Tantra, from the ancient Sanskrit language, is a spiritual practice of conscious and intentional living. It’s is a set of paths that relies heavily upon energy, personal growth, and other spiritual practices and rituals. It first originated in India and is an amalgamation of spiritual, religious, and philosophical beliefs and concepts that are used to achieve liberation. Tantra is an amalgamation of numerous practices that include yoga, meditation, ritual, and magical systems.
Tantra has been practiced for many years and has gained popularity over the centuries. It is the source of many modern concepts, including the practices of yoga, ayurveda, and modern Buddhism. It is an extremely powerful and mysterious form of spiritual practice, which, when practiced correctly, can help to bring about inner peace and harmony.
Tantra has been referred to as a “science of transformation” due to its ability to help an individual make changes to their physical, mental, and spiritual being in order to harmonize the core of self. The core tantric philosophies revolve around energizing and unifying the self and allowing the seeker to move into their highest potential, that of pure consciousness and happiness. In essence, tantra is a powerful spiritual tool that has both physical and metaphysical applications.
Tantra has been divided into two main paths; white tantra (pure path) and red tantra (more physically-based). While both paths focus on the same basic principles, white tantra would be best suited to those with more open minds while red tantra is more suitable for those with more physical and practical goals.
White tantra focuses on awakening the internal energies and discovering one’s divine potential and consciousness. It involves practices such as meditation, hatha yoga, mantra chanting, and self inquiry. Other popular practices include ‘kriya yoga’ which uses breathing exercises and physical movements to activate and manifest the universe boost energy and balance the energy centers. White tantra also involves energy healing and is seen as an internal spiritual cleansing.
Red tantra focuses more on the external elements of one’s being, including the physical body. It is the path of pleasure and uses touch, movement, and massage to cultivate balance on the physical level. It allows for increased flexibility and movement, deeper connection with the self, and intense energy empowerment. It involves a focus on specific areas of the body such as the heart, abdomen, and lower back. In tantric massage, for example, practitioners will use their hands and fingers to massage and nurture specific areas of the body to create energy flow.
Regardless of which tantra path one chooses, they are likely to face a few obstacles as they begin the path. The most common issues people face when beginning tantra is fear and guilt. This is because the practice encourages sexual energy on the physical level and many consider this to be taboo. It is important to remember that these practices are intended to awaken us into a higher, more spiritual reality.
In order to move forward on the tantric path, one must create a safe and nurturing environment, similar to that which one might choose for their home. This will involve regulating one’s diets and keeping an optimistic mindset. It is important to be aware of one’s rhythms and to adjust them as needed. It is also important to establish a specific boundary in order to ensure safety and respect.
The key to success with tantra is trust. One must learn to trust that the energies in the universe are capable of guiding them to the ultimate realization of one’s divine potential. By being conscious and mindful of one’s actions, one can abide by the spiritual paths offered by tantra and manifest the ultimate level of self-realization.
Overall, tantra is an ancient spiritual practice that is vast and varied. It is a practice meant to help individuals awaken their divine potential and to bring peace and harmony into their lives. With the right guidance and effort, individuals can discover their own inner peace and balance with this unique practice.
