Today in YogaYe , we are interested in tantrism. The literal translation of the Sanskrit word tantra It is "loom or net" and refers to the fact that everything in this universe is united. That is, unlike other more "ascetic" schools, Tantrism teaches to use material desire for the purpose of spirituality and postulates the sacralization of all aspects of life.
Tantra is based on the belief that spiritual reality (nirvana) is not something distinct from the empirical realm of existence (samsara) but something inherent in it. Tantra teaches that permanent enlightenment (Bodhi) or liberation (moksha) can be achieved while remaining in the physical state. To do this, it uses techniques to awaken the tantric consciousness in daily life, for emotional unblocking and the release of karmic patterns.
What does Tantra mean?
The word Tantra is of Sanskrit origin and has various meanings. Tantra translates as “loom, weaving, essential part”. The word Tantra also means "process, continuity, polarity-compatibility". Tantra is then "that which expands the wisdom" of life. For Tantra, Nature and all living things have a sacred character, and deserve our love and respect.What really is Tantra?
Tantra Yoga is one of the branches of Yoga that focuses on the practice of techniques and teachings that serve to control and take advantage of all energies (including sexual and love) in a lucid and conscious way. The Tantras are written over 5.000 years ago in Sanskrit, conversations between Shakti and Shiva; They talk about various topics, Origin, Hunting, Love, Music, etc.
Tantra is based on the belief that spiritual reality (nirvana) is not something distinct from the empirical realm of existence (samsara) but something inherent in it. Tantra teaches that permanent enlightenment (Bodhi) or liberation (moksha) can be achieved while remaining in the physical state. To do this, it uses techniques to awaken the tantric consciousness in daily life, for emotional unblocking and the release of karmic patterns.
tantrism in the world
- Tibetan monks use tantra songs, mandalas, dance or prayer to produce states of meditation, ecstasy or euphoria. They have decided to practice celibacy and fasting in order to transcend physical desires. This is the tantric buddhism.
- In other regions of India, the same techniques have been used, but also group meditations where the feminine and masculine energy are balanced. Although they practice asceticism and in many cases chastity, they use the energy deposited in each woman and man to find divine balance. This is the white tantra.
- In the north of India, mainly in Kashmir, the same techniques mentioned have been used and others have been integrated to produce sensations and states of ecstasy. In Kashmir Shivaism, tantra has been taken to its maximum physical expression. Through sexual union, we seek to touch and know the divine consciousness of the couple in other planes that exist beyond the physical plane. This is the red tantra.
Tantric Yoga Practice
To access Tantra safely, previous work must have been done in dualistic disciplines in other Yogas such as Hatha, Raja, Bhakti or Karma, which are the preparation for the awakening of the Kundalini, with which Tantra Yoga deals directly. It is also necessary to consider adequate nutrition, asanas (physical postures of the body), the mantra, breathing (pranayama), the creation of space (yantras), the guided imagination in the visualization that sustains the intention (Sankalpa), healing rituals (pujas) and other symbolic elements such as incense, flowers, fire, etc. The most important automatism that Tantra yoga investigates is breathing. You have to train yourself to practice various forms of breathing through the nose (pranayama) and through the mouth (therapeutic and emotional breathing) with alternations until you understand how every time our respiratory impulse occurs, the entire universe does nothing but renew itself.
Tantra, man & woman
In the tantric tradition, women are the goddess and teacher par excellence. Man should give her the right respect and treatment and she will gradually pour out all the Universal Wisdom. The woman before the man is Prakriti or the primordial Nature and through her the man recovers the Consciousness and the value of his Presence, Shiva who thus honors the woman. According to Tantra within each woman there is a Dakini or sexual healer and within each man, the Daka equivalent of her. Dakinis and Dakas heal the opposite sex through the power of their sexual energy.Caution
Tantra is not "sexology". Therefore we should not approach Tantra yoga with the expectation only of sexuality. Sexuality is in Tantra yoga but as a spiritual path towards personal self-realization.If you think another person close to you might be interested, post this article on your Facebook or other social networks. Thanks!
Namaste!
