TANTRA
Tantra is the Most Misunderstood Science. It is the path of liberation in modern times one of discipline, equilibrium, perception, and mastery over the senses.
01 / Misconception
Tantra is expansion and liberation.
Tantra is a combination of two words: tanauti, or expansion, and trayati, or liberation. It is the science of liberation in modern times. Unfortunately, today tantra is connoted to kamasutra and sexual gratification. Nothing can be more demeaning and ironical than presenting a Tantric — the master of the senses and physical matter — as a slave of the senses and material accomplishments. No tantric practice involves any ritual of harming another being by means of sacrifice. Rather, it is about self conquest.
Tanauti
Expansion
The movement from a contracted identity toward boundless perception.
Trayati
Liberation
A disciplined release from sensory compulsion and inherited limitation.
Self conquest, not sense slavery
02 / Genesis
Shiv and Shakti as equilibrium.
Adiyogi Bhagwan Shiv first gave the science of Tantra and Yoga to Mata Parvati. Hence Bhagwan Shiv and Devi Parvati united as Ardhnareshwar — Shiv and Shakti — which form the basis of Tantra. Practices in Tantra bring these twin forces into an equilibrium and the ultimate state of reality is achieved.
ARDHNARESHWAR
02 / Genesis
Shiv and Shakti as equilibrium.
Adiyogi Bhagwan Shiv first gave the science of Tantra and Yoga to Mata Parvati. Hence Bhagwan Shiv and Devi Parvati united as Ardhnareshwar — Shiv and Shakti — which form the basis of Tantra. Practices in Tantra bring these twin forces into an equilibrium and the ultimate state of reality is achieved.
ARDHNARESHWAR
03 / Embodiment
The body is not an obstacle. It is the vehicle.
In Tantra, the body is taken as an aid: a vehicle, a machine which enables your journey. Both Devtas and Pitris — spirits — desire the human birth, as it can take you to boundless states. Therefore, it is the most precious to attain.
The senses are not denied; they are mastered.
Human birth is the rare passage into boundless states.
1. Madya
Madya literally means wine or intoxication, but here stands for the nectar which drips from bindu visarg when deeper practices and pranayamas are performed.
2. Matsya
Matsya represents the movement of prana through Ida and Pingala nadis. They crisscross like fish and establish balance for Kundalini to move in Sushumna nadi.
3. Mudra
Mudra is gesture or posture; here it stands for Khechari mudra, where the tongue is rolled up to touch the soft palate and release pranic energy toward bindu.
4. Mansa
Mansa is not sacrifice that harms beings. Bali is offering what is yours: your desire. Mansa symbolises sacrificing yourself by winning over your desires.
5. Maithuna
Maithuna is the union of Shiv and mother as Kundalini Shakti: the ultimate state of dhyan called samadhi, requiring complete control over the senses.
06 / Discipline
The Kiln of Niyam
Tantra requires strict discipline and adherence to time, or niyam. For specific objectives, there are a specific number of chants, specific times of the day and a correct pronunciation. Even the place of the sadhna is very specific; there are certain sadhnas which cannot be performed at home, or in domestic environments.
07 / Allegory
The Panch Makaras
Many tantrics talk about panch-makaras or five elementary practices: madya, mansa, matsya, mudra and maithuna. In Tantra, practices and techniques are generally described allegorically or symbolically. The Guru deciphers the symbols and techniques and gives insight to the disciple of such practices.
By attainment of mudra and pranayama, the nectar is obtained. Winning over desire induces the state of union, the ultimate objective of tantra and yoga, where no distinction remains between physical elements of nature.
08 / Beyond distinction
Aghoris, Avdhoots and Tantrics
Any Tantric, Aghori or Avdhoot in the actual sense of the word is a reflection of Bhagwan Shiv — free of worldly afflictions and bondages.
The Aghoris or Aughads are Tantrics generally taken to be cannibals dwelling in charnel grounds. But they do not distinguish between matter in different forms and therefore embrace all states of matter without distinction. They can be seen in cremation grounds just as they wander any other part of the earth. They are masters of the elements and can change the elements at their will.
Avdhoots are adepts who do not adhere to social etiquette and embrace nature in a non-dualistic form, the Advaita principle. Beyond the limitations of body and senses, they belong nowhere and give up any identity connecting them to the physical world: naamadi bheda rahitam, free of name and distinction; shadbhavshoonyam, free of sensual afflictions.
06 / Discipline
The Kiln of Niyam
Tantra requires strict discipline and adherence to time, or niyam. For specific objectives, there are a specific number of chants, specific times of the day and a correct pronunciation. Even the place of the sadhna is very specific; there are certain sadhnas which cannot be performed at home, or in domestic environments.
07 / Allegory
The Panch Makaras
Many tantrics talk about panch-makaras or five elementary practices: madya, mansa, matsya, mudra and maithuna. In Tantra, practices and techniques are generally described allegorically or symbolically. The Guru deciphers the symbols and techniques and gives insight to the disciple of such practices.
1. Madya
Madya literally means wine or intoxication, but here stands for the nectar which drips from bindu visarg when deeper practices and pranayamas are performed.
2. Matsya
Matsya represents the movement of prana through Ida and Pingala nadis. They crisscross like fish and establish balance for Kundalini to move in Sushumna nadi.
3. Mudra
Mudra is gesture or posture; here it stands for Khechari mudra, where the tongue is rolled up to touch the soft palate and release pranic energy toward bindu.
4. Mansa
Mansa is not sacrifice that harms beings. Bali is offering what is yours: your desire. Mansa symbolises sacrificing yourself by winning over your desires.
5. Maithuna
Maithuna is the union of Shiv and mother as Kundalini Shakti: the ultimate state of dhyan called samadhi, requiring complete control over the senses.
By attainment of mudra and pranayama, the nectar is obtained. Winning over desire induces the state of union, the ultimate objective of tantra and yoga, where no distinction remains between physical elements of nature.
The question beneath the practice
The path is not escape from matter. It is mastery through it.
A reading for those who want to understand Tantra without spectacle — as a science of equilibrium, liberation, and self conquest.