Have you ever seen anyone praying his or her own portrait? You may think it's
preposterous, but what about those few who do not believe in God and instead
consider the physical self as the Supreme Reality? Here's a peek into the wild
world of Tantrism.
Satifying the Self
There are some ancient Hindu texts, which emphasize the exaltation of the
physical self more than anything else. The concept that arises out of this kind
of devotion to self, forms the basis of what is known as tantra, and the followers
of this 'crude side' of Hinduism are called tantrics. These people not only
glorify the physical body but also go to any extent to satisfy the self to attain
occult powers. Tantrism entails the antinomianistic or immoral way of gaining
uncanny powers. According to Tantrism, it is through bhoga or satisfying
desires that man can gain salvation, and he must do anything that he wishes
to do, particularly those that are regarded sinful.
Origin of Tantrism
There are many disputes about its origins. Some observe that the Pre-Aryan Indians
could have been the originators, others ascribe it to the tradition of primitive
people. Whatever its remote origins may be, historically it can be dated about
the time of the rise of Buddhism, because the later Buddhists adopted some of
the Tantric symbols and have grown as a sect. Today, tantra is not practised
widely in India, and survives mostly in the far northeast, amid the jungles
and foothills of the Himalayas.
Life of a Tantric Sadhaka
A sadhaka, or person performing tantric acts, lives a simple life,
practices yoga and meditates in the quiet of the countryside, far away from
the madding crowd. He is distinguished by his saffron robe and begging bowl,
or in some cases he might go stark naked! He sells charms, amulets, 'magical'
medicines and herbs. He sometimes gathers together with other sadhus to form
vast processions during religious festivals. So much for the brighter side of
a tantric. The darker half involves taking drugs, inflicting austerities upon
himself, or doing certain things that outrage morality.
Tantra Teachings
Tantras, like the Vedas, are collections of verses suggesting elaborate
directions for the right way to worship. They are generally esoteric, mystical
teachings addressed to the sadhakas. Sex and the various postures of
love-making form an important tenet of tantrism. There is an adolescent fascination
about breaking the sexual code with women. Using obscene words, visiting prostitutes
or seducing another man's wife is held conducive to acquisition of uncommon
powers.
Kundalini: Serpent Power
Another way to acquire siddhi or occult powers, is by practising Kundalini
or 'serpent power'. According to the tantric texts, a serpent lies in our crotch,
extending to the rectum. To awaken it, one must perform certain yoga, which
will gradually arouse it. Practising Kundalini uncoils the serpent and releases
vast energy, which proceeds up our spine like hot liquid. The skin burns, we
sweat and experience a stinging sensation. The siddhi attained through this
method can be so powerful that it may destroy the person if not controlled.
Kundalini rises and when it reaches its limit, there is complete bliss. And
once the sadhaka reaches this goal he becomes a sadhu or sage.
Shri Gorakhnath
According to some legends all kinds of bhoga conglomerated in the
person of Gorakhnath, a tantric of the eleventh century, who worked with both
good and evil to gain magical powers. Also called Ghor Nath (from ghor, filth)
or the 'Lord of Filth', because, as say legends, God created Gorakhnath from
the sweat of his breast, Gorakhnath is often credited as being the founder of
Kundalini Yoga and Hatha Yoga, and has many followers in India and Nepal.
