Mysteries and Practice of Hindu Tantra

THE INDIAN TANTRAS, of which there are many, form the Shastra (Book) of the Kali yuga, and are the vast source of current and practical orthodox "Hinduism". The Tantra Shastra, in fact, or whatever its historical origin, is a development of the vaidika karmakanda(initial portion of Vedas), which was created to serve the needs of the Kali Yuga. Siva says, For the benefit of men in the Kali Yuga(dark age), who are without energy and dependent on food for existence, the doctrine of Kaula is given to them, O auspicious ones! To the Tantra, we must look if we understand both ritual, yoga and sadhana, as well as the general principles for which these practices are only the objective expression.

However, out of all the types of Hindu Shastra, the Tantra is the one that is least familiar and comprehended. This is partly because its subject matter is complex and because the essential understanding of its terminology and method resides with the initiated individuals. This particular Tantra is popular and respected, especially among those who support "reformed" Hinduism. However, it may not be as highly regarded among some Tantrikas who believe that certain aspects of it show unnecessary cautiousness. The former group admires it because of its noble presentation of the worship of the Supreme Brahman, and because they believe that some of its passages strongly discourage traditional religious rituals. Such belief is completely erroneous, regardless of the argument that "if someone has faith in the core, they have no need for the peripherals." This can be easily understood by anyone who reads the text. It has been stated that the knowledge of Brahman expands in a pure heart, and once this understanding is attained, there is no ignorance of what needs to be done and what not to be done. However, this statement assumes that one has already achieved Brahmajñana. The Shastra explains that Brahmajñana can be achieved not through philosophical debates or simple prayers, as practiced in Protestant Christian worship systems, but through the Sadhana, which is the main focus of the Shastra.