How do we define 'Classical Tantra'? When and how did Tantra become something different from 'Classical Tantra'?
Much of Tantra today could be labelled 'modern Tantra', or 'neo-Tantra', or 'California Tantra' as Georg Fueurstein (Tantric practitioner, scholar and author of several books on Tantra) named it.
Osho himself named his well-known adaptation of Tantra 'neo-Tantra'.
Much of what is now taught as Tantra comes from this stream.
Much of modern Tantra also combines elements of Reichian therapy and Taoist practice.
These are interesting innovations and syntheses, which can be very helpful for breaking down our conditioning.
However, the way they are presented usually points away from the goal of classical Tantra... instead of inviting us to ultimate Liberation - to Moskha - to a dissolution of of ALL of our conditioning (the goal of Laya Yoga, another name for Kundalini Tantra), they point instead only to the attainment of increased well-being and pleasure by dissolving some of our blocks to sexual intimacy and pleasure.
As beautiful as this is, it can still leave us in the same pattern as we lived before - the never-ending search for genuine, lasting fulfilment and for Divine Communion.
If we don't find what we ultimately truly desire, then our experience of this kind of Tantra will simply be frivolous and addictive.
So what came before 'modern Tantra'? And can it still be found today?
It seems to me that few teachers today are transmitting Tantra clearly, giving a context for their practices that can enable people to go beyond the pleasure-seeking, and to experience a deeper fulfilment through Divine Communion.
If we are willing to go beyond pleasure-seeking and to dive into the infinite beyond our conditioning, while dedicating ourselves to a path that involves self-discipline, then we may find ourselves able to take on the practice of Kriya Yoga.
Kriya Yoga is taught in many forms. It is also known as Kriya Kundalini Yoga, or Kundalini Tantra.
Many of these teachings are still given in the traditional form of guru-diksha - or personal initiation by a guru, consisting also of Shaktipat (a transmission of awakening energy).
The guru relationship can be challenging and confusing to a western ego (as well as to a sincere but 'half-baked' guru).
It is one of the great mysteries of spirituality.
There are great benefits in finding a truly dedicated and selfless guru.
However, we should also cultivate trust in the inner guidance, and trust in life.
See the article about Kundalini and the Guru by clicking here.
BOOKS:
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Classical Tantra
The Sakta Upanisads
Adyar Library and Research Centre
Gems From the Tantras (Kularnava)
Compiled by M. P. Pandit
Classical Kundalini Tantra of Tamil Nadu and Saiva Siddhanta
Tirumantiram, by Tirumular
Babaji's Kriya Yoga Publications
The Yoga of the 18 Siddhas - An Anthology
Edited by T. N. Ganapathy
Published by Babaji's Kriya Yoga Publications.
The Yoga of Siddha Boganathar
Translations and commentary by T. N. Ganapathy
Babaji's Kriya Yoga Publications
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More coming soon.
==============
Receive Tantra articles, news about events, links to free classes (pre-recorded audio, video or live online seminars), etc. by sending an email to:
===========================
registration@inspirationtantra.com
===========================
You can just write in the title: 'Resources'.
Much of Tantra today could be labelled 'modern Tantra', or 'neo-Tantra', or 'California Tantra' as Georg Fueurstein (Tantric practitioner, scholar and author of several books on Tantra) named it.
Osho himself named his well-known adaptation of Tantra 'neo-Tantra'.
Much of what is now taught as Tantra comes from this stream.
Much of modern Tantra also combines elements of Reichian therapy and Taoist practice.
These are interesting innovations and syntheses, which can be very helpful for breaking down our conditioning.
However, the way they are presented usually points away from the goal of classical Tantra... instead of inviting us to ultimate Liberation - to Moskha - to a dissolution of of ALL of our conditioning (the goal of Laya Yoga, another name for Kundalini Tantra), they point instead only to the attainment of increased well-being and pleasure by dissolving some of our blocks to sexual intimacy and pleasure.
As beautiful as this is, it can still leave us in the same pattern as we lived before - the never-ending search for genuine, lasting fulfilment and for Divine Communion.
If we don't find what we ultimately truly desire, then our experience of this kind of Tantra will simply be frivolous and addictive.
So what came before 'modern Tantra'? And can it still be found today?
It seems to me that few teachers today are transmitting Tantra clearly, giving a context for their practices that can enable people to go beyond the pleasure-seeking, and to experience a deeper fulfilment through Divine Communion.
If we are willing to go beyond pleasure-seeking and to dive into the infinite beyond our conditioning, while dedicating ourselves to a path that involves self-discipline, then we may find ourselves able to take on the practice of Kriya Yoga.
Kriya Yoga is taught in many forms. It is also known as Kriya Kundalini Yoga, or Kundalini Tantra.
Many of these teachings are still given in the traditional form of guru-diksha - or personal initiation by a guru, consisting also of Shaktipat (a transmission of awakening energy).
The guru relationship can be challenging and confusing to a western ego (as well as to a sincere but 'half-baked' guru).
It is one of the great mysteries of spirituality.
There are great benefits in finding a truly dedicated and selfless guru.
However, we should also cultivate trust in the inner guidance, and trust in life.
See the article about Kundalini and the Guru by clicking here.
BOOKS:
================================================
Classical Tantra
The Sakta Upanisads
Adyar Library and Research Centre
Gems From the Tantras (Kularnava)
Compiled by M. P. Pandit
Tirumantiram, by Tirumular
Babaji's Kriya Yoga Publications
The Yoga of the 18 Siddhas - An Anthology
Edited by T. N. Ganapathy
Published by Babaji's Kriya Yoga Publications.
The Yoga of Siddha Boganathar
Translations and commentary by T. N. Ganapathy
Babaji's Kriya Yoga Publications
"To attain liberation, direct the prana to the cakras
Where the supreme coiled snake [Kundalini-sakti] is the guru
Whose sublime wisdom will remove and snatch away misery;
The great auspicious secretions trickling down
will give peace of mind [samadhi]."
This quotation is based on T. N. Ganapathy's translation of verse 3 from Samadhi Dikshai (The Initiation Into Samadhi) by Siddha Boganathar.
==================================
==============
More coming soon.
==============
Receive Tantra articles, news about events, links to free classes (pre-recorded audio, video or live online seminars), etc. by sending an email to:
===========================
registration@inspirationtantra.com
===========================
You can just write in the title: 'Resources'.
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