Unveiling the Essence of Tantra Meditation
What is Tantra?
The Sri Vijnana Bhairava Tantra gives us the following statement: “Tanyate vistāryate jñnānaṁ iti tantraḥ” - that which expands the knowledge and protects the aspirant. It also has another definition. The word“Tantu” in Sanskrit means a woven thread, and in this way, we can come to understand the entire cosmos as a garment of existence - perceived reality woven in a matrix of space and time, for in the material realm, it is space and time that are the tools of Mahamaya. Mahamaya literally means great illusion, an in devotional Tantra we are also referring to Shakti herself. It is She who makes the real illusion of material existence possible. Maya, when translated as ‘veil’ refers to that which is cloaking of truth, and it is the presence of her veil that creates the real illusion that is in fact, material existence itself.
Tantra perceives the universe as an exquisite manifestation of the cosmic dance between the supreme lord Shiva and his consort Shakti. This dance represents the interplay of the active (Shakti) and passive (Shiva) principles, which, although distinct, are intertwined and inseparable. Tantra invites aspirants to engage in this divine play by approaching the broadly passive principle, Shiva, and the broadly active principle, Shakti, as means’ to unravel the profound truths embedded within their celestial dynamism.
The practice of Tantra is holistic, incorporating purification, strengthening, and energizing of the physical and subtle bodies of the human being. These practices serve as conduits for divine energy, facilitated through rituals such as puja, yagya, and, in certain traditions, the sacred exploration of sexuality. Tantra’s diverse branches cater to the unique character of each soul, yet all converge on the singular goal of recognizing and manifesting divinity both within and without, culminating in the ultimate realization of the truth of the Self.
Tantra practice harnesses three major vehicles for awakening: Yantra, Mantra and devotion. Yantra, the form aspect of Tantra, is a structured physical or artistic representation, enabling the aspirant to focus their spiritual thoughts intensely, eventually realizing the deity and/or wisdom aspect held within the Yantra. Mantra, embodies sacred sound, serving as a direct manifestation of a deity or universal principal. Devotion and reverence for the practice and deity are also essential for the smooth unfolding of spiritual awakening in Tantra. Together, Yantra (sacred form) and Mantra (sacred sound) facilitate the same dynamic union of Shiva and Shakti guiding the devoted aspirant towards liberation and the reconnection with the source of all creation, Brahman.
Tantra Meditation is a gateway to transcended awareness. Meditation, often related to as merely a practice, is aslo a state that rises through and above the distractions of the senses, desires, and the thinking mind, entering a domain where words fall short of conveying the truth of the experience. Although this is particularly subjective, it is also supported by scientific studies, including EEG analyses. The early state of meditation is associated with a shift from the everyday Beta waves to the relaxed attention of Theta state and then on to the creative immersive state of meditation characterized by an abundance of Alpha waves,
Through a depth and breadth of experience, Tantra and meditation converge into Tantra Meditation, a practice that achieves expansive, transcended awareness and divine union through the mastery and metered liberation of energy and consciousness. This synergy supports the aspirant in understanding the fabric of created world, the distinction of the human soul. Tantra Meditation cultivates a refined expression of spiritual energies. By focusing and relaxing the mind through Tantric practices, one liberates consciousness. Shakti leads the movement and Shiva reveals the true ‘knower’ of the experience.
In essence, Tantra Meditation offers a comprehensive framework for spiritual growth, allowing seekers to explore the depths of their being and the cosmos - in turn, with the grace elicited through devotion, revealing the cosmic nature of Selfhood.
Swami Premajyoti Saraswati
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