

Without proper guidance, the risk of misunderstanding or misuse of Tantric practices is high. Therefore, the Guru is regarded as the guiding light, responsible for the spiritual well-being and progress of the disciple.

Misconceptions about Tantra

Tantra is often misunderstood and misrepresented, especially in the West. Due to its association with sexuality and left-handed practices, Tantra has often been reduced to a mere form of "sacred sexuality" or erotic mysticism. However, this view is incomplete and misleading, as sexuality is only a minor aspect of a much broader spiritual system.

Tantra is not solely about sexuality, nor is it a permissive path. It requires strict discipline, ethical conduct, and spiritual dedication. The emphasis is on transcending the ego and dualistic perceptions, ultimately leading to enlightenment.

The Influence of Tantra in Contemporary Spirituality

In recent decades, Tantra has gained popularity in the West, influencing various New Age and alternative spiritual movements. However, much of this modern "neo-Tantra" focuses on sexuality and often lacks the depth and authenticity of traditional Tantric practices. Traditional Tantra remains a challenging and demanding path, requiring dedication, discipline, and guidance.

Tantra’s holistic view of the world and its embrace of both the material and spiritual have made it an appealing philosophy in contemporary times. Its emphasis on direct experience, non-dual awareness, and the divine within has resonated with many seekers looking for a more integrative approach to spirituality.

Conclusion: The Essence of Tantric Vidya

Tantric Vidya is a profound spiritual science that aims to awaken the full potential of human consciousness. Its approach is unique, integrating all aspects of life—including the body, mind, and emotions—into the spiritual journey. Tantra recognizes that the divine is present in every aspect of existence