The origins and evolution of Tantra
The earliest references to tantras in historical records are generally dated between the 5th century BC and the 5th century AD. Early tantras were primarily passed down orally, and later began to be written down in various texts. These texts are found primarily in the scriptures of Hinduism and Buddhism, especially in Hinduism, where they go by the names “Agama” and “Tantra”.
What does Tantra mean?
Tantra comes from a Sanskrit word that means ‘expansion’ and ‘continuation’. It reflects the idea that the universe and human consciousness are interconnected. Tantra suggests that through our connection to the universe, we can reach higher states of consciousness.
Tantra is primarily about expanding consciousness, controlling energy of various nature, and seeking unity with the divine energy of the universe. To achieve these goals, it involves the practice of meditation, yoga, yantra, mantra, and special rituals.
The purpose of tantra
The world of tantra is a mysterious and deeply spiritual practice. It’s a tradition that has been passed down for centuries in a secretive and clandestine manner, and while it’s slowly lifting its veil in modern times, it’s still largely shrouded in mystery. It’s not just one practice; there are many different types and schools of thought, each with its own characteristics and purpose.
At its core, tantra is about harmoniously connecting the energy of the universe with the inner energy of the individual. This is not simply accomplished through meditation or yoga, but through complex and elaborate rituals and practices. Through this process, tantric practitioners hope to ultimately reach enlightenment, or liberation.
The two main streams of Tantra
Among the many varieties of tantra, there are two main streams: ‘left-handed’ and ‘right-handed’ tantra. ‘left-handed’ tantra involves more radical and challenging forms of meditation, sometimes involving rituals that go beyond traditional religious precepts or social taboos. right-handed tantra, on the other hand, is practiced in a safer and more traditional way. Beyond these two broad streams, there are many subdivisions, each with their own unique meditation practices and philosophies.
The process of practicing tantra mostly requires a long time and dedication. The practitioner begins the process by first looking deeply within themselves. This is a process of transcending mere observation of the self and redefining one’s relationship with the universe. Then, through various meditation techniques, breathing exercises, mantra recitation, and yantra contemplation, the practitioner gradually moves towards higher states of consciousness.
Kundalini awakening
One of the key elements of tantra is ‘kundalini’ awakening. Kundalini is a powerful spiritual energy that lies dormant within the human body. One of the main goals of practicing tantra is to awaken and activate this energy. This process involves activating and cleansing energy centers called chakras.
Utilising yantras
Another important element is the use of ‘yantras’. Yantras are geometric shapes that are visual symbols of the structure of the universe and are used as spiritual tools in meditation and rituals. Through yantras, practitioners seek to connect the cosmic order with their own inner world patterns and reach a higher, deeper cosmic level of understanding.
Uses of mantra
Mantra is a tool that seeks to achieve unity with cosmic vibrations through the power of sound, waves. By repeatedly reciting certain syllables or phrases, the practitioner seeks to resonate with the fundamental energy of the universe. It is not just a repetition of sound, but a process of embodying the creative energy of the universe.
Transforming sexual energy as a resource for spiritual ascent
Tantra also utilizes sexual energy as a resource for spiritual ascent. It’s not just about pursuing physical pleasure; it transforms sexual energy into fuel to reach higher spiritual states. This process is very sophisticated and complex, requiring years of training and guidance. The transformation of sexual energy has caused many people to have misconceptions and distortions about tantra because of the nature of the process, so the topic of the transformation of sexual energy as addressed in tantra must be handled with care.
Emphasizing the Divine Feminine Principle
Emphasizing the Divine Feminine Principle in the Tantra is essential to understanding and gaining deeper insight into the nature of our lives and the universe. The Feminine Principle refers to a cosmic principle that goes beyond simply gender. It is the element of creation, change, and the flow of energy.
Throughout history and into modern times, our societies have tended to lean toward the masculine principle, prioritizing elements such as logic, structure, and power. The dominance of the masculine principle has created an imbalance in our lives and society. The restoration of balance through the feminine principle is the key to eliminating imbalance and creating harmony.
The divine feminine principle can be symbolized by intuition, creativity, receptivity, and compassion. True femininity encompasses all aspects of creation and destruction, tenderness and strength, love and anger. These qualities are necessary for our lives to be more inclusive and creative. When we balance our problem solving with an intuitive approach as well as a logical one, we are able to be more creative and find better ways to solve problems.
The Divine Feminine Principle brings us into deeper harmony with nature, seeing it as an object of symbiosis rather than an object of conquest. It leads to sustaining and restoring nature, not destroying it, and to sustainable development.
We all have both the masculine and the feminine in us. When these two principles within us are in harmony, we grow into more complete individuals. A harmonious blend of logical and rational judgment with appropriate expression of emotions is something we all want.
The wisdom to understand the cycles of life and death, creation and destruction, to embrace change without fear, and to discover new possibilities can be empowered by the Divine Feminine Principle, bringing great benefits to personal spiritual growth and to society as a whole.
The holistic meaning of tantric practice
The practice of tantra is a holistic process of profoundly transforming an individual’s life. Changes occur in all aspects of one’s life, including diet, lifestyle, and relationships. Through these changes, the goal is to reach a higher state of consciousness, which is not just about personal spiritual growth but about achieving unity with the universe.
Much of the world of Tantra is still shrouded in a silver screen. The esoteric nature of its secretive transmission and practice makes it difficult to fully understand, but the wisdom and insights contained within continue to inspire us today.
