Philosophical Writings

SR No.: 001802
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Hemant Shah
Publisher: Academy of Philosophy
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 194
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Articles, & Philosophy
File Size: 11 MB

Page 148

Tantra and Philosophy
The synthetic approach of Tantra covers the aspects of the spiritual life, the cosmic play of the Divine, the knowledge, works and enriched devotion, the secrets of yoga, the use of body and its energy centers i.e. cakras. It shows a supreme superconscient Energy and in it we find at last the commencement of a satisfying synthesis, some justification of existence, a meaningful consequence in rebirth, a use and sufficient, though only temporary, significance for the great motion of the cosmos"14 Tantra system, because of its drive on action on one side, and because of its synthetic approach on the other side, could seize upon Philosophy, Science and Religion, and yet without becoming any of these three.
Sound without vibration does exist in Tanfric thought. This unstruck sound, known as 'anahata-dhvani is heard only by a Yogi whose senses are withdrawn from the external and tuned inward.1 The anahata-dhvani being immeasurably powerful in range and intensity, can create, destroy and even reformulate the entire structure of universe. The concept of sound is discussed and described as a central doctrine in Tantra. It is known as sphotavada. The sphota is the nada-brahaman or sabda-brahaman. The sphotavada states that every idea or every thought essentially originates in Sound (nada). The moment one thinks, an unheard sound is formed which is subsequently the ground for all forms. Sound, thus, is the soul of form or object, and according to Tantra the cosmos is evolved from the sounds. The Hathayogapradipika says, "Whatever is heard in the form of sound is Sakti. The absorbed state (laya) of the tattvas (evolutes of Prakriti) is that in which no form exist."15 Sound, according to Tantra, is classified into four stages para, pasyanti, madhyama and vaikhari. Para sound, the unmanifest stage, is the starting point. Pasyanti sound is the second emerging towards the visible. When the sound begins to crystallize into form it becomes luminous, it becomes madhyama. "The final stage of Vaikhari sound offers infinite opportunities of permutation and combination". 16 In Tantra the theory of sound is the basis for the unique and magnificent mantra-sastra.
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A Mantra is primarily a mental sound as it is regarded as fundamental in creation as well as dissolution of all forms. "Mantra