The role of the tantra teacher in learning tantra and the benefit of its practice is indisputable. In fact, certain types of knowledge can be acquired from books and the Internet; however, the vital spiritual aspects and nuances of tantric practice must be taught by experts. The authentic tantric master has obtained his knowledge from his own spiritual guide and is obliged to pass it on.

In ancient Indian tradition, the link between the ‘guru’ (teacher or spiritual guide) and ‘shishya’ (seeker) is sacred and even mystical. At the beginning of the relationship between a tantra teacher and the tantric seeker, a psychic reaction takes place that reads the seeker’s mind and makes it fertile for instruction. The tantra teacher removes all obstacles of doubt, false beliefs and presuppositions from the mind of his student. He then proceeds to impart instructions in a manner and at a pace that ensures that the teachings are fully understood.

Receiving tantric instructions from a qualified tantra teacher ensures that the transfer of spiritual knowledge occurs optimally and efficiently. Unlike trying to learn the tantric arts from books, there is no room for error in the guru-shishya relationship. The Scriptures are expertly explained and their context in the student’s personal life is made crystal clear. There is no room for misinterpretation.

Those who attempt to learn the spiritual concepts and premises of ancient tantra without such expert guidance will soon find themselves discouraged and in a state of spiritual confusion, stagnation, and eventually regression.

While it is true that the spiritual seeker should seek the guru, it is also true that the guru will decide whether or not to accept the seeker. Obviously, a tantra teacher will not discriminate in the choice of his students based on gender, religion, creed or any existing spiritual beliefs. However, no bona fide tantric master will accept would-be students whose focus cannot rise from primitive thrill-seeking. This is because tantra is a spiritual science and cannot be taught or learned outside of a firm spiritual framework.

For every seeker, it is important to first understand the fundamental process of spiritual growth. At first a burning desire for knowledge and spiritual evolution is enough. The student can also acquire basic knowledge of the tantric path from books or blogs. However, once the desire and basic knowledge are acquired, the shishya cannot progress without a guru. The guru will then proceed to help the shishya negotiate the path to spiritual growth.