Pathik 2004 Vol 44 Ank 07 08 09

Author(s): Bhartiben Shelat, Subhash Bramhabhatt
Publisher: Mansingji Barad Smarak Trust

Page 4

Necessity of Understanding Tantra in its proper Perspective
Saswati Sen*
Introduction :
It is very difficult to ascertain exactly when the Tantric cult crept in. The Tantra, which is very often termed as the non-Vedic, esoteric cult is a very complex, spiritual tradition of India and is very difficult to grasp by the non-initiated persons. Perhaps its complexity, uniqueness and non-resemblance with the Vedic philosophy are the base behind the misconceptions generated among the masses. Tantra is nothing but a system of rituals and is full of symbolism or magical characters. It is that system which utilizes Kundalini yoga. Tantra-sadhana is that method of yoga by which spiritual power can be achieved in this very human life. Many scholars opine that Tantra has borrowed the images and ideas from the Vedas and the Upanisads and has given them suitable shapes in the form of diagram or yantra. Tantra is a śāstra with a special set of doctrines and practices. Historical Background :
The Vedic literature, the earliest known Indian literature was composed in a language which was never a spoken language of the masses. Therefore, the common people found it very difficult to understand the language and perceive the contents of these scriptures. Not only this, its rituals became very elaborate day by day and required rigorous discipline to perform the same. This performance also was not allowed to the low-caste people and women and was only restricted to a particular higher class of people. Gradually the general folk lost interest in the Vedic rites and the Hindu religion was at stake as far as its regular perforining rites were concerned. Therefore, a need was felt for an easier way of observing religious practices which could involve all class of people extending equal rites to both the sex. The Tantra came with a new concept of dehatattva contrary to the Upanişad's ātmatattva difficult to perceive by the common people, embraced all castes and creed leaving none to be untouchable. It became more popular to common man as it did not only forbade anybody from enjoying life but also did encourage them for the same declaring that this could also help to attain liberation. Misconcept about Tantra :
Truly, speaking none other than the initiated persons or the gurus of the Tantra has understood it in its right perspective.
The over-indulgence in ritualistic activities of Tantra to a certain extent have laid superstitions not only among people but also among the otherwise educated per-. sons.
* Research Officer, Oriental Institute, M.S.University of Baroda, Vadodara.
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