Tantra Yoga is basically the art or technique wherein one can holistically study the macrocosm by taking the perspective of the microcosm. In simple terms; it is studying the universe through the individual.
Purpose
The underlying purpose of Tantra Yoga is to understand the stellar ideals of philosophy in your daily life without limiting ourselves. Hence, this branch of yoga attempts to study the tree of life that is connected by ‘dharma’ or uniting law. Tantra Yoga’s objective is to help the individual attain awareness in various forms of consciousness, whether awake or asleep. It states that being born at a particular time and place is what is behind our actual ‘programming’ which is further influenced by the environment and of course our genes.
The usefulness of Tantra Yoga
Tantra Yoga is therefore the means wherein we can identify the various factors that are influencing our feelings and thoughts. It assists us to overcome the obstacles to our development, which is basically due to intolerance, selfishness, ignorance and animalistic tendencies. Tantra Yoga helps to purify out negative thoughts to give place to inner harmony and peace within.
Pancha Makara
Pancha Makara are practices of Tantra Yoga which involve five distinct routines that are a part of the tantric prayer. The five parts are sexual intercourse, gestures, fish, meat, and wine. These intrinsically apply to the important necessities of life such as spiritual union, good company and speech and that is why Pancha Makara is misinterpreted for something else. The aspect of two bodies uniting is a very important part of Tantra Yoga.
Tattwa Elements
Tattva elements are only understood according to one’s inclination towards spirituality. There is a difference between tattwa elements in Buddhism and those that are applied in Hinduism. Likewise, the Jain religion too has a different interpretation of Tattva. There are five elements or the pancha tattva – air, water, fire, earth and spirit.
Tantra Vasugupta
Vasugupta was a sage and the author of the Shiva Sutras. It is said that while he was meditating, these sutras were taught to him when he was able to experience the presence of the Hindu God, Shiva. The Shiva Sutras of Vasugupta are not to be misinterpreted as sensual teachings; rather they are for the spiritual freedom of individuals from our bodies.
Summary
Tantra Yoga is actually an amalgamation of all the science such as alchemy, chemistry, physics, physiognomy, numerology, astronomy and astrology. It also draws inspiration from ancient traditional medicine of India called Ayurveda, along with other subjects like geometry, psychology, mathematics and so on.
