What Does Tantra Really Mean?

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What Does Tantra Really Mean?

Tantrik and tantra has earned a nefarious reputation in this day and

age. It is often accused of being a kind of black magic. However, in

reality, tantra is one of the most important Indian traditions,

representing the practical aspect of the Vedic tradition. It is

believed that the tantra tradition is a part of the main Vedic tree.

The more vigorous aspects of Vedic religion were continued and

developed in the tantras.

Generally tantriks worship either Goddess Shakti or Lord Shiva. In

tantra there is a great significance of "bali" or animal sacrifices.

The most vigorous aspects of Vedic traditions evolved as an esoteric

system of knowledge in the Tantras. The Atharva Veda is considered

to be one of the prime tantrik scriptures.

 

The word "tantra" is derived from the combination of two

words "tattva" and "mantra". "Tattva" means the science of cosmic

principles, while "mantra" refers to the science of mystic sound and

vibrations. Tantra therefore is the application of cosmic sciences

with a view to attain spiritual ascendancy.

Tantrik practices mainly aim at the illumination through the

unification of polarities inherent in the world and one's self.

These opposites are symbolically subsumed as "Shiva" and "Shakti" or

consciousness and energy, personified as male and female forces of

nature.

Shiva, the Destroyer, represents universal consciousness diffused

throughout the galaxies, while Shakti, the Divine Mother, is the

power swinging in a celestial dance, between energy and matter,

giving birth to all creation, both tangible and transcendent.

 

Unfortunately, a large number of tantrik enthusiasts mistakenly

identify tantra as the yoga of sex, black magic, witchcraft,

seduction, and an amalgam of techniques for influencing the minds of

others.

 

 

 

The Main Centres of Tantra in India

Source: Free Press Journal

The followers of the tantra path attach more significance to some

particular Hindu temples. In some of these temples "bali" or

ceremonial sacrifice of animals is carried out even today, while in

others, like the Mahakaal temple of Ujjain, ashes of the dead are

used in the "aarti" rituals. Here are a few well-known tantrik

pilgrimages or "Shakti Peethas". Kamakhya Temple, Assam is also an

important pilgrimage place for people interested in performing

tantrik rituals. Recently, the King Gyanendra of Nepal visited this

temple while touring India and offer animal sacrifice. Of course

animal rights activists opposed this sacrifice, but the government

did nothing to stop the King performing sacrifice.

 

Kamakhya Temple, Assam:

 

Kamakhya is at the center of the widely practiced, powerful tantrik

cult in India. It is situated in the northeastern state of Assam,

atop the Nilachal Hill. It is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas of

Goddess Durga. Legend has it that Kamakhya came into existence when

Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of his wife Sati, and her "yoni"

(female genitalia) fell to the ground at the spot where the temple

now stands.

 

The temple is a natural cave with a spring. Down a flight of steps

to the bowel of earth, is located a dark, mysterious chamber. Here,

draped with a silk sari and covered with flowers, is kept the "matra

yoni".

 

At Kamakhya, tantrik Hinduism has been nurtured by generations of

tantrik priests down the centuries. Britishers have noted about

rituals of human sacrifice made in the temple. But insider says that

the practice was stopped some 75 years ago.

The Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain:

 

The Mahakaleswar Temple is another famous tantrik center of Ujjain.

A flight of steps leads down to the sanctum sanctorum that houses

the Shiva lingam. Several impressive ceremonies are held here during

the day. However, for tantriks, it is the first ceremony of the day

that is of particular interest. Their attention is focused on

the 'bhasm aarti'-the only one of its kind in the world.

 

It is said that the ash with which the Shiva lingam is 'bathed'

every morning must be that of a corpse that has been cremated the

day before. If no cremation has taken place at Ujjain, then the ash

must be obtained at all costs from the nearest cremation ground.

 

However, the temple authorities assert that though it was once

customary for the ash to belong to a 'fresh' corpse, the practice

had long been discontinued. Whatever the truth, pilgrims travel long

distances to watch the bhasm aarti. The belief goes that those who

are fortunate to watch this ritual will never die a premature death.