Tantra

 

 

To seek the ultimate bliss, Shakti worshippers (or Shaktas) follow a system of beliefs and practices in Tantra. Maya or illusion separates opposites like male and female. On reaching this ultimate bliss, the sadhaka (spiritual seeker) experiences the ultimate joy of the union with the creator within oneself.

 


‘Shakti’ is present inside one self in the microcosmic level. When aroused, this energy reaches the Supreme Energy or the Macrocosm. Thus microcosm merges with macrocosm to form a continuous field of energy, the cosmic consciousness. The Sanskrit word ‘Tantra’ also means ‘continuity’
This indivisible energy is called Parashakthi. Thus shakti puja is performed to invoke the flow of energy and awaken the spirit within. This can be done by Tantric or Vedic rituals.

There are different disciplines in Tantra. Normal practice comprises meditation or yoga; visualization of the deity; chanting of sacred hymns; and use of yantras or mystic symbols. Tantra also focuses on the awakening of the inherent  energy patterns in an individual

 

Dakshina Marga (right hand Path)   and Vama Marga (Left hand path) are the different schools of practices of Tantra.

 

As in yoga, Tantra also focuses on the awakening of the inherent energy which lies coiled like a serpent. This inherent energy is called ‘Kundalini’. The Kundalini then travels upwards through a path in the spinal column called ‘Sushumna’. En-route, it passes through psychic centers of consciousness or ‘Chakras’.

 

                            These chakras are:

 

 

 

Muladhara at the base of the spine from where Kundalini starts its upward journey.

 


Svadhisthana: charka associated with reproductive organs.

 


Manipura: manifested as action, will, anger, laughter etc.

 


Anahata: at the centre of the chest, Associated with giving and receiving love

 


Visudha: at the larynx region. Governs your ability to communicate.

 


Ajna: Referred to as third eye. Located between your eyebrows, associated with wisdom ,sixth sense and ESP

 


Sahasrara: in the crown governing the pineal gland. This is yet to be recognized in modern medicine. This is the connecting point to the absolute Supreme when one is in a trance (having reached ‘Samadhi’). True realization of the infinite bliss is there only when a person experiences illumination in all planes, even in the lowest.

 

Sri Lalitha Sahasranama  is eloquent on  the flow of kundalini through these chakras as given below.

 

 

“Muladharaika nilayaa Brahma grandhi vibhedhini,
  Manipurandarudita Vishnu grandhi   vibhedhini,
  Ajna chakrandaralastha Rudra grandhi vibhedini
 Sahasrarambujaruda sudha sarabhivarshini

 

Tatillathaa samaruchi shatchakropari samsthithaa
Mahashakthi kundalini bisatantu taneeyasee”

 

 

 

Tantra is thus a method to channel great energy (or Kunadalini) properly for spiritual & material gains. However, Shakti Puja in Tantra can be dangerous if not practiced properly and under the strict guidance of a competent guru as it encompasses some other secret rituals too.

 

Austere discipline and moral conduct are important factors of Tantra practice which calls for extensive meditative practice.

 

 

 

Tradition/ Science behind the puja

 

Many of these pujas are sampradaya pujas which has been passed on to Nadanta Ananda through his spiritual lineage.These pujas has been performed by the masters in Nadanta Ananda’s spiritual lineage over the last thousand years.

 

What makes these pujas different from those performed by many other spiritual gurus is the secret “samith” (ingredients/materials) used for the pujas.

 

For a puja/Homa to be effective, it is important that the “samith used is obtained without impurities.The powerful invocation mantras used in these pujas calls upon the gods/goddess to grant the wishes of the person for whom the puja is done.

 

It is also important that the puja for one person cannot be clubbed with the puja for another. This is because the  “sankalpa” (wish)  and the karmic burden of a two different people will be different. The pujas helps in reducing the karmic burden which is preventing an individual to achieve this sankalpa. Once the karmic burden is reduced an individual can easily achieve the goals when he/she starts working towards it.