The word Tantra tends to evoke visions of complicated sexual practices and techniques. However, as any tantra teacher will tell you, it is actually a complete philosophy, science and way of life in itself. The ancient Indian sages studied both humanity and Nature and formulated this system so that men and women could synchronize their bodies and souls with Nature.
Ancient tantra involves various rituals and techniques. However, in order to practice the tantric arts, the student of tantra must first attain the spirit of sadhana. The Sanskrit word sadhana means ‘the path to the achievement (of a desired goal)’. The spiritual practice and the attitude of sadhana require the student to renounce and transcend her ego, with the goal of spiritual awakening. It requires meditation, chanting of intonations and spiritual invocations (mantras) and worship of the deity.
In tantra, worship takes the form of ‘puja’, which is nothing more than a systematic ritual of worship. The student of the tantric arts learns to approach the instructional process of a tantra teacher with an attitude of worship. In the sexual aspects of this ancient science, he or she also learns to regard the intimate partner as an object of worship (deity). As a result, all relationships of the tantric student undergo a profound transformation.
Ancient tantra is not aligned with any religion. It is an independent spiritual science that embraces the wholesomeness inherent in all religions while rejecting their rigid prejudices and repressive teachings. This is because tantra is about liberation: of the body, of the spirit and of the mind.
In the course of practicing tantric arts with a tantra teacher, the student experiences a meeting of Shiva and Shakti. Shiva is the tantra god par excellence and Shakti the tantra goddess. Between them the whole dance of life takes place. Any division between the two in the life of a person and a couple causes spiritual and emotional imbalances.
Through specific tantra pujas or worship rituals, the student comes into contact with both Shiva and Shakti. These two deities must dominate all aspects of intimacy between two human beings. Only then can an intimate relationship be reborn and rise to its fullest divine potential.
At all times, the tantra teacher acts as a conduit of knowledge and spiritual catharsis. His function is to instruct and mold his students through rituals and techniques that will set them free. As such, there is no substitute for an accomplished tantric teacher guiding individuals and couples through the process of spiritual awakening and evolution.
