Tantra – the Advanced Spiritual Science

Tantra – the Advanced Spiritual Science
 
Tantra is pure spiritual science which is not well known. The root word “tan” means continuation or expansion. Another root word Tantr means to rule, to govern, and to keep in order. Tantra means expansion of individual consciousness into universal consciousness.  The science of Tantra stresses on the three aspects of human existence – physical desire, psychic urge and extreme love for the God. In tantric texts, gross body, astral body and causal body is mentioned as Om, Tat & Sat respectively.
 
Tantra is widely misconceived. In fact, it is a systematic step by step approach with rigorous physical and psychological discipline to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
 
Tantra aims to liberate and transform the mind and body from their natural impulses and binding impurities instead of supressing them, and make them fit for self-absorption and self-realization. Different postures, breathing and meditation techniques, and self-purification practices are used for this purpose.
 
Steps of Tantra

1. Attainment of extreme love for god,
2. Acceptance of god as source of all auspiciousness,
3. To see god in all,
4. To eliminate all evils,
5. To find inner peace through practice of different mudras during meditation and experience of Samadhi.

 
Tantra, Mantra & Seven Chakras
The ancient yogis found seven principle psychic-spiritual energy centres in the human body which emanates different sounds. These sounds are found in the alphabet of Sanskrit, and certain combinations of the sounds were used in ancient processes of concentration and meditation. Sound vibrations with special characteristics are mantras which liberate the mind. All mantras are repeated in synchronization with the inhalation and exhalation of breathing.
 
The mantra acts as dynamo and helps the individual to associate his or her own individual consciousness with universal consciousness.
 
Seven Chakras start from end of spine to the crown of head. These are Muladhara (location-perineum, shape-square having triangle with lotus having drooping petals, serpent lying in inactive state, end of spine, element – earth, colour-yellow), Svadhishtana (location-below naval, shape-crescent moon, towards back, element–water, colour-silver), Manipura (location-naval centre, shape-triangle with apex down, element-fire, colour-red), Anahata (location-near heart, shape-hexagram, element-air, colour-blue), Visshuda (location-at level of throat, shape-oval, and element-space, colour-dark indigo or black), Ajna (location-between eye brows, shape-winged globe, element-mind) and Sahasrara (location-below crown, shape-Thousands Petal lotus, element – consciousness, colour-crimson red).  Lower five chakras are represented as gross body. Astral body travels from vishudha chakra (centre of knowledge,) to Ajna Chakra (soul centre). The causal body can be felt, when immersed in sahasrara chakra (just below the crown).  There are three nerves run in the spine, in left is Ida, in right is Pingla and in centre is Sushumna. Sushumna runs a hollow path called as Kula Path. During the upward journey of Kundalini (subtle energy, parashakti), coursing through the Sushumna channel and the chakras along the way, it is finally brought to the crown chakra, Sahasrara. This union is the realization of the Absolute.
 
Stages in Tantra
Tantra has four stages viz. Jnanapada (path of self-knowledge), Yogapada (path of self-discipline), Kriyapada (path of spiritual practice) and Caryapada (path of spiritual evolution).

1. Jnanapada – It includes understanding and contemplation of philosophy of Tantra.
2. Yogapada – It is practical side which utilises chakras, powerful techniques, mudras and pranayama to waken latent spiritual energy i.e. Kundalini.
3. Kriyapada – Kriya means action. Every action or activity in outer world (family, society etc.) performed with god consciousness. It includes any form of community worship in sacred places, pilgrimages, sacrifices and fire rituals. 
4. Caryapada – It refers to personal discipline in daily life. It guides practical use of mantras, symbolism behind yantras and diverse modes of worship and meditation.

 Continued.....

Misconception about 5Ms
In tantric practices, Panchatattvas (five elements) are considered essential components which begin from “M”. These elements are madya, mamsa, matsya, mudra and maithuna.

1. Madya - Its literal meaning is wine. But it actually symbolizes “Amrita”. Those who attain spiritual enlightenment, pineal gland secrete divine nectar called as “Amrita”. During its secretion, yogi experiences state of bliss.
2. Mamsa – Its literal meaning is meat or flesh. Symbolically, it refers to the tongue and the spiritual practice of controlling one’s speech.
3. Matsya – Its literal meaning is fish. It symbolically refers to two subtle nerves which run up the body, starting at the base of the spine and crisscrossing each other and ending in the two nostrils. These nerves are known as the ida and pingala. By the science of breath control, Pranayama, the currents of the nerves are controlled and the mind becomes calm for meditation.
4. Mudra – Its literal meaning is physical posture for enjoyment. In spiritual practice of tantra, it is to maintain contact with those who help us to make spiritual progress and to avoid the company of those who might harm our development.
5. Maithuna – Its literal meaning is coition or union. Spiritually, it refers to the union of individual consciousness with Supreme Consciousness. When the para-shakti which lies dormant at the base of the spine, is raised until it reaches the highest energy centre (near the pineal gland), it causes the spiritual aspirant to experience union with the Supreme.

 
Yoga & Tantra
Yoga and Tantra are closely related and have common goal of liberation. Both provide the maps, techniques, rituals, and methods to liberate trapped energy. In Yoga, one needs to supress instincts, desires and self to go beyond. Whereas in Tantra says be aware of desires, move into desires with full consciousness and transform it. For example, anger is a form of energy and if done with awareness, it is transformed into compassion.
 
Paths of Tantra
Tantra has three paths viz. Kaula (external), Mishra (both external & internal), and Samaya (internal) Tantra.

1. Kaula Tantra focuses its practice on the Muladhara chakra, the first chakra, at the base of the spine. The Kaula Tantra practices are training for having control over the lower desires and physical needs of the body.
2. Mishra Tantra focuses its practice on the Anahata chakra, the fourth chakra, at the heart center, where there is devotion practiced to the mother, or creative principle of the universe.
3. Samaya Tantra emphasizes meditation in the Sahasrara chakra. It is the highest of the paths of Tantra. Through meditation, the seeker is guided in non-attachment to the external pleasures, channeling the energy of kundalini awakening upward to spiritual union.

Reference:

1. Book - jnana sanklani tantra, by Pramahansa prjanananada
2. https://www.anandamarga.org/
3. http://www.swamij.com/

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