Tantra: An Ancient Path to Enlightenment
Tantra has been a part of the spiritual world for thousands of years, largely practiced in South Asia. It is an ancient path to Enlightenment and is considered one of the most powerful practices for personal growth and spiritual development. A combination of Hindu and Buddhist teachings, Tantra is a ‘’Right Hand’’ spiritual practice, which incorporate elements of sexuality and eroticism in rituals. Its aim is to assist adepts reach a heightened understanding of reality and reach greater self-awareness.
Tantra incorporates a range of beliefs, rituals and practices, and is often very misunderstood or misinterpreted. It is a transformational path of self-realization which is both practical and profound. It is highly individual and combines physical, mental, and emotional aspects to assist with spiritual growth. It does not require one to surrender to a philosophy of authority, nor is it a dogma. It is more of an individual and intuitive journey.
The core of Tantra is to move beyond traditional religious practices, labels and expectations, and help practitioners move from fear-based practices to love-based practices. The aim is ultimately to rise above dualistic thinking to recognize a definitive unity of all forms of energy. Through this recognition, devotees can create an experience of love and higher wisdom, integrating far-flung philosophies and liberating us from fear-based practices.
Tantra has long been associated with the use of sex for spiritual growth, and although most ancient texts discuss the erotic and sexual nature of Tantra, it is viewed by some religious authorities as a compelling force to validate or increase abstinence. Ultimately, Tantra focuses on the art and science of loving rather than the physical act of sexual intercourse.
Tantra is believed to be the oldest spiritual path that has been in continuous use since its inception. Many people refer to it as an “inner technology” or “internal alchemy.” It uses a variety of spiritual methods and techniques, such as hatha and kundalini yoga, meditation, mantras, visualizations, breath work, and more. These use various energy channels to move divine light and information within the body in order to unblock and heal blocked energy pathways. It is believed that this energy flow creates a greater capacity for love and self-expansion, allowing us to see, feel and experience the truth.
Tantra is not an organized religion, nor a unified set of teachings. It is an ever-expanding array of practices and beliefs, and can be adapted to meet the needs and interests of each devotee. It works to liberate one’s true inner nature- leading one towards a greater spiritual insight and awareness of oneself and the universe.
Through Tantra, devotees seek to expedite their spiritual practice while intensifying their experience of life, opening the path to their true nature and purpose. By mastering physical, mental, and emotional control, and achieving a blissful union with all living things, devotees strive to reach mystical states of pure consciousness, or liberation. It has helped many practitioners reach their potential and attain greater love, happiness, and contentment.
In its most simplistic definition, Tantra can be described as a way of living that aspires to mindful, self-guided spiritual growth, inspired by love and an admiration of life. By cultivating an open-hearted attentiveness to our innermost needs, we can discover clarity and strength to move through life with increased faith and understanding.
