Ten “Tantric” practices which are part of Vedic Spirituality
Introduction
In popular culture, the term “tantra” indicates occult practices.
However, in Vedic Spirituality, the term tantra indicates “external practice” contrasted with “internal practice”. For example, reciting the almighty's name is internal and using prayer-beads is external.
Some scholars argue that “tantra is non-vedic”, by heavily relying on Kulluka Bhatta’s statement in his commentary on manusmriti wherein he says “shruti (revelations) are of two types: vedic & tantric”. But, apart from this statement, there is no other literary evidence available supporting this argument.
Though a very few schools hold tantra superior to veda, a super majority hold that Veda is superior & tantra is part of Vedic spirituality.
There are hundreds of tantric techniques that are part of Vedic spirituality and we have chosen ten main techniques for the purpose of this write-up: Mandala, Mantra, Mudra, Nyasa, Prayashcitta, Puja, Vrata, Yantra, Yatra and Yoga.
Vedic Tribe is happy to bring you this introductory series on the said ten tantric practices which are part of vedic spirituality.
Our intention is to create enough curiosity in you so that you study the Vedic spirituality and adopt them in your day to day life
All the best
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
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1. Mandala
In popular culture, “mandala-art” is a geometric design with intricate sketching.
In Sanskrit a circle can be represented as vritta, chakra, mandala…etc
From a tantric perspective, mandala can be in any geometric shape that represents esoteric aspects of the spiritual process and the most common are circle, square & triangle. A circle represents completeness of the source of creation in Parabrahman; a square represents the very process of creation within the boundaries of the physical realm; and a triangle represents either upward or downward journey of consciousness bound to this creation.
In Sandhyavandana, daily worship…etc various mandalas are written using water, rangoli…etc.
A mandala can be centered on a “bindu” (dot). For example, “vastu purusha” is drawn by keeping a dot as the focus of a circle or centroid of a square.
A mandala with a different number of lotus-petals can be drawn and the best example is “Sri Chakra”.
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the mandala plays an essential role in meditation.
At a rudimentary level, mandala can be used to focus our attention during our spiritual practice. If you are a beginner in spiritual practice you can be highly benefited by keeping mandalas in the place of worship or meditation. For example, a simple “om” written inside a six-petal lotus will be a great symbol to start with.
In our next write-up, we will discuss “mantra” as a tantric practice which is part of Vedic Spirituality.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
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2. Mantra
In popular culture, “mantra” is a verse; like “gayatri mantra”.
In Sanskrit “mantra” is derived from the root “man” which indicates “to think”.
From a tantric perspective, a mantra need not be an entire verse and it can be a bunch of syllables used for recitation / chanting. It can be one syllable like “om” or five syllables like “namah shivaya” or six syllables like “om namah shivaya”...etc.
In Sri Vidya Upasana tradition, use of different mantras in worship of different dimensions of the Goddess Shakti is the most prevalent practice (example:“Navarna Mantra” which is “oṃ namaścaṇḍikāyai”)
The entire sandhyavandana is centered around chanting of “gayatri mantra”.
In Buddhism, recitation of “three refuge” is part of daily practice (buddham sharam gachami, dhammam sharam gachami & sangam sharam gachami)
At a rudimentary level, mantras can be recited / chanted to focus our attention during our meditation. If you are a beginner in spiritual practice you can start with simple ones like “hare rama hare rama, rama ram hare hare; hare krishna hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare”
In our next write-up, we will discuss “mudra” as a tantric practice which is part of Vedic Spirituality.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
—-
3. Mudra
In popular culture, “mudra” is a hand gesture as seen in bharathanatyam, kathakkali…etc.
In Sanskrit “mudra” indicates seal or instrument used to seal.
From a tantric perspective, mudra is essentially a hand gesture, maintained during meditation or worship. Specific hand gestures are used to create awareness of bodily energies so that we can channelise them to enhance the potency of the meditation or worship. For example “chin mudra” enhances the focus of mind during meditation and “anjali mudra” elevates our mind during worship.
In hatha-yoga mudra is performed using various body parts. For example, in the famous “kechari mudra” the tongue is rolled backwards by sealing the hollow of the skull.
In sandhyavandana, 32 mudras are performed as part of chanting gayatri mantra.
In Buddhism, “bhoomi-sparsha mudra” is a very common iconography of Gautama Buddha. I.e., his right hand is touching the ground.
At a rudimentary level, mudras can be performed to focus our attention during our meditation. If you are a beginner in spiritual practice you can start with simple mudra like “dhyana mudra” while meditating.
In our next write-up, we will discuss “nyasa” as a tantric practice which is part of Vedic Spirituality.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
—-
4. Nyasa
In Sanskrit “nyasa” indicates “to place something”. The term “sam-nyasa” (loosely translated as renunciation) is derived from this word “nyasa” itself.
From a tantric perspective, nyasa is touching various parts of the body and establishing parts of a mantra in our body parts. For example, before chanting the famous “rudra namaka”, different names of the almighty are placed in different body parts; like “agni-hotra” is established in the thumb. This is a way of associating an internal process (i.e., one name of the almighty) to an external trigger (i.e., touching the thumb).
Similarly in sandhyavandana, before chanting gayatri mantra, various parts of the body are touched and different parts of the mantra are established. Like “tatsavituh” is established in the thumb, “varenyam” is established in index and so on.
In Buddhism performing nyasa plays an important role. For example, in Newar Buddhism, (which is part of vajrayana) “tara samdhi” practice’s 5th stage is performing nyasa itself.
At a rudimentary level, nyasa can be performed as an external trigger to invoke an inner chant of mantra. If you are a beginner in spiritual practice you can start with simple nyasa like “kara-nyasa” before meditation or chanting.
In our next write-up, we will discuss “prayashcitta” as a tantric practice which is part of Vedic Spirituality.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
—-
5. Prayaschitta
In Sanskrit “prayaschitta” is a voluntary acceptance of wrongdoing and performing penance to reduce its effects.
From a tantric perspective, Prayaschitta is performed as a daily practice rather than as ad-hoc preparations.
In sandhyavandana, one of the reasons for giving "arghya" (offering enchanted water) is to destroy demons attacking the deity Surya everyday. So every arghya is an act of destroying other beings and in order to extinguish such negative karma a mantra "asavadityo Brahma" is chanted and the enchanted water is sprinkled. This is the act of Prayaschitta in the Sandhyavandana process.
In Srividya upasana tradition, Gandharva Tantra mandates offering of daily worship to girls (who represent shakti in biological form) and also mandates strict Prayaschitta for lapses.
In Buddhism however, emphasis is not placed on Prayaschitta. Rather, higher level meditation techniques are taught to observe the workings of our past actions, while remaining completely indifferent them.
At a rudimentary level, Prayaschitta can be performed by meditating upon our daily activities. If you are a beginner in spiritual practice you can start by meditating upon daily actions before bedtime and also upon their impact on your life, other's life, lives of other beings & the world around .
In our next write-up, we will discuss “puja” as a tantric practice which is part of Vedic Spirituality.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
—-
6. Puja
In Sanskrit “puja” can be directly translated to "worship". But unlike Abrahamic religions, Vedic tradition celebrates pluralism in the worship of the almighty. The very process of "yajna" is considered as a worship.
From a tantric perspective, "Puja" is using different mediums to worship the almighty.
In sandhyavandana, the physical sun and the deity Surya are the mediums of worshipping the almighty.
In Srividya upasana tradition, many such mediums are used; like mandala, chakra, yantra, the phisical body, kundalini energy etc
In Buddhism however, though the idea of almighty God is rejected, Gautama Buddha or other Buddhas are worshipped as the enlightened ones, liberators and guides. Mandalas, chakras etc are also used, but not for worship, rather to elevate the state of mind. For worship, predominantly "prayers" are offered coupled with burning lamps, incense etc.
At a rudimentary level, Pooja can be performed for the purpose of developing the qualities of deities in us. If you are a beginner in spiritual practice you can start by worshiping "ishta-devata" (the deity of your liking) .
In our next write-up, we will discuss “vrata” as a tantric practice which is part of Vedic Spirituality.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
—-
7. Vrata
In Sanskrit “Vrata” is derived from the root “vr” which indicates to control, restrain…etc. Simply put, vrata is a resolution to follow a particular lifestyle during a particular time period (or may even be a single day or even for lifetime).
For example “ekadashi vrata” (resolution for fasting) is observed every month for one day which is “ekadashi thithi”.
Similarly “dadhi vrata” (not consuming curd) is observed for a month from the mid of “shrvana masa”.
From a tantric perspective, "Vrata" is a method of self-regulation.
Sandhyavandana, itself is a life-long vrata and prayaschitta are prescribed for lapses.
In Srividya upasana tradition, "deeksha" is obtained from a Guru and strict "Yama niyama" (moral codes) are followed rigorously
Similarly in Buddhism "panchasheela" (five precepts) is a resolution which is essential part of the practice of Buddhism.
At a rudimentary level, vrata can be performed for the purpose of developing self regulation. If you are a beginner in spiritual practice you can start by resolving to observe Yama & Niyama of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
In our next write-up, we will discuss “yantra” as a tantric practice which is part of Vedic Spirituality.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
—-
8. Yantra
In Sanskrit “Yantra” is derived from the root “yam” which indicates to sustain, support…etc. Simply put, Yantra is an instrument used to manifest a non-physical being in a physical form.
In popular culture, a “mantra” is written on a thin metal sheet and rolled to make a wearable yantra specially for childern’s safety.
Similarly wearable yantras (bands or necklaces) are made for people of different zodiac signs.
From a tantric perspective, "Yantra" is a physical design used to bind a supernatural power.
Sandhyavandana, before offering “arghya” (enchanted water) to deity Surya, a triangular shaped yantra is written using water.
In Srividya upasana tradition, the famous “sri yantra” or “sri chakra” is used to worship goddess “shakti” in physical form.
Similarly in Buddhism “Sri Yantra” is designed much more elaborately with vivid colors. In Bhuddhism, “Sri Yantra” represents the cosmos and is used extensively in meditation.
At a rudimentary level, yantra can be used to focus our attention during our spiritual practice. If you are a beginner in spiritual practice you can be highly benefited by keeping yantras in the place of worship or meditation. For example, a simple “krishna yantra” written inside a six-petal lotus will be a great symbol to start with
In our next write-up, we will discuss “yatra” as a tantric practice which is part of Vedic Spirituality.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
—-
9. Yatra
In Sanskrit “Yatra” means travel and "theertha yatra" can be loosely translated to "pilgrimage"
In India, Chardham yatra, Kailash yatra, Amarnath yatra & Vaishno Devi yatra are among the toughest ones.
From a tantric perspective, "Yatra" is to move closer to divine energy centres and to observe & absorb it in our body, our mind and our soul.
Performing arghya, tarpana & japa which are part of Sandhyavandana, in a divine presence is considered to yield higher results.
In Srividya upasana tradition, kamakhya temple in Assam represents muladhara-chakra and its pilgrimage is considered very sacred.
Similarly in Buddhism, pilgrimage to Lhasa, Kailash etc are considered part of the practice of Buddhism.
At a rudimentary level, yatra can be performed to absorb devinity in us. If you are a beginner in spiritual practice you may resolve to visit one nearby divine location in a month.
In our next write-up, we will discuss “yoga” as a tantric practice which is part of Vedic Spirituality.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
—-
10. Yoga
In Sanskrit “Yoga” is derived from the word "yuj" which indicates "to join". In popular culture"yoga" is known as "hatha yoga" (physical exercise via postures including regulation of breath).
Tantric tradition mainly adopts sitting postures and breath regulation. In tantric tradition, emphasis is more on regulating "energies" which is known as "kriya yoga" (example: "maha-kriya" made famous by Yoganand Paramhansa)
Pranayama (regulation of breath) is an essential element of Sandhyavandana and "dasha-pranayama" (ten cycles of breath regulation) is a must before chanting Gayatri Mantra.
In Srividya upasana tradition, cleansing "sushumna nadi" (central channel of energy through breath regulation) is an essential part of upasana (worship)
In Buddhism too sitting postures and breath regulation are the essential elements in meditation.
At a rudimentary level, yoga can be performed to energise the body and the mind. If you are a beginner in spiritual practice you may also learn a few popular "kriya" like shambhavi-mahamudra, sudarshana kriya etc.
Vedic Tribe is happy to have brought you this introductory series on the said ten tantric practices which are part of vedic spirituality.
Our intention is to create enough curiosity in you so that you study the Vedic spirituality and adopt them in your day to day life
All the best
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
—-
