« From Sita to Sati (Part I) | Main | Blessed Buddha Poornima To All »
Tantra: Beyond Infamy and Mystique (Part Two)
By Anusheh Hussain - 7:15 PM Friday 12 May 2006
Tantra is not usually considered as part of the orthodox Hindu/Vedic Scriptures. Though Tantric texts praise the Vedas consistently, Tantra considers itself to be a natural progression of the Vedas, suitable for seekers who exist in Kaliyuga, when orthodox Vedic principles no longer apply to the current state of morality. Shorn of strict Vedic rituals such as celibacy and renunciation, it allows the seeker to pursue a spiritual path from within the entire weave that he knows as his personality, the world and that which he considers to be of primary importance to his existence. That is why the term Tantra itself means “to weave”. A Tantrik then is simply one who understands how the ethereal and the material weave together to form our being.
Tantriks believe that the universe is a manifestation of pure consciousness. In the process of manifestation, the energy divides itself into two distinct forces – the masculine and feminine. Shiva and Shakti. Both are essential for creation and harmony and when they merge indistinguishably, they resort back to pure consciousness. Within the body (creation) we know them as two separate energies. As polar forces we would refer to Yin as the negative and Yang as the positive pole. The aim of Tantra is to understand and unite the two forces within and to achieve oneness with the universe through their union.
The Tantric Way is open to the entire complexity and richness of the human psyche. It negates no aspect of the individual, especially his needs and desires. To taste everything in all its richness is the way of Tantra. The philosophy is simple. In order to let go of pain, confusion, duality, etc. you have to have had a deep experience of it. It is only when one is exhausted by a continuous experience of a state, emotion, need or desire that the seeker is able to experience a complete moment of emptiness and hence transcendence.
The primary block to Tantra is social conditioning and the myriad fears which it fuels. Initial practices are therefore aimed at obliterating the conforming selves that we carry, at removing our doubts and fears and rediscovering the essential mind. To get to the true self is Tantra’s aim and that is the self that is pure consciousness, Shiva and Shakti in union. To achieve that self the seeker must learn self-mastery. To live, even a moment, with concepts, beliefs, dogmas and any fixed ideas even if they are of the Divine, is to deviate from the Tantric Way. For the universe is eternally unfolding and the Tantric who lives in absolute universal harmony, must continuously expand with it. The moment he fixes himself on any concept or idea, he loses that ability.
Understanding that our unique conditioning forms each one of us, Tantra refuses to relegate the seeker to a path of generalized practices and rituals. Because no two seekers are alike, it is rare and perhaps unheard of for a Master to impart similar practices. Each seeker must follow a path unique to his/her personality type and therefore the Master is essential, because it is he who knows which practices will lead to an individuals spiritual growth and which will only serve to further root him in his ego. Free flowing and open to all possibilities, Tantra’s power lies in the fact that its teachings are not systemized.
Unlike other religions and philosophies Tantra acknowledges the darkness within us as an inimitable force for transformation, it therefore shuns no state of being, going into the depth of the depravity, rigidity and twisted selves that the individual carries. To achieve non-duality Tantra believes that you must first experience and become acutely aware of how it exists within you. The light and the dark are both divine, because both arise from pure consciousness. By fighting the darkness within or denying it the seeker will only reinforce it. Tantra is emphatic about the fact that suppression and renunciation do not lead to spiritual progress. The only way is to deeply experience your own reality, to move to your depths and then your heights can be achieved effortlessly. To attain spontaneity you must walk through impulsiveness. To liberate yourself from carnal desires you must accept and experience them to their fullest. To transform anger you must allow yourself to burn in it. If repression is not removed from the seeker his/her spirit will remain tormented and incapable of growth.
It is this courage and fearlessness to face and vanquish the darkness within, which has given Tantra a bad name. A Tantric Master will stop at nothing to help his/her disciple conquer fear, powerlessness, desire, etc. Eating out of skulls, sitting in burial grounds for meditation, using wine and meats as offerings to the Divine are all rituals found within Tantra which are aimed at rooting out social conditioning, desire and need. However the key point is that neither do these rituals define Tantra, nor are they essential for being on a Tantrik path. Many paths exist within this school and the nature of the disciple decides which path is best suited to him/her. If on the way you acquire certain mystical powers (siddhis) as your own energy purifies itself and your ability to connect to pure consciousness increases, then so be it. Tantra is neither focused on siddhis nor defined by them.
Unique in the way that it exalts and embraces the feminine, certain Tantrik lineages for example, are only transmitted through women. And as an adept, women are given far more credit than men. They are considered, much stronger, more courageous and capable of far more depth than men are. Unlike the monotheistic religions (and some schools of thought in Hinduism and Buddhism), which portray women to be the source of sin, temptation and damnation, Tantra embraces the feminine as power, force, ultimate creator and capable of imparting the highest mystical teachings. Shakti or the Divine Feminine is revered, adored and directly invoked in Tantra as a central practice. She is the doorway to the wisdom of the material as well as the ethereal world and without her grace and blessing there can be no spiritual progress. Therefore to even think that Tantra could use exploitative sexual practices (or any other practices) that would be demeaning to the feminine principle (within and outside one) would be a big mistake since, the crux of the Tantric philosophy is centered on visualizing, worshipping, adoring and embracing Shakti as the dynamic and creative force within us.
Tantra is not an opportunity for debauchery. However many interpret its ‘no repression’ philosophy to be just that. Unlike most religions and spiritual philosophies, Tantra does not deny the naturalness, beauty, power and existence of the sexual. Neither is it unmindful of the fact that sexuality is a troubled area for most. Tantra considers sex to be a Divine act even when carried out within the ambit of the ego (though this is not apparent to most). However any sexuality that does not grow out of Divine love is considered to be only a sham. Sexual experiences that rise out of the trappings of the ego, desire and possession have nothing to do with Tantra. Further, in lieu with its practices being personality specific, all Tantra states clearly that sexual rituals are not necessary or even possible to be imparted to certain personality types, just like not every seeker would be required to do rituals to transform anger.
It is our own discomfort with sexuality which has led to misunderstanding Tantra’s relationship with it. For Tantra, the sexual, is simply a part of reality. A divine aspect which has the power to allow experiences (no matter how fleeting) of oneness, timelessness and bliss. Done in unawareness (like all other acts) and without the mastery of breath, mind and sperm, it is simply another bondage. Ruled by passion, power, the need to manipulate or repress, the seeker can never advance successfully. That is why if sexual practices are ever given to the seeker it is usually after prolonged purification practices of mind, body and soul.
When Shiva and Shakti unite, Shakti is adored by Shiva. The Tantrik sex ritual must emulate the great union of Shiva and Shakti for it to be spiritually progressive and healing for the seeker. All desires and passions must be satisfied during the course of this union (for frustration and selfishness are not Divine attributes) and each aspect of the ritual must be understood, to bring the power of transformation to the sexual. Body vibratory fields between man and woman are aligned through breath and concentration. Specific universal forces are summoned for inspiration and protection. Special mantras are recited and ritual offerings are made as part of the process. The entire sexual act is an offering to the Goddess and so it must be truly passionate, reverential and artful. Bodily emissions and muscle movement are brought under complete control. The mind is harnessed in a way, in which to experience absolute silence and concentration and the only aim is to open the door to pure consciousness. In other words this is no ordinary sex and only those who have mastered body, mind and spirit can achieve its fruits. The greatness of Tantra is knowing how to use passion, to free oneself from suffering, not to create more bondage.
All commercial centers, books and websites out there in the world, who claim to be selling Tantric Sex, only serve to defame Tantra. For Tantra is not for sale, nor is it for general and unguided consumption. It is not defined by the sexual and anyone who claims it is has no idea about Tantra. These sites, books and centers are only selling lies to people who are seeking ego fulfillment and ways in which to live out their sexual obsessions under the guise of spirituality. The real Tantra remains hidden from public view, revealing itself only to the serious seeker who is willing to sacrifice all rules, methods, ideas and ways to reclaim his own vast and clear sky. (To be continued)
Posted By Anusheh Hussain - 7:15 PM Friday 12 May 2006
Comments
Thanks Chaitali,
Glad you found the article interesting. Tantra aims to completely transform the sexual experience through all kinds of ritual visualisations, invocations and offerings. That transformation includes the chemical make up of all biological excretions.
Semen is the fluid which has the power of procreation when the male ejaculates (performs an external act). For spiritual progress (creation)it needs to be used in a different way. The semen is retained in the body during sex and alchemically transformed into ojas (the source of the bodies metabolic energy). However I've copied below what Vimalananda (a Master of Tantra)has to say about this.
"It is said in Ayurveda that ojas is derived from semen, but this is not quite so. Ojas exists in association with the head and the nervous system. In fact the "aura" or "halo" which you can see around a person's head is composed of his or her ojas. When I say that loss of semen causes loss of ojas you must remember that sex is all in the mind. ...When thoughts of sex fill the mind the Kama Agni (Fire of Lust) [dopamine] becomes inflamed. Heat is anathema to ojas. The Kama Agni causes a disturbance in the ojas, which alters the brain chemistry and directs the endocrine glands to begin to secrete. The effect is first felt on the prostate in men and the Bartholin's gland in women. Whenever oozing from these glands occurs you can be sure that ojas is being dissipated....
Likewise, harmonious thoughts increase ojas. How often have you heard someone say to a pregnant woman, "What a glow you have about your face!" That glow is the aura, composed of ojas. You might think that a pregnant woman's ojas would be low because her body tissues are being depleted to furnish nutrients for the baby. But because of the emotions of motherhood [oxytocin], the overwhelming love for the child being formed, ojas actually increases....
If you want to progress from the state of being a donkey in human form, one who lives for eating and procreating, to a higher state, you must conserve your semen. If you are female you must preserve the vaginal secretions which pour out during excitement and sex. ...
A male should look at every woman, especially his partner, and see Ma within her. A female should see all men and boys, and especially her partner, as her sons. This reduces the danger of falling into sex, it teaches the couple something of parental love, and it leads to fidelity in the relationship.
Another thing: All desire for personal enjoyment or self-gratification has to be effaced from the mind. If you have even the slightest intention to take or gain something from your partner, that tiny desire can snowball when your nervous system is under full load, and an avalanche of energy can result, ending in sex. You must forget how to take and learn only how to give....Shiva is known as the Great Giver....
These are just preliminaries, of course; but they are essential preliminaries, and worth working hard on if you want to obtain the benefits of this sadhana: good celibacy; fidelity to one partner because of longing, not legalities; the presence of Shiva and Shakti in your bodies as Avishkara; and eventual samadhi of intense emotion. "
Posted by
Hi Anusheh,
Why were you looking for a book on Tantra? I can see that you can write a book on the subject easily.
; - )
Cheers, Rohit
Posted by on May 13, 2006 03:16 PM
Hi Rohit
Good to hear from you. Actually there is so much to learn as far as Tantra goes. So many texts exist and so many varied schools that it's said that you can study it for many lifetimes. I'm still looking for those books:-)
cheers
Posted by
Dear Anusheh,
I agree with Rohit. Infact I think all the articles on this blog need to be published in a book form. Are you guys thinking of doing something of the sort. It would be interesting as all the articles on the blog have a twist to them.
Anusheh I won't lie but I couldn't stop myself from frowning and laughing silently when I read the part on 'All men should consider their partners as Ma and all women their partners as their sons.' said by Vialananda. Couldn't digest it. Perhaps I have not understood what exactly he meant by this.
Secondly I understood the part on the ojas but didn't quite make the connection between increasing ojas and not dissipating semen. Is he trying to say that one should not indulge in sex just for the sake of it or purely for selfish pleasure and not for giving love and pleasure to ones partner too. Does he mean that if this is the case then the semen that is ejaculated takes away the ojas because it is not 'good'? Correct me if I'm wrong.
I really enjoyed reading this article.
Posted by
Hi Annie
Actually we are considering publishing this blog but let's see what happens. We will of course keep everyone posted on this.
I can understand you finding that statement by Vimalananda to be funny and simultaneously annoying. It's actually something very subtle he is trying to say and that too in the context of the Tantric sex ritual which is aimed at spiritual progression and has nothing to do with sex and sexuality as we know it. So firstly you really cant apply these principles to a 'normal', regular sex life.
Having said that, saying that you should look at your lover as Ma/brother is really to say that remove the element of lust and bring in love and affection instead. Similarly, I dont believe that he is saying that sex should not be indulged in for pleasure or that ejaculation is a negative thing. Seen out of the context of Tantra it may seem like that but within the context he is actually referring to a subtle alchemical process that is made possible by Tantra so that sex can be a spiritually elevating experience.
Hope that makes sense:-)
Posted by
Hi Anusheh,
Like Annie even I was a bit confused about Vimalananda's quotes. But what you have said above makes it more clear.
The confusion that was created above and the clarification that you have given proves your point that we need someone to guide us and take us through the real meaning/practice of Tantra (or for that matter in other practices too). The best way that Vimalananda could explain as to how one should take away lust and bring in love and affection is by giving the most simple example of the relationship between mother-son.
But the problem with us is that we take these examples literally and fail to see their more subtle meanings.
Thanks for the clarification.
Posted by
Very readable & perhaps the simplest explanation I have read on Tantra. I have met a woman in Orissa some years ago who was a tantric Yogini. My aunt was very devoted to her. However when I met her she looked like any ordinary woman, though with intense eyes which were strangely very gentle too. I always wondered what she was all about because she carried no weird Tantric look. Reading this I understand somewhat why.
Isn't the original Tantra from Siva's Vigyan Bhairava, it seems this Yogini preached from just that text.
Posted by
Hi Anusheh,
As far as i understand, tantra is all about experiencing union with the whole & sex is also a significant part of that. So, there is nothing much to read. After reading few books, i have found that it's better to enjoy sensual pleasures with meditative awareness than reading more.
And i'm trying to find a right partner who can help me go deeper. I hope it will happen one day. ; - )
Cheers, Rohit
Posted by on May 16, 2006 02:47 PM
Well yes Rohit it does sound simple doesn't it. But I wouldnt confuse the enjoyment of sensual pleasure with Tantra. Having said that, Tantra is not against sensual pleasure, but there remains a difference between sex for pleasure and sex for spiritual progress.
As for finding the right partner. I'm sure you will:-)
love
Posted by
Yes, the difference is there. That's what i said above i think. ; - )
Enjoying Sensual Pleasures with meditative awareness & that's tantra.
Posted by on May 16, 2006 04:44 PM
Anusheh this was a clear, simple and very comprehensive piece on Tantra. It will be interesting to see how you conclude it.
I must say that Tantra has never been of any interest to me because I always thought it belonged to the dark side. Well that impression has changed now. We're so eager to believe what we hear that we rarely question it or go deeper into it for ourselves. For me that is the lesson gleaned through reading these pieces.
Rohit, I don't think you are quite getting it, but hey, whatever.
Posted by
Dear Anusheh,
Yeah now it's more clear and comprehensible. True we must not try and take these principles out from their context. Actually most of the confusion and misinterpretations happen because of this.
When I read news on how some tantric baba advised a needy couple to sacrifice a child so that they could bear a child, I used to get very angry. Now after reading your article I think I'll get even more angry if I see such news. Coz now I'll be able to see the misuse that people make of Tantra giving it a bad name.
Rohit, I'm curious. Are you doing meditation because you are not getting a partner to experience sensual pleasure?!
Posted by
hmm!
No, i meditate because it gives me the experience of orgasmic joy which is union with the whole & tantra.
Anyway, leave it. I don't want to go into theories as they don't take you anywhere.
Cheers, Rohit
Posted by on May 17, 2006 12:53 PM
Cheers to your meditation Rohit! Right on staying out of theories. It's experience that ultimately counts.
Posted by
Post a comment
-
naveencommented ( 3:30 PM Thursday 04 September 2008) on
sex position -
naveencommented ( 3:30 PM Thursday 04 September 2008) on
sex position -
SUMANTA SENGUPTAcommented ( 3:55 PM Wednesday 23 July 2008) on
The main thing is kundalini. Do you know who is addyashakti mahamaya and her relationship with muladhara chakra?? Do you ... -
SAMIRcommented ( 5:46 PM Friday 06 June 2008) on
How do I ? -
criscommented ( 2:10 PM Monday 28 April 2008) on
HOW TRUE IS IT? -
vijaya rajagopalcommented ( 2:20 PM Sunday 16 March 2008) on
how you see the it depends on that the spirituality would like to know more about this subject -
Miekecommented ( 4:57 PM Monday 10 March 2008) on
Dear Aachi, Thanks, found the book but haven't any idea how to order it from them, because it is only ...
Anusheh,
A brilliant brilliant and a brilliant piece. Each para in the article has something to say.
So much about Tantra is just not known to us. It is so true that not everybody wants to go into the path of renunciation and yet they want to attain the state of knowing the self. As you have put it Tantra is another route to self realization which takes into account the needs of the seeker. I think whether it is Vedic rituals or tantra or other forms of process of self realization, they can all actually be placed in a horizontal spectrum. Each trying to work on, modify on aspects that are not there in the others.
'Done in unawareness (like all other acts) and without the mastery of breath, mind and sperm...' Can you please expalin why the use of the word 'sperm'