Tantra Yoga And The Seven Chakras

There is a lot of misunderstanding about what chakras really are, and how they are pertinent to learning tantra. To begin with, it is important to understand that chakras are not real in a material sense. Rather, they are psychic centres in our body that the ancient Indian yogis identified in the course of their studies. As your tantra teacher will clarify, these chakras are in fact centres of incredible consciousness potential.

The chakras are repositories of psychic energy that are hard-wired into the overall state of the body and mind. Though chakras are often represented as lotuses on charts, the actual translation from the Sanskrit word ‘chakra’ is ‘spinning wheel’. These wheels represent a system of seven energy centers located along the spine, and each corresponds to an area of the body, a set of behavioral characteristics and stages of spiritual growth.

The technical names of the seven chakras are as follows – Muladhara (at the base of the spine), Svadhisthana (in the abdomen, genitals and lower back), Manipura (the solar plexus), Anahata (in the heart area), Visshudha (in the throat), Ajna (at the brow) and Sahasrara (at the top of head, or cerebral cortex.)

As already explained, each chakra is associated with a particular body location. However, each of them is also associated with a colour, a central emotional or behavioural issue and also many other personal aspects including identity, goals, rights, etc.

Practicing tantra yoga under the guidance of a tantra teacher can help you focus your energies with the help of different postures and tantric breathing techniques. It then becomes possible to align your chakras and get all the wheels spinning in the same direction, at the same speed. An experienced tantra master can help you understand how to fine-tune and control these energy centers via specific yoga and tantric meditation techniques. As a result, you will experience spiritual balance and complete harmony at the mind, body and spirit levels.

The spiritual energy that is in question here is also called kundalini energy. In its dormant state, kundalini energy may be seen as a coiled snake resting at the base of your spine, or the Muladhara chakra. Since the chakras act as valves or pumps regulating the flow of energy through your system, the controlled and purposeful movements of tantric yoga can help realign your chakras.

Through the movements and postures of tantra yoga, you can learn to concentrate and direct your kundalini energy to and from the various chakras in your body. In this way, you can compensate for areas that may be inactive or out of synch with the rest of your body. By balancing the energy among all seven chakras, complete physical, mental and spiritual balance can be achieved.

Acharya Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra Teacher with an in-depth knowledge of traditional Indian sciences and Sanskrit literature. Visit his tantra online guide for Tantra Lessons, kriyas and mudras from this young Tantra Master.

Self-Inquiry Is A Necessary Ingredient Of Tantra Practice

Many who have discovered tantra cannot wait to go ahead with the much-hyped promises of greater sexual gratification it holds. Such aspiring tantra students wish to learn the tantric arts for this reason alone, and they completely miss the point. Learning tantra is not about having better sex, even if that is one of the promises of this ancient art.

The most important step in learning tantra is finding a qualified tantra teacher who can properly initiate the aspiring student. Without a tantric master, the student will do little more than embark on a wild goose chase and wind up disillusioned. It is no more possible to learn tantra from a book than it is to learn a language in the same manner. A knowledgeable guide who can chart the course of instructions and make necessary corrections when the student veers off course is absolutely essential.

One of the main reasons why it is necessary to learn tantra under a tantra teacher is the fact that learning this science effectively requires considerable self-inquiry. Though this is a process where the student delves within himself or herself, the process itself cannot take place unsupervised. Self-inquiry is not within the natural bounds human nature. In fact, our natural reflex is to avoid self-inquiry because what we tend to see within ourselves makes us extremely uncomfortable.

Why is self-inquiry a prerequisite to learning the tantric arts? The reason is that in order to experience true freedom – spiritual, emotional or sexual – we must first identify what enslaves us. Our ingrained faulty beliefs about ourselves, others and things such as sexual intimacy hold us back from exploring our fullest potential. A tantra teacher will guide his student in the process of self-examination compassionately, but he will not allow the process itself to be avoided.

Various tantra meditation techniques and rituals are employed in the process of self-examination, and these lead to self-discovery. Often for the first time, the tantric student is confronted with what beliefs and attitudes he or she is driven by. This is invariably a shattering experience. However, it is also accompanied by an indescribable sense of blissful release from the bondage of false beliefs.

As these false beliefs about oneself, one’s intimate partner and the whole issue of intimacy crumble, students of tantra become ready for the first stages of initiation. Then – and only then – will they be able to understand the full spiritual power of the tantra energy that lies within them.

Acharya Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra Teacher with an in-depth knowledge of traditional Indian sciences and Sanskrit literature. Visit his tantra online guide for Tantra Lessons, kriyas and mudras from this young Tantra Master.

The Concept And Practice Of Meditation

In order to practice tantra meditation, it is important to understand what meditation is in the first place. Your tantra teacher will instruct you in the finer points of tantra meditation, but you must first know what the concept of being a meditative state is all about. Very simply put, this state is one in which the body and mind are consciously relaxed and focused. Regular practice of meditation can result in higher awareness, greater focus and concentration and also a more positive attitude.

Though meditation is most often associated with monks and mystics, it is basically a spiritual discipline which anyone can practice. There are different approaches to meditation, but the fundamental principles do not change. Meditation is all about dislodging obstructive, negative and wandering thoughts and calming the mind with a deep sense of focus.  This clears the mind of debris and prepares it for a higher quality of activity.

Negative thoughts pollute the mind, and meditation is a means of shutting them out so that the mind is cleansed and free to focus on deeper, more meaningful thoughts. Only such a mind is ready for the deeper aspects of tantric practice. A tantra master can work with a mind tempered, honed and calmed by the discipline of meditation – not with a chaotic one.

It is important not to entertain the wrong impression about meditation, or else you will be too intimidated to even try it. For instance, you may have heard that people who have become adept at meditation even shut out all sensory inputs such as sights, sounds and the sense of touch. This is a fact; such people can detach themselves from outside stimuli to a very advanced degree.

However, for those who are just setting out on the path of meditation, it is a big enough achievement just to sit still for a while. When one tries meditation for the first time, the inner noise of the mind itself can seem deafening at first.

Also, there is no need to assume torturous positions in order to meditate effectively. All you need to do is sit in a comfortable position that is conducive to concentration. You can do this while sitting in a comfortable cross-legged position or lying down. However, it is even possible to meditate while standing or walking. As long as the position lets you to relax and focus, it is good enough for meditation.

In a sitting posture, you must ensure that the back is straight, and at the same time not tense or tight. While practicing meditation, be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothes. Tightly fitting clothes have a tendency to choke you up and make you feel tense.

The place you meditate in should have a soothing atmosphere – it can be in your living room or bedroom. Using an exercise mat is essential if you want to try out the more challenging positions or precede the meditation session with some yoga exercises. Ensure that the area you practice meditation in is silent – in other words, no ringing phones or humming washing machine. Introducing a pleasing scent can also help, so you may consider using incense sticks or aromatic candles.

Acharya Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra Teacher with an in-depth knowledge of traditional Indian sciences and Sanskrit literature. Visit his tantra online guide for Tantra Lessons, kriyas and mudras from this young Tantra Master.