What is “Tantra”?
Any principle, system, method, tool, technique, or practice that is comprehensively and systematically presented is referred to as Tantra.
The term “Tantra” is highly sacred and has many meanings in Sanskrit literature. According to our Vedic texts, the entire science of Tantra is broadly divided into five main categories:
- Vaishnava Tantra: Related to the worship of Vishnu/Narayana.
- Saura Tantra: Related to the worship of the Sun.
- Ganapatya Tantra: Related to the worship of Ganesha.
- Shaiva Tantra: Related to the worship of Shiva.
- Shakta Tantra: Related to the worship of the Goddess.
“Tantra”: Ancient Origins and Evolution
The term “Tantra” was first used in the Rigveda (10.71.9). Subsequently, this term appeared in the Samaveda, Atharvaveda, and Yajurveda (Taittiriya Brahmana). The sage Panini also defined the word “Tantra” in his Ashtadhyayi (1.4.54 and 5.2.70). Other texts, such as the “Shatapatha Brahmana” and the sage Chanakya’s Arthashastra, also utilize this term in their compositions. Additionally, the writings of Shri Banabhatta feature this word.
“The true essence of “Tantra” is found in the literature of tantric scholars such as Shri Abhinavagupta ji, Acharya Lakshmidhara ji, and Great Guru Shri Bhaskararaya ji and our Adi Guru Shri Shakaracharyaji.”
However, as Western authors translated our texts into English, the word “Tantra” gradually lost its divine connotations among the general public.
Shakta Darshan
“अथातो शक्तिजिज्ञासा” – “Now we seek the Supreme Power.”
This first sutra of the Shakti Sutra, written by Sage Shri Agastya, is profoundly meaningful. It is a call to action, a starting point, a direction, and a journey. It is also the fundamental basis of the entire Shakta philosophy. Here, “Shakti” primarily refers to ” Matruka Shakti,” the Great Power, by whose grace Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, the Vasus, Adityas, and all other deities remain engaged in their respective duties. Verses 5, 6, and 7 of the Devi Atharvashirsha elaborate on “Matruka Shakti.”
In the entire Shakta Darshan, the definition of “Shakti” is expanded on various levels. However, the complete understanding of this Great Power remains elusive. The primary reason for this can be seen in the following verse:
न मीमांसका नैव काणाद-तर्का
न सांख्या न योगा न वेदान्तवेदाः।
न देवा विदुस्ते निराकार-भावं
त्वमेका परब्रह्मरूपेण सिद्धा ॥
(गुह्यकाली स्तव – महाकाल संहिता)
सारांश:- हे माता! आपके रूप, स्वभाव, गुण, महिमा और कृपा को जानने के लिए कणाद (वैशेषिक दर्शन के लोग), बुद्धिवादी, ज्ञानी, सांख्यवादी, योगी, वेदांत, तंत्र मार्ग के विशेषज्ञ और ज्योतिष के विद्वान भी सक्षम नहीं हैं। क्योंकि, आप ब्रह्मस्वरूप हैं।
This verse from the Guhyakali Stava in the Mahakala Samhita highlights the unparalleled and ineffable nature of the Divine Mother, whom no philosophical system, logical reasoning, or scholarly inquiry can fully comprehend. She is the Supreme Brahman in her true form.
Shri Vidya: Timeless Knowledge
In the context of modern relevance, “अथातः शक्ति जिज्ञासा” reminds us of the enduring foundation of women’s empowerment. In today’s fast-paced world, Shri Vidya is rapidly gaining popularity because it provides easy solutions to the contemporary challenges and complexities of our modern lifestyle.
With increasing stress, anxiety, distractions, and ignorance of our ancient Vedic knowledge, people often struggle to find balance and fulfillment.
The lifestyle approach of Shri Vidya offers a path to resolve these issues, providing practical tools for inner peace, clarity, and resilience. It bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern life, helping individuals navigate their daily lives with a sense of purpose and tranquility.
The Primacy of Devi Worship in Hinduism
In all five major traditions of Hinduism, the worship of the Goddess (Devi) is considered supreme. The principal texts of Devi worship, such as the Devi Mahatmya, Devi Bhagavata Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Shakta Agamas, and Shakta Upanishads, all sing the glory of “Shri Vidya.”
“Shri Vidya” is the third of the ten Mahavidyas, also known as Shri Vidya or Mahashodashi Vidya. The principal deity of this Mahavidya is “Mata Lalita,” who is addressed by many names in various Shri Vidya traditions. Shri Vidya sadhana is the only supreme practice that not only grants the practitioner all material pleasures but also fulfills them with Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), and Moksha (liberation).
The Unique Advantage of Shri Vidya Sadhana
One of the greatest features of “Shri Vidya” sadhana is its ability to yield quick results. Even ordinary people, without making significant changes to their daily lives, can easily reap the benefits of this practice.
The literature on Shri Vidya is extensive and profound. The complete knowledge of Shri Vidya is not found in any single text. To uncover the secrets of Shri Vidya, one must engage in deep study of numerous scriptures.
Krama Diksha: A Transformative Spiritual Journey
Shri Vidya, being a Shakta Tantra, requires a highly disciplined approach to its practice. To acquire the knowledge of Shri Vidya and receive training in its various rituals, initiation by a qualified and capable Guru is a prerequisite.
Krama Diksha represents a transformative spiritual journey that aligns the practitioner with the profound wisdom and practices of Shri Vidya. This initiation process ensures that the practitioner receives the teachings in a structured and authentic manner, fostering spiritual growth and deeper understanding.
शिवशक्ति समारम्भाम् शंकराचार्य मध्यमाम्।
अस्मदाचार्य पर्यन्ताम् वंदे गुरु परम्पराम्॥
The knowledge of Shri Vidya is imparted to the practitioner through a method called “Krama Diksha,” which means step-by-step initiation. In Krama Diksha, the practitioner is trained in various mantras, protective chants (Kavach), tantric techniques, different Nyasas (ritual placements of deities on the body), Anushthanas (ritual observances), Kundalini and Chakra awakening, and the Shri Chakra Nava Avarana Puja (worship of the nine enclosures of Shri Chakra).
Each stage of Krama Diksha is a transformative experience. In Krama Diksha, the Guru trains the disciple to achieve mastery over various spiritual accomplishments and worldly attainments.
Just as a caterpillar sheds its cocoon and emerges as a magnificent butterfly, the practitioner of Shri Vidya progresses on the path of sadhana, achieving spiritual powers and advancing towards the realization of “Shri Mata.
Types of Shri Vidya Upasana:
Shri Vidya Upasana varies based on the initiation method (Diksha) and Guru lineage, but it can generally be understood in three main types:
1. Sthula Upasana (Gross Worship)
This type includes external rituals like the worship of Shri Yantra, cow worship (Gau Puja), and “Shri Vidya Homa” (sacrificial fire rituals).
2. Sukshma Upasana (Subtle Worship)
This involves subtle practices like various mantra sadhanas, ritual observances (Anushthanas), secret hymns (Gupta Stotras), offerings (Tarpan), and daily rituals.
3. Paropasana (Para Upasana)
This advanced form of worship can take many years to master. In this form, the practitioner internalizes all the deities of Shri Vidya and performs the rituals of each enclosure of the Shri Yantra within their own body.
At each stage, the practitioner delves deeper into the secrets of Shri Vidya. Each stage of Krama Diksha is a transformative experience. In Krama Diksha, the Guru trains the disciple to achieve mastery over various spiritual accomplishments and worldly attainments.
Content by: Shri Vidya Practitioners
