Tantra
An Ancient Path to Self-Realization
A Profound Spiritual Philosophy
In a world increasingly curious about spirituality and self-realisation, the term ‘Tantra’ has gained notoriety, often associated with its most controversial aspect – tantric sex. However, exploring the true roots of Tantra reveals a profound spiritual tradition that far transcends this modern, one-sided portrayal. The tantric path embraces all facets of life, not just sexuality, and to truly benefit from the wisdom within this ancient practice, we must understand its authentic nature and purpose.
Origins & Essence of Tantra
Tantra is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘tantras’, which means ‘scriptures’. These scriptures are a collection of millennia-old spiritual texts deeply rooted in Tantric Buddhism, Hinduism and the teachings of the Vedas, and form the basis of traditional Tantra.
However, the focus of tantric practice is not the worship of deities or the observance of devotional practices, but the active realisation of the divine within each human being.
While some Western interpretations mistakenly refer to Tantra as ‘weaving’, this is a different Sanskrit word, with only the spelling and pronunciation in common. The most accurate interpretation I know defines Tantra as ‘a path of self-expansion’.
Purpose of the Tantric Path
Tantra is a system of practices, principles and techniques aimed at aligning one’s energies with the omnipresent universal energies, revealing the interconnectedness and interplay of all things.
The tantric path leads to the realisation that everything is energy and that there is an invisible conscious force that connects everyone and everything in a state of oneness. This concept, known as ‘Hamsa’, expresses the idea that we are individuals, yet part of a greater entity, often referred to as ‘Source Consciousness’.
Tantra Seeks the Realisation of Oneness
At its core, Tantra seeks the realisation of oneness, often referred to as ‘liberation’, ‘nirvana’, ‘enlightenment’ or ‘Samadhi’. What sets Tantra apart is its life-embracing approach. Unlike other religious or spiritual paths, it does not require the renunciation of worldly pleasures. Instead, Tantra encourages a conscious embrace of all aspects of life. In contrast to ascetic traditions that view the body as impure, Tantra regards the body as a sacred temple and a vehicle for the divine consciousness.
Tantra practitioners believe that they are already one with the divine potential, but need to realise it through life experience, which is sought and practised in all aspects of being (physical, mental, emotional, energetic).
“To assume that we are separate entities, disconnected from the natural world and isolated from each other, is a fallacy. We need to realise that we are interconnected threads within the infinite fabric of creation“
Tantra & Yoga
Understanding the roots of yoga is the key to understanding the essence of tantra. Although many people associate the origins of modern yoga with the ‘Yoga Sutras of Patanjali’, these ancient texts actually describe only four seated meditation postures.
In my view, Tantra has profoundly influenced the evolution of yoga by promoting an embodied spiritual practice that emphasises strengthening the body and vitalising the energy system. Early forms of ‘Kundalini Yoga’ perfectly illustrate this blend, integrating both tantric and yogic elements to awaken and harmonise inner energies, offering a holistic path to spiritual growth.
Right-Hand & Left-Hand Path
Traditional tantric teachings are divided into two main approaches: The ‘left-hand path’ and the ‘right-hand path’. Right-hand tantra usually focuses on practices such as yoga, kundalini work, mantra recitation fasting, sexual abstinence, yantra ceremonies and pilgrimages to sacred sites.
In contrast, left-hand tantra applies more transgressive methods, including sexual practices, blood sacrifice, the ingestion of mind-altering substances, alchemy and other practices that can be associated with the realms of occultism and magic, as radical means of achieving enlightenment.
Masters of the left-hand path are difficult to find, as they don’t usually approach anyone openly to share their knowledge. They typically teach very small and select groups, making the left-hand path more or less non-existent to the public eye.
“To fully experience sexuality, we must learn to connect with ourselves and our partners on a deeper level, beyond just the physical act“
Neotantra vs. Traditional Tantra
In the modern world, Neotantra exists alongside traditional Tantra practices. Neotantra focuses primarily on improving sexual health, performance and satisfaction by approaching sexuality in a conscious, spiritual way, incorporating various practices and techniques such as non-intentionality, mastery of the arousal curve and conscious masturbation.
Traditional Tantra, on the other hand, focuses primarily on awakening and cultivating kundalini energy to improve health and increase vitality, as well as living with integrity to realise the true divine potential of a human being. It can also include sexual practices, but these aspects are usually reserved for advanced practitioners and are not found in all lineages of traditional Tantra.
Modern practitioners often combine elements of neo and traditional Tantra, leading to divergent perspectives within the Tantric community. Traditionalists emphasise the importance of being transparent about the origins of techniques and ensuring that they are in line with ancient scriptures. In contrast, modernists advocate an evolving approach that adapts Tantra to the needs of contemporary culture while preserving its core principles.
Modernising Tantra for Today’s Needs
I see myself as a strong modernist. I believe that a good teacher is one who can distil ancient, dogma-laden wisdom into the present and make it clear and accessible to the modern world.
I therefore strongly support the need to constantly update and evolve the teachings of Tantra, as the ancient and contemporary contexts are so different. Advances in technology, changes in lifestyles, adjusted gender roles and new ways of living relationships undoubtedly require a modified approach to the tantric path.
I believe we live in a time where we should strive to free ourselves from ancient doctrines and narrow-minded traditions and make valuable knowledge available to anyone who can benefit from it.
“Authentic touch is a way of communicating that we are seen, that we are heard and that we are valued“
Conclusion
Often misunderstood as a mere path to sexual enlightenment, Tantra is a profound spiritual philosophy rooted in ancient scriptures. It offers a unique path to self-realisation and liberation while embracing the fullness of life.
In the 21st century, the synthesis of traditional and modern approaches to Tantra allows individuals to explore its transformative potential in the context of their lives, bridging the wisdom of the past with the realities of the present.
© 2024 Philipp S. Mutschler
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