It is a
well-known fact that Yoga, as a generalized art, is the practice of perfecting
some aspect of an individual’s existence. This could comprise the physical well
being, spiritual formation, or mental ability or mental perfection. The
distinction between forms of yoga, though each one is practiced in a different
manner, is not so much as the format that you utilize but the source, which you
seek to alter or perfect. Some Yoga techniques are for mental reasons, some for
physical, and some for spiritual. However, some techniques actually are meant
for more than one of these aspects, some for three. The variety of Yoga
techniques is truly endless. Nevertheless, there is one form that is likely
sought after more than the rest. Though prized and desirable, this technique is
also the most difficult to learn and master. This particular format is known as
Tantric Yoga.
Some self-styled “gurus” or teachers have presented Tantra to the unknowing world as just some sort of sacred sex, and that has led to the misunderstanding of this spiritual concept. Tantra, in fact, is more than that. It is a way of life. While sexual Tantra is concerned with the union between an individual and a partner, the purest form of Tantra is concerned with unifying the male and female essences within a person.
The origin of the pure Tantra dates as early as the Indus Valley civilization. Its main aim is to harmonize the male and female aspects within an individual in order to achieve creative wisdom and most importantly, spiritual regeneration. One way to reach that goal is through Tantric Yoga.
“Tantra” means expansion, while “Yoga” means concentration. Hence, Tantric Yoga pertains to concentrating on expanding one’s energy in order to achieve the goals of Tantra.
A true perception of Tantric Yoga:
Tantric Yoga is not just exercise. It is more like a philosophy of life. It may be based on different beliefs, which include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the New Age movement. Tantric Yoga acknowledges that the whole universe is an expression of either the Spirit, the Cosmic Mother known as Shakti, or the divine life force, depending on what belief it is based on. It is difficult to master because one cannot just learn it from the books. A Tantric yogi must be devoted to one’s guru in order to master it.
Tantric Yoga Involves Meditation:
A Tantric Yoga meditation session typically goes like this. A guru sits calmly, his mind freed of impure thoughts and desires. Using imagination and feeling, the student then gathers his or her own life force. This is moved up from the tailbone to the neck through the spine, and continues to rise until it reaches the forehead. The collected life force is then directed out of the forehead to form a body of light and energy that will expand until it is as large as a human being.
This imaginary body of light and energy actually represents the Tantric yogi’s soul and essence. Tantric Yoga directs love towards it before moving it back to the forehead, then all the way back down to the base of the spine. When the light has returned inside, the Tantric yogi feels enlightened and spiritually awakened.
A good
Tantric yoga student must have faith, purity, courage, and devotion to his or
her guru. Tantric Yoga beliefs can be so imbued within a devoted student that
this type of Yoga can also be a way to overcome negative habits such as
smoking, drinking, and overeating. It is certainly a good way to maintain
physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Summary:
Tantric Yoga deals with expanding all levels of consciousness, whether waking, dreaming or sleep states, in order to unveil and realize the Supreme Reality. The practice of Tantric Yoga involves breathing exercises (pranayama), contemplation, visualization and the repetition of mantras. Through these practices, one can learn to identify the factors which influence thoughts and feelings and to transcend obstacles to evolution resulting from intolerance, ignorance, selfishness and an attachment to our animal nature. Thoughts and feelings are refined while peace, harmony and order are restored within one's self.
Some self-styled “gurus” or teachers have presented Tantra to the unknowing world as just some sort of sacred sex, and that has led to the misunderstanding of this spiritual concept. Tantra, in fact, is more than that. It is a way of life. While sexual Tantra is concerned with the union between an individual and a partner, the purest form of Tantra is concerned with unifying the male and female essences within a person.
The origin of the pure Tantra dates as early as the Indus Valley civilization. Its main aim is to harmonize the male and female aspects within an individual in order to achieve creative wisdom and most importantly, spiritual regeneration. One way to reach that goal is through Tantric Yoga.
“Tantra” means expansion, while “Yoga” means concentration. Hence, Tantric Yoga pertains to concentrating on expanding one’s energy in order to achieve the goals of Tantra.
A true perception of Tantric Yoga:
Tantric Yoga is not just exercise. It is more like a philosophy of life. It may be based on different beliefs, which include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the New Age movement. Tantric Yoga acknowledges that the whole universe is an expression of either the Spirit, the Cosmic Mother known as Shakti, or the divine life force, depending on what belief it is based on. It is difficult to master because one cannot just learn it from the books. A Tantric yogi must be devoted to one’s guru in order to master it.
Tantric Yoga Involves Meditation:
A Tantric Yoga meditation session typically goes like this. A guru sits calmly, his mind freed of impure thoughts and desires. Using imagination and feeling, the student then gathers his or her own life force. This is moved up from the tailbone to the neck through the spine, and continues to rise until it reaches the forehead. The collected life force is then directed out of the forehead to form a body of light and energy that will expand until it is as large as a human being.
This imaginary body of light and energy actually represents the Tantric yogi’s soul and essence. Tantric Yoga directs love towards it before moving it back to the forehead, then all the way back down to the base of the spine. When the light has returned inside, the Tantric yogi feels enlightened and spiritually awakened.
Summary:
Tantric Yoga deals with expanding all levels of consciousness, whether waking, dreaming or sleep states, in order to unveil and realize the Supreme Reality. The practice of Tantric Yoga involves breathing exercises (pranayama), contemplation, visualization and the repetition of mantras. Through these practices, one can learn to identify the factors which influence thoughts and feelings and to transcend obstacles to evolution resulting from intolerance, ignorance, selfishness and an attachment to our animal nature. Thoughts and feelings are refined while peace, harmony and order are restored within one's self.
