| MODES OF TANTRA
The Tantra Shastra has five major modes of practice viz.
Madya, Mans, Matsya, Mudra and Maithun.
They are used as an object of sacrifice while practicing Tantra
and are explained below:
- Madya – Madya is obtained from the word
‘Madhu’ or honey. Thus, Madya means honey or nectar obtained
from flowers.
- Mans – Mans implies to a seed of a fruit,
vegetables, and other eatables. It also means the meat of
any animal. It is believed that a Tantric (one who practices
Tantra) transfers his evil being into the body of an animal
through his yogic powers and sacrifices it.
- Matsya – According to Tantra, Ida and
Pingla are two veins in a human being’s body, which are
also known as Ganga and Jamuna. Through these a person inhales
and exhales. Inhalation and Exhalation are considered two
Matsya. A tantric has to control this process of inhalation
and exhalation through Pranayam (a kind of yoga).
- Mudra – Mudra refers to the quality in
a person to drive away all evils in him and stay away from
all sorts of guilt through utmost perseverance and control.
This quality can be obtained through intense yogic practices.
- Maithun – Maithun means union. Tantra
believes that our body consists of five ‘Kundalis’ or centers
of energy. A Tantric has to evoke these kundalis and unite
them together.
Thus, it is evident, that Tantra practice is not at all
easy but it requires utmost determination and the Tantrics
have to bear all sorts of hardships to obtain all powers.
A supreme yogi, having mastery over all aspects of yoga
can practice Tantra.
|
