Sadhana in Tantra

Sadhana in Tantra

Sadhana in Tantra is the path of learning which is strictly in celibacy, while controlling the mind, speech and bodily action.

Sadhana in Tantra is a form of worship to reach the ultimate goal. It laid stress on utilising the body as the best means of Sadhana. According to the principle of Sadhana in Tantra, the body contains the highest power if utilised properly can lead the sadhaka to the highest goal. It also enables him to control the universal energy. This Shakti, also called ‘Kula Kundalini’ is realised by the Sadhaka as a serpent coiling in the middle part of the body. After reaching a high stage of spiritual life, he takes to Panchatattvas under the guidance of Guru.

Classification of Sadhana in Tantra
There are many ways of Sadhana - Puja, knowledge of Shastras, repeating a mantra, penance and invocation. Sadhaka and Siddhikas are divided according to their physical, mental and moral qualities. The classification is;

Mrdu,

Madhyama,

Adhimatraka and

Adhimatrama.

According to the Kaula school of Tantra, sadhaka are of the following classes:

i. Prakrti Viracarins: This refers to being engaged in sacrifice and other rituals and resorting to Panchatattvas.
ii. Madhyama Kaulika: This refers to the minds being more attracted to meditation, knowledge and concentration.
iii. Kaulikottama: This refers to those who go beyond ritualism and meditate on the Supreme Being.

Practice of Sadhana in Tantra
Sadhana is commended for the Sadhakas of Vira type, possessed of self-control. To progress along the path of Sadhana one requires preparation of the body, vital breath and mind. The body is made fit by different asana.

Immoral practices are not encouraged among the adherents by allowing them to satisfy their animal instincts. The enjoyment of these things for which there is natural inclination help the sadhaka in the realisation of Brahman. A Sadhaka should not indulge in these enjoyments as he likes.

Stages of Sadhana
For a successful Sadhana; Sriana, Tarpana, Sandhya, Puja and Homa are must for the sadhaka. There are three stages of Sadhana, namely;

Suddhi: The sadhaka will have to be pure after removing physical and mental impurities.

Sthiti: Then he will be free from the darkness of delusion and the light of knowledge will dawn on him

Arpana: Finally with the object of meditation, he will realise his identity.

Tantra Sadhana is a process to get back from duality to unity. The art of Sadhana along this path is considered to be a graduated movement through different ascending stages. In the aspect of the Tantra Sadhana, objects of attraction are regarded as instruments and made part and parcel of one’s own being with the intention of overcoming the consciousness. Tantra Sadhana includes recitation of Mantras and performance of ritual through Yantras.

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