There are many spiritual practices that inspire fear in the ignorant. Tantra is one. Tantra is a path to acquire divine faculties by activating various dormant vital glands and chakras in the astral form of the practitioner. Great sages are known to be able to free themselves of their physical body through tantra even while alive. Guru Gorakhnath was a respected tantrik who used the science for the good of society and his disciples. The difference between tantra and mantra is that the latter is a prayer to a deity for help. It’s not a given that the mantra will succeed. But with Tantra, the god or goddess is compelled to listen.
The sadhana methods in Tantra and Mantra may appear similar, yet Tantra has power that makes the divine listen to the sadhak. There is a reason for this.
The harnessing of nature’s continuous atomic and particle process is called Siddhi. The Siddha is said to be able to influence nature since he has become one with it. This is the essence of Tantra.
The tantrik is both feared and maligned, given the image of a person who visits crematoriums and does unspeakable things. To an extent this is true: in Tantra the left side of the astral body contains negative chakra effects while the right side is awakened by the perfect tantrik who seeks divine attainment by harnessing cosmic energy. The left side represents pain, suffering and sensuality and the evil tantrik can cause harm to others by using it, while in the end, suffering the ill-effects of what he has done.
The true practitioner of Tantra has to cultivate the power from within, fearlessness as well as elevation of inner consciousness are absolutely essential because in this sadhana, the power is to be evolved from within.
Ancient Hindu scriptures emphasise that tantrik methods are shrouded in secrecy. Why? Real Tantra can only be practiced under the guidance of a perfect guru, who imparts his learnings in confidence to chosen disciples: only those who deserve it. All forces in nature is subject to the Newtonian law of the equal and opposite reaction. Only those who have the fearlessness and strength to face naked power should pursue Tantra’s path; because Tantra is about learning to control the force of nature, which in its elemental form is quite untamed and terrifying. So, once a tantrik sadhak begins the irreversible process of beginning that endeavour, he has to be guided by the ideal guru. He will do so only after knowing his disciple’s capacities, personality and suitability completely. The true guru has to be completely convinced his chela will not misuse the art. This is the reason, why unlike mantras, bookish knowledge can never reveal the full science of Tantra.
This mystery, misused by many fraudulent gurus to achieve their low ends, has brought disrepute to this pure, powerful science, especially after Baba Gorakhnath attained samadhi. The false tantrik started offering remedies for the troubles of those who approached him, irrespective of the merits of the plea. As a result, Tantra came to be identified with black magic by the common man, who shunned Tantra as a vile and dangerous practice. The cultural desecration of India by the Mughals and the British also destroyed true knowledge of Tantra.
Tantra is basically the science of universal energy, and hence an occult science. Apart from influencing material forces, the perfect tantrik is said to be able to control the planets, remove negativity and banish evil. Ravana was a great tantrik guru. Tantra has a wide canvas that includes vashikaran (power to attract), maran (power to destroy), ucchattan (confuse the enemy), mesmerism, and divine vision.
Tantra is highly relevant in modern life. Those who find a true tantrik guru can discover the path of universal control and self surrender. Since it is about regenerating inner faculties than acquiring power from outside agencies, it is easier to direct karma. Its benefit is that even if the practitioner doesn’t succeed the first time, he can start all over. But without guidance from the right guru, Tantra can be a dangerous science.
