Black Tantra – What You Should Know

Black tantra is a lesser known sub-division of ancient tantra. Its rather ominous name derives from the fact that black tantra always concludes with orgasm and ejaculation in order to awaken consciousness, whereas tantra and its practices oppose any loss of sexual energy and favor spiritual pursuits (tantra sadhana).

Black tantra is about altering mental reality through a series of techniques, and it involves an advanced form of mental projection. As your tantra teacher will inform you, scriptures such as the ‘Virat Kaula Sutras’ state that the pursuit of orgasmic release can sometimes trigger cravings and suffering. In other words, black tantra may sometimes lead people further away from enlightenment rather than bringing them to it.

To prolong sexual intercourse with the sole objective of enjoying physical pleasure, without regard to achieving higher awareness, may lead one astray. The proper role of this offshoot of the ancient art is to help those who have fallen in this trap by engaging their subconscious creative power, which can be accessed during sexual arousal and eventually lead them to tantric ’samadhi’.

Some people erroneously consider the sexual side of tantra as ‘black tantra’. This is an example of the wide-spread ignorance surrounding the art of tantra, resulting in the general rejection of this esoteric variant as dangerous and unusable.

The art of tantra, which has been passed down from one tantra teacher to another in the ‘hands-on’ oral tradition, admonishes that we must never use energy to manipulate others. Rather, a practitioner should seek to experience an expansion of his or her higher consciousness, and to recognize the interconnectedness of existence.

Under the tutelage of an accomplished tantra teacher, the student learns to conserve and sublimate sexual energies. This is in stark contrast to black tantra, where the sexual energies are allowed to spill through into orgasm.

‘Rati Rahasyam’ states that tantra awakens consciousness to the absence of our desires, while black tantra awakens consciousness to our inner-most desires. In other words, this path can put one on a slippery slope towards ignorance, as it concludes with orgasm/ejaculation in order to awaken consciousness. However, it must not be seen as an aberrant offshoot of the original discipline. Rather, it worthwhile viewing it as a means to engage in profound love-making rites with deities via meditation. After years of such advanced practice, we begin to experience siddhis or supernatural powers that can help us on our journey to samadhi – or spiritual realization.

What emerges is that the practice of tantra or any of its variants without proper tutelage from a qualified tantra master can lead to much distress. There are no shortcuts, and every variant has its place in the overall scheme of things. However, only an accomplished tantra master can chart the journey for you for optimum spiritual benefit.

Acharya Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra Teacher with an in-depth knowledge of traditional Indian sciences and Sanskrit literature. Visit his tantra online guide to read more about Black Tantra, learn tantra exercises and tantric techniques from this young Tantra Master.

Tantra Yoga – Benefits and Prerequisites For Practice

Tantra Yoga is a much talked-about term, but what is it and what does it take to practice tantra yoga? Quite simply, it is a set of tantra exercises that harnesses extremely potent power for spiritual regeneration.

Because of this power, it lies at the fundaments of ancient tantra practice.Tantra yoga lays special emphasis on the development of the powers latent in our six chakras, from Muladhara to Ajna. It should be clarified here that tantra yoga is not concerned with sexuality, but with creative force and transmuting the energy of this force into higher channels.

This revered and highly efficacious form of tantra practice involves deep meditation, in which the student of tantra sits calmly and purifies the mind and heart of wayward thoughts and desires.Tantra yoga is a ritual path, and is often grossly misunderstood and wrongly practiced. The fact is that its practitioners must have purity, humility, devotion, courage, dedication to their tantra teacher, a deep understanding of cosmic love, faithfulness, contentment, dispassion, non-covetousness and honesty. This form of yoga is a process that can unfold one’s spiritual nature through the constant worship of the energy within, collectively known as Shakti.

Practiced diligently under the guidance of an accomplished tantra master, it brings about an awakening of the self.Tantra yoga does not limit itself to a particular branch of study – rather, it incorporates in it diverse elements which are linked by a unifying rule of Tantra Dharma. It aims to bring about consciousness in all states of human life – the conscious state, the waking state and the dream state. It is a path and practice that teaches the methods and ways by which we can discard intolerance, ignorance, selfishness and the animal instinct that lives in all of us.Tantra believes teaches us that the primary driving force behind the Universe isnothing but desire, and that desires are very natural for a soul residing in a human body.

Tantra yoga brings physical and mental cleansing through Pranayama (tantra breathing exercises) the visualization of energized energy vortexes (yantra) and deities, the repetition of mantras (energized sounds/words) etc. It is a holistic means of studying of the macrocosm from microcosmic point of view.When a student of tantra practices tantra yoga under a tantra teacher, he or she will soon be able to identify a wide range of factors that impact our thoughts and feelings. Regular practice of this most basic – and yet most powerful – manifestation of ancient tantra inculcates the contentedness, concentration and focus which are needed to release our consciousness from its inherent limitations.

In short – tantra states that desires are natural, and tantra yoga provides practical means and devices to reprogram our minds and desires so that they serve us, rather than the other way round.

Acharya Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra Teacher with an in-depth knowledge of traditional Indian sciences and Sanskrit literature. Visit his tantra online guide to read more about Tantra Yoga, learn tantra exercises and tantric techniques from this young Tantra Master.

Tantra Meditation To Re-Establish Inner Connection

Tantra meditation can help bring us back in touch with ourselves – and with what truly matters in our lives. The art of tantra is all about transcending the superfluous and reconnecting with our elemental core. Never has there been a greater need to practice tantra mediation than today…

Mankind has strayed far from the elements that ancient Tantra upholds as holy and paramount. We are chronically obsessed with the development and acquisition of sleeker cell phones, smaller Ipods, faster Internet connections and smarter refrigerators. The human race continuously strives to improve its own situation better – unfortunately, in the constant search for something that is smaller, bigger, faster and jazzier, we have forgotten how to appreciate what we already have, or rather, had – the soul connection.

Is sitting in America and video-chat with friends or relatives in India real connection? We have adopted a false ideal – that of instant gratification, money, mechanical partying and mechanical loving. We think we are making things easier, but something as basic is being lost. We are experiencing a slow degradation of the soul. Bodies come together, but a tantra master will point out that this conjoining is incomplete to the point of unwholesomeness. Minds exchange ideas, but there is no common meeting ground of the spirit. Ideas, thoughts and emotions remain disjointed, dry and bereft of true life.

Those who learn tantra must choose not to be blind to the fact that relationships are at their worst point ever, and that the soul-to-soul connection –the very crux of interactions – is being steadily eroded. While the most basic tantra lessons lie ignored by the wayside, relationship fixers, marriage counsellors and lawyers mint money from the disconnect.

No one recognizes this as a serious problem. We are contend with coping as best as we can, either by ourselves or by paying for services that are ultimately useless. Modern science does not acknowledge a mind-body-soul connection and treats bodily ailments in isolation, cutting off its connection to the soul and mind. However, ancient tantra hold the key to this problem – a problem that arises when we lose the connection with our mind and thereby fail to connect with others. When you practice tantra meditation, you open the portal to your soul.

In this context, here are two simple Tantra meditation techniques:

1) Watching-The-Breath Tantra Meditation:

Pay close attention to your breath for a few minutes. Relax, close your eyes and focus on inhaling and exhaling slowly and comfortably. In this tantra breathing technique, you must breathe through your nose, involve the diaphragm and allow oxygen all the way to the inner core of your lungs. Visualize a energy-cord from the bottom of your feet to the main energy-cord attached to your spine.

If your mind starts wandering during this tantra exercise, re-focus your attention on breathing in and out. Keep doing this for 10 minutes without a break, and you will feel energy well up within yourself. This energy will draw only those people who love and appreciate you.

2) Zero-Mind Tantra Meditation:

Visualize a garbage dump and empty all thoughts your mind conjures up into it. Sit still in a tantric cross-legged position and let your mind go silent. The root cause of disconnect within ourselves stems from negative foreign energy being stuck in the body. When this virulent energy overshadows your real energy, it results in inner disconnect and disharmony.

A word of caution: Tantra influences mind, body and soul simultaneously. One must therefore practice tantra only under the vigilant guidance of an experienced tantra teacher. Amateur instructions or unguided practice will not yield in any benefits.

Acharya Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra Teacher with an in-depth knowledge of traditional Indian sciences and Sanskrit literature. Visit his tantra online guide to read about tantra meditation, learn tantra exercises and tantric techniques from this young Tantra Master.

The Benefits of Tantra Breathing Techniques

The techniques of Tantra breathing form the most esoteric part of the art of tantra. Vamana Muni formulated a unique system of breathing, which is also evident in the asanas prescribed by Rishi Patanjali.

Tattva breathing (or engaging in breath-centric postures) requires the practice of several tantric positions within related breathing norms. This Tantra breathing technique is marginally similar to ujayyi pranayama, where the word ‘ujayyi‘ means ‘triumphant’. It produces intense body heat and makes one sweat profusely. It stimulates our organs and has a purifying, detoxifying effect on them.

Significantly, this breathing technique also encourages the release of endorphins (or ‘happy chemicals’) and nutrients, and brings about wellbeing and contentment. It also assist in effective blood circulation, resulting in sublimated blood, a strong body and a sound mind.

There is a specific chronological sequence to abide by when practicing this Tantra tattva breathing. Your tantra teacher will instruct you in gradually progressing from one sequence of these dynamic tantra positions to the next.

Tantric yamas and niyamas detoxify and align our body, purging us entirely of toxins. Tantra sadhana sublimates our nervous system by opening and clearing up the chakras, allowing energy to flow more easily. Tantra tattva mudras incorporate the grace and staying power of this breathing practice to promote flexibility.

Tattva breathing is an intense and demanding exercise, but it is worth the effort – this breathing technique assures us deep peace of mind and fulfillment.

As always, ensure that you engage in these tantra techniques only under the guidance of an authentic tantra teacher. Practicing tantra exercises without expert supervision is counter-productive and often harmful.

Without proper guidance and supervision, most Tantra exercises can cause physical and emotional harm as they influence our mind, body and soul simultaneously.

Copyright (C) Subhojit Dasgupta.

Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra teacher and offers Tantra lessons to select pupils.

Bhairav Tantra And The Tantric Wisdom Sutras

Bhairav Tantra encompasses several facets of our life. It prescribes a systematic conduct for structuring our learning of Tantra techniques, and on achieving reunion with Supreme Consciousness. In instructing you on Bhairav Tantra, your Tantra teacher aims to help you realize your true Self by focusing your attention to any physical or non-physical object. You will then meditate on this object to the exclusion of everything else.

The art of Tantra is not just about a bunch of postures or meditative techniques; ancient Tantra is, in fact, a way of sadhana or self-realization. Bhairav Tantra addresses the eight steps to awakening or Nirvana, as authoritatively declared by Rishi Patanjali. The eight astangas or subdivisions of awakening our inner consciousness through Tantra practices are yamas, niyamas, asanas, pranayamas, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.

The Tantric yamas teach us conscientious and interpersonal behavior. While instructing you in these, your Tantra teacher will direct you to avoid untruthfulness, thieving and avarice. Ahimsa (or non-violence and kindness towards all living beings) is the first step towards self-realization. Communicating what is right and moderation in all the Tantra sadhanas is revered and sublime.

The Tantric niyamas teach us what inner values we should have towards ourselves: flexibility, cleanliness, peacefulness, devotedness and austerity. They teach us to always abide by discipline and accept the Supreme Intelligence that exists beyond ourselves, and to accept our limitations in relation to this Supreme Intelligence (or God).

In the Tantric asanas, the Tantra master has us focus on Tantra posture practice session, aligning the body and integrating tantric breath to attain higher consciousness of mind, body and soul. The mind needs to be conscious and at ease, without stress, and must be able to observe the responses of the body and breath to varied Tantra positions. These minimise the dietary and climatic influences on the body.

Pranayama in Tantra is highly advanced in its restraint and control of the tantric breath, dynamically stimulating and balancing our mind and body.

Pratyahara through Tantra is the relaxation of our sensory faculties so that nothing can disturb or unfocus the mind.

Tantra Dharana is the power to channel the mind towards a preferred objective and center in on that exclusively.

Tantra Dhyana (or meditation) is the power to evolve concentrated interactions on what we attempt to realize in Tantra.

Finally, Tantric Samadhi constitutes the supreme state of Self-realization in Tantra.

Copyright (C) Subhojit Dasgupta.

Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra teacher and offers Tantra lessons to select pupils.

The Ancient Tantra Technique of Surya Namaskaaram

Among the most beneficial Tantra techniques that a teacher can instruct you in is the salutation to the Sun. Do this exercise once or twice when you get up in the morning to help alleviate stiffness and reinvigorate the body.

Multiple repeats of this Tantra technique at night will assist you to relax; insomniacs frequently find that 10 to 15 rounds of it help them to fall asleep. The benefits of this extremely powerful exercise cannot be over-emphasized.

1. To ready yourself for this exercise, stand with your feet slightly apart, palms together and thumbs against your chest.

2. Inhale deeply while slowly raising your hands over your head, and bend back as far as possible, while tightening your buttocks. Stay in this position of the exercise for three seconds.

3. Slowly exhale and bend forward, keeping your knees straight, until your fingers touch the floor outside your feet. Bring your head in toward your knees.

4. Slowly inhale, bend your knees, and if your fingertips aren’t outside your feet on the floor, place them there. Slide your right foot back as far as you can go, with the right knee an inch or so off the floor. Now look up as high as possible, arching your back.

5. Before exhaling again, slide your left foot back until it is beside the right one, and with your weight supported on your palms and toes, straighten both legs so that your body forms a flat plane. Make sure your stomach is pulled in.

6. Slowly exhale, bend both knees to the floor, bend with your hips in the air, lower your chest and forehead to the floor.

7. Now inhale slowly and look up, bending your head back, then raising it, followed by your upper chest, then lower chest. Your lower body from the navel down should be on the floor, and your elbows should be slightly bent. Stay in this position of the Tantra exercise for six seconds.

8. Exhale slowly and raise your hips until your feet and palms are flat on the floor and your arms and legs are straight in an inverted V position.

9. Inhale slowly and bring your right foot forward as in position 4 of this Tantra technique. The foot should be flat on the floor between your fingertips. The left leg should be almost straight behind you, with its knee slightly off the floor. Raise your head, look up, and arch your back.

10. Slowly exhale and bring your left foot forward next to your right one. Straighten your legs and stand, trying to keep your fingertips on the floor, and try to touch your head to your knees as in position 3.

11. Slowly inhale, raise your arms up and stretch back as in position 2. Don’t forget to tighten your buttocks. Hold for three seconds.

12. Slowly exhale, lowering your arms to your sides. Relax. And then repeat again.

This technique must initially be practiced under the supervision of an authentic Tantra teacher for you to derive the desired result. Unsupervised, practicing this Tantra exercise can harm you. These are powerful techniques of self-realization hence life-changing to the core.

Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra teacher and offers Tantra lessons to select pupils.