What is Tantra?

Classical Tantra
The term “Tantra” refers to a vast body of practices that make use of a number of tools, including mantra, yantra, tantra (texts), guru, initiation and puja, with the aim of awakening the pure energy of consciousness called Kundalini.  Tantra also lays heavy emphasis on the body, and its energies and capacities, as mediums of realization. 

Tantra could be considered “liberation technology”.  It is a system of spiritual practice which allows practitioners to access the energy inherent in all things, which is normally bound up because of our experience of ourselves as separate entities.  When we open up through this system to the interconnection of all things, we experience this energy as both the fully unbound creative force, and the inherent conscious wisdom of the universe. 

From “Kashmir Shaivite Tantra” by Dharmanidhi Sarasvati:
“Tantra itself defies labeling.  In its essence, Tantra is a very practical system of self-liberation wherein enjoyment of the world and spiritual liberation are not mutually exclusive.  A Tantrik practitioner may consider herself a full renunciate while still living in the world, holding a job and raising a family. 

In today’s vernacular, the word Tantra will, in the most orthodox sense, refer to Hindu Tantra or Buddhist Tantra.  The “neo-Tantrik” movement espoused today can be identified by its disproportionate interest in sex.  Though touted as sexual sadhana (spiritual practice) it falls way short of the mark.  This New-Age movement that uses the word Tantra to describe its weekend workshops…is a shallow and paltry imitation of the real Tantrik Tradition.”

In this article, Dharmanidhi lists these hallmarks of the Tantrik tradition:

1. Tantra is concerned with demonstratable spiritual liberation in this lifetime. 
   
2. Tantriks may use any/and or all means to liberation – nothing is too “impure” or profane to be God or to be used as a vehicle for self-liberation.
   
3. Tantra eschews any social hierarchies or caste structures.
4. The transmission of knowledge as both a state of consciousness and Shakti from Guru to disciple is probably the most important common feature of Tantra.

Visit Trika Institute’s website to learn more.