To seek the ultimate bliss, Shakti worshippers (or Shaktas)
follow a system of beliefs and practices in Tantra. Maya or illusion separates
opposites like male and female. On reaching this ultimate bliss, the sadhaka
(spiritual seeker) experiences the ultimate joy of the union with the creator
within oneself.
‘Shakti’ is present
inside one self in the microcosmic level. When aroused, this energy reaches the
Supreme Energy or the Macrocosm. Thus microcosm merges with macrocosm to form a
continuous field of energy, the cosmic consciousness. The Sanskrit word
‘Tantra’ also means ‘continuity’
This indivisible energy is called Parashakthi. Thus shakti
puja is performed to invoke the flow of energy and awaken the spirit within.
This can be done by Tantric or Vedic rituals.
There are different disciplines in Tantra. Normal practice
comprises meditation or yoga; visualization of the deity; chanting of sacred
hymns; and use of yantras or mystic symbols. Tantra also focuses on the
awakening of the inherent energy
patterns in an individual
Dakshina Marga (right hand Path) and Vama Marga (Left hand path) are the
different schools of practices of Tantra.
As in yoga, Tantra also focuses on the awakening of the
inherent energy which lies coiled like a serpent. This inherent energy is
called ‘Kundalini’. The Kundalini then travels upwards through a path in the
spinal column called ‘Sushumna’. En-route, it passes through psychic centers of
consciousness or ‘Chakras’.
These chakras are:
Muladhara at the base
of the spine from where Kundalini starts its upward journey.
Svadhisthana: charka
associated with reproductive organs.
Manipura: manifested
as action, will, anger, laughter etc.
Anahata: at the
centre of the chest, Associated with giving and receiving love
Visudha: at the
larynx region. Governs your ability to communicate.
Ajna: Referred to as
third eye. Located between your eyebrows, associated with wisdom ,sixth sense and ESP
Sahasrara: in the
crown governing the pineal gland. This is yet to be recognized in modern
medicine. This is the connecting point to the absolute Supreme when one is in a
trance (having reached ‘Samadhi’). True realization of the infinite bliss is
there only when a person experiences illumination in all planes, even in the
lowest.
Sri Lalitha Sahasranama
is eloquent on the flow of
kundalini through these chakras as given below.
“Muladharaika nilayaa
Brahma grandhi vibhedhini,
Manipurandarudita
Vishnu grandhi vibhedhini,
Ajna
chakrandaralastha Rudra grandhi vibhedini
Sahasrarambujaruda
sudha sarabhivarshini
Tatillathaa samaruchi
shatchakropari samsthithaa
Mahashakthi kundalini
bisatantu taneeyasee”
Shaktheyam is thus a
method to channel great energy (or Kunadalini) properly for spiritual &
material gains. However, Shakti Puja in Tantra can be dangerous if not
practiced properly and under the strict guidance of a competent guru as it
encompasses some other secret rituals too.
Austere discipline and
moral conduct are important factors of Tantra practice which calls for
extensive meditative practice.
by
Guruji Sri Nadanta Aananda Natha
