Principles of Tantrism emphasizes that all that exists in the universe must also exist in the individual body.
Tantrism originates in old
Hindus religious texts especially in
Atharva Veda. It has influence from
Yoga,
Upanishads and
Puranas. Principles of Tantrism disseminate its profound knowledge with mystic diagrams thereby attaining salvation. A new form of ‘Sadhana’ is instituted in teachings of the Tantras based on
Vedas, the Upanishads and the
Bhakti Marga of the Puranas. It preaches a new doctrine accepted by all sects like the
Shaivas,
Buddhists,
Vaishnavas and so on.
Hindu, Buddhist and
Jains are the three disciplines of Tantric philosophy. This classification is done based on the
Gods or
Goddess revered and customary practices followed. According to the
Narada Purana there are seven kinds of Tantras: Vama, Bhairava, Soma, Langala, Pasupata, Nakula and Kapala.
Sadhana in Tantra
The principle of Sadhana in Tantra emphasizes that the body contains the highest power. If it is utilised properly, it can lead the sadhaka to the highest goal. It enables him to control universal energy. Various ways of Sadhana are
Puja, knowledge of Shastras, repeating a
mantra, penance and invocation.
Basic Tenets of Tantrism
Basic tenet of Tantrism was that the
woman possesses more spiritual energy than the man. Therefore the man could achieve realization of the divinity through sexual and emotional union with a woman. Thus women are a very integral part of
Tantric practices. In this way he became similar to
Lord Shiva, the God in perpetual union with the Goddess. In Hindu Tantrism,
Shakti is active female energy and Shiva is passive, male consciousness. The Tantras explains the purposes of the various
rites and the
philosophy underlying them. The roots of Tantric principles are
Prakriti and
Purusha .The Purusha is not active while his other half is active. Activities like creation are her functions. Consequently she is considered more significant than Purusha.
Tantrism is a quest for spiritual perfection and
magical power. Tantric principles teach to achieve complete self control, have power over natural forces, to attain cosmos and divine unity. The divine power that flows through the universe is used mystically to attain one’s goals. Tantrism is very rich in symbols which are used in
meditation and rituals. The body itself is a symbol of the cosmos. Other Tantric symbols are mantras; sacred diagrams and
Mudra.
