What Is Tantra Yoga And How To Begin It
The Sanskrit word Tantra means control. This means that the practitioner gets control of his life as Tantra Yoga constitutes certain techniques and methods that give him that control. The practice of Tantra Yoga aims at sublimating relative reality rather than negating it.
By and large, Tantrics, which is what Tantra Yogis are called, understand life on multiple levels. The male and female practitioners believe they are conjoined physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and represent Shiva, the male, and Shakti, the female, principles of life. In Tantra Yoga, physical action leads to mental activity and then, union on all possible levels. These days, unfortunately, Tantra Yoga is grossly misunderstood. People tend to see just one aspect of it and miss the all-important inner meaning.
If you seriously wish to study Tantra Yoga, you should adopt 3 basic attitudes. First, an attitude of I-know-not; this will help you to remain meek and humble and keep those great expectations at bay. Secondly, mental determination and strong will power are very important in Tantra Yoga. These will see you through, even in the event of unforeseen difficulties, trials and tribulations. The third attitude is that of integrity with yourself and with society at large. You must however seek the help of an experienced teacher to help you cultivate all three, particularly with the last.
The basic initial steps of Tantra Yoga are as follows. Firstly, you should begin the regular personal practice of asanas or Yoga poses, pranayama or breathing exercises, and meditation. You should also start serious scriptural studies and pay more and attention to Tantra Yoga ethics. Only an experienced teacher will be able to help you here. Finally, without making enough time for a contemplative life you will have little hope of spiritual development in Tantra Yoga. Wishful thinking devoid of any real effort will get you nowhere.
The second important thing to do is to surround your self with the right people. You will, slowly have to reduce and even abandon the company of people who are not dedicated to ethical, moral and spiritual growth, who will just consume your mental and emotional energies.
Thirdly, but most importantly, is finding the right Guru (teacher). He or she does not have to be perfect. The teacher should have adequate knowledge, training, and the right discipline to be able to guide you on the right path and provide guidance with your practices until such time as you are self-directed and are able to progress on your own.
