Introduction to different Tantrik traditions | Foundation of Tantra (Part 1)

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🙏 Jai Maa, Jai Gurudev! 🌟

After completing our voyage on Panchmakar, we thought of embarking on a series of blogs to delve into an important Sri Vidya text called Bhavnopnishad. But before diving into Bhavnopnishad, it’s crucial to understand the basics of Tantra & Sri Vidya. Hence, I will share blogs to educate the readers about the science, history, and practice of Tantra. 📚

What is Tantra?

Sometimes, there’s a stark contrast between the actual meaning of a word and the connotations it carries. Tantra is a prime example of this disparity. Popularly, anything related to occult practices, witchcraft, and black magic is labeled as Tantra, and those who practice them are dubbed Tantriks. 🧙‍♂️🌑

However, the truth about Tantra is quite different from this belief. Etymologically, Tantra is derived from the root “Tan (तन),” meaning to spread, and also from the word “tantri,” meaning knowledge. “Tanyate vistraryate gyanam iti tantra (तान्यते विस्तार्यते ज्ञानं इति तन्त्र)” encapsulates its essence — the scriptures through which knowledge is disseminated are called Tantra. 📜✨

1. What we call Sankhya yoga, Shankaracharya refers to as Tantra in Sankhya Karika (Ref Karika 70). Since it spreads knowledge, it falls into that category.
2. The Kamika Agam defines Tantra as that which expounds profound matters concerning Tattva and Mantra. “Tanoti vipulan arthan tattva mantra samanvitam” (तनोति विपुलान् अर्थान् तत्त्व मन्त्र समन्वितम्)।
3. Tattva refers to the science of cosmic principles, and Mantra refers to the science of mystic sound. Tantra is therefore the application of this science to attain self-realization.
4. The term Tantra also translates to “system.” For example, you may be familiar with Loktantra and Gantantra, which refer to the democratic governance system controlled by ordinary people residing in the country. 🌐📚

Considering all the above points, we can conclude that Tantra refers to different systems or a science in spirituality that one can leverage to attain self-realization. 🧘‍♂️🔬

Tantra in spiritual context specifically refers to a system which leverages power of Yantra, sound (Mantra) and certain practices both internal and external to attain self-realisation.

It is a complex spiritual and philosophical tradition that originated in ancient India, and it encompasses a wide range of practices aimed at spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Broadly there spiritual practices in Hindu culture can be classified into two traditions. One is Tantrik and another one in Vedic. While these two traditions are interconnected streams of spirituality, but they seem to be at crossroads with each other at times.

Similarities in Tantrik and Vedic traditions

1. Both traditions share the primary goal of attaining self-realization, yet they can also be utilized for the fulfillment of material desires. 🌟
2. Dating back to time immemorial, both traditions originate from the divine themselves. 🕊️
3. Initially, both traditions emphasized a moral code of conduct. 📜
4. In both traditions, the role of a Guru is instrumental for spiritual growth.
5. Both traditions harness the power of Yagnas, mantras, meditative practices, and divine worship to pursue spiritual as well as material aspirations. 🌟🕯️However the rituals, and methodologies might be slightly different.
6. Both traditions place utmost importance on learning Bhagwat Geeta.

Differences in Tantrik and Vedic traditions

While at the core both these traditions are interwined and share the same foundations there are some key differences that are worth mentioning:

1. The most significant difference between Tantra and Vedic traditions lies in the prominence of female Gurus. In Tantric traditions, a female Guru holds much greater importance than a male Guru. Tantric practices highly revere women, as evidenced in sacred texts like Kularnav Tantra and Tripura Rahasya, where women are elevated to a revered pedestal. 🌺💫 In contrast, Vedic literature and practices often appear patriarchal, with strict rules for women in terms of spiritual practices and daily conduct. Tantra, on the other hand, provides women with more freedom in spiritual exploration. 🧘‍♀️🕊️
2. Another notable distinction is the inclusivity of Tantric traditions. Vedic practices are typically reserved for certain varnas and require a threshold of purity. In contrast, Tantra welcomes everyone with open arms. For instance, individuals who have faced struggles and fallen many times due to their past tendencies, Tamasik and Rajasik nature may not be accepted by a Vedic Guru, but Tantra offers specific branches (Vamachaar) designed to guide such individuals towards experiencing divinity. 🤝🌟 And for the ones who are already Satvik in nature they can go via Samyachaar ( Pure Satvik Tantra as propagated by Adi Guru Shankaracharya)

Different types of Tantrik Traditions

Now that we broadly understand the difference and similarities between the Tantrik and Vedic traditions lets understand the classifications of Tantrik traditions. There are typically five branches of Tantric systems based on their primary deity:

1. Shakta Tantra: Devoted to the worship of the divine feminine, represented by goddesses such as Kali, Durga, or Tripura Sundari.
2. Shaiva Tantra: Centered around the worship of Bhagwan Shiva, often emphasizing his dual aspects of masculine and feminine energies, represented by Shiva and Shakti.
3. Vaishnava Tantra: Focused on the worship of Bhagwan Vishnu and his avatars, with emphasis on devotion and surrender to the divine.
4. Ganapatya Tantra: Revering Bhagwan Ganesha as the primary deity, seeking his blessings for the removal of obstacles and success in endeavors.
5. Saura Tantra: Centered on the worship of the sun god, Surya, as the supreme deity, emphasizing the importance of light, energy, and enlightenment.

Among these, the Shakta Tantra, which worships the divine feminine in various forms such as Kali, Durga, and Tripura Sundari, is often considered one of the most popular Tantrik traditions.

The worship of the goddess is deeply rooted in Hindu culture and spirituality, and Shakta Tantra has a widespread following, particularly in India and other regions influenced by Hinduism. The reverence for the divine feminine and the exploration of Shakti the primordial cosmic energy, are central themes in Shakta Tantra.

In Shakt traditions Shakti is often depicted as a goddess, and she is revered as the creative and nurturing force of the universe.

Different types of Shakt traditions

Now let’s understand the internal classification of Shakt Tantra. There are many internal divisions in Shakt Tantrik traditions but primarily there are four branches based on their approach, rules, and rituals:

Vamachara (Left-Hand Path):

1. This path is specifically designed the fallen souls with animalistic streaks and highly tamsik nature.
2. This path is characterized by unconventional practices that may include the use of taboo substances, ritualized sexuality, and other practices considered non-conventional.
3. It’s important to note that this path is not a license for free sex and unlimited booze. It is a methodological approach to be practiced under a Guru to come out of those animalistic tendencies and attain the purity essential for self-realisation.

Dakshinachara (Right-Hand Path):

1. Dakshinachara refers to the orthodox or traditional approach within Shakta traditions.
2. It emphasizes purity, adherence to scriptural injunctions, and conventional practices such as puja (ritual worship), mantra recitation, and meditation.
3. This path typically avoids the more unconventional practices associated with Vamachaar.
4. Dakshinachaar focuses on spiritual progress through disciplined adherence to prescribed rituals and moral conduct, often under the guidance of a guru.

Samayachaar (Path of Tradition):

1. Samayachaar involves internal worship only. The elaborate external rituals related to Puja are not followed in Samaychaar.
2. Samayachaar follows internal practices and rituals as prescribed by the scriptures and lineage. The lineage is of utmost importance in Samayachaar.
3. It emphasizes adherence to established codes of conduct, and spiritual disciplines as handed down by the lineage or guru.
4. They treat the body of the aspirant with shat-cakras as the real Sri-Yantra. This is exactly where the Bhavanopnishad comes into picture. Bhavanopnishad also describes the human body as a Sri Yantra and related meditation practices. We will cover it in detail once we have understood the basics of Tantra and Sri Vidya.
5. Samayachaar texts are Vashishta-samhita, Sanaka-samhita, Suka-samhita, Sanandana-samhita and Sanatkumara-samhita, also known as the shubha-Agama-Panchaka.

Difference between Samayachaar and Dakshinachaar

Dakshinachaar and Samayachaar

In Samayachara, practitioners typically follow rituals and practices as prescribed within their specific lineage or guru parampara (lineage of gurus). This means that the rituals and teachings passed down within the lineage are adhered to without deviation. The emphasis is on maintaining the integrity of the tradition as transmitted by the lineage.

In contrast, Dakshinachara practitioners may have more flexibility in accessing and interpreting scriptures directly. While guidance from a guru is still valued and often sought after, individuals within Dakshinachara may have the autonomy to refer to scriptures and engage in practices based on their personal understanding and interpretation. This approach allows for a broader engagement with textual sources and may accommodate varying levels of spiritual development and understanding among practitioners.

In summary, while both paths emphasize adherence to tradition and spiritual practices, Samayachara places greater emphasis on following the specific rituals and teachings passed down within the lineage, whereas Dakshinachara may allow for more individual interpretation and engagement with scriptures.

While both Samayachaar and Dakshinachaar emphasize tradition and adherence to spiritual practices, Samayachara places greater emphasis on lineage authority and transmission of teachings, while Dakshinachaar prioritizes adherence to scriptural injunctions and conventional practices.

This is a quick crash course on meaning of Tantra and its traditions. Since, we are focused on Shakt Tantra in upcoming blogs, we will learn more about different elements of worship in Shakt traditions, Dash Mahavidya and an introduction to Sri Vidya. One needs to build this foundation in Tantra and before we move to complex topics like Bhavanopnishad.

Until we meet again

I will be starting another series on simplified explanations on Bhavanopanishad with practical meditation tips soon. Follow my profile for updates! If you want to connect with me reach out via any of the following channels:

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🕉️Jai Gurudev, Jai Maa, Har Har Mahadev! 🕉️