This post is a summary of the class series “Essence of Tantra” conducted by Sri Shakthi Sumanan, offering profound insights into the foundational principles of Tantra. These notes serve as a reference for participants and are not self-explanatory; their true depth and meaning can only be understood through active participation in the class discussions and experiential learning sessions.
Introduction
This section explores profound metaphysical concepts from the Tantric tradition, particularly focusing on the interplay of Śiva and Śakti—the ultimate cosmic principles that underpin creation, existence, and dissolution. It delves into the intricate relationships between the guṇas (sattva, rajas, tamas), the creation process, and the role of Śakti as the active force behind manifestation. The text also introduces key elements of the human spiritual experience, such as Kundalinī and the chakras, while elaborating on the stages of cosmic evolution from the unmanifested (avyakta) to the manifested universe.
To make these teachings accessible, let us break down the key concepts step by step for better understanding.
Simplified Explanation of Concepts
Śiva and His Manifestations
- Śiva is the unchanging, eternal consciousness that descends into different states and forms to manifest the universe.
- He is addressed by various names—Śambhu, Sadā-śiva, Śaṃkara, Maheśvara, etc.—each reflecting different aspects of His nature and qualities:
- Śambhu: Auspicious and benevolent.
- Sadā-śiva: Represents the predominance of sattva (purity and illumination).
- Maheśvara: The great lord overseeing the cosmos.
- The Śiva-Purāṇa and Mahābhārata list numerous names (e.g., 1,008) reflecting these diverse manifestations.
Śakti: The Dynamic Energy of Creation
- Śakti is the active, dynamic force of Śiva. She is both:
- Māyā: The power through which Brahman creates the illusion of differentiation in the universe.
- Mūla-prakṛti: The root nature or unmanifested potential that transforms into the universe of names and forms.
Śakti and the Guṇas
- Śakti contains the three guṇas, which define the structure and dynamics of creation:
- Sattva: Illuminating and revealing (manifesting clarity).
- Rajas: Activating and dynamic (driving change and action).
- Tamas: Veiling and stabilizing (producing inertia and concealment).
- The triad of guṇas represents:
- The descent of spirit into matter (as creation evolves).
- The ascent of matter back to spirit (as beings return to the source).
- The dense veil of spirit concealed within material nature.
Creation and the Role of Śiva-Śakti
- Mūla-prakṛti as the Womb of Creation
- Mūla-prakṛti is the primordial womb into which Brahman (Śiva) plants the seed of creation.
- The active force of rajas disturbs the equilibrium of the guṇas, initiating creation.
- Śiva and Śakti in Manifestation
- The illuminating consciousness of Śiva (cit) works through Śakti to create the universe, which is governed by the dual principles of Maheśvara (Śiva) and Maheśvarī (Śakti).
- Together, Śiva and Śakti pervade the entire cosmos and are symbolized in the human body as:
- Svayambhū-liṅga: The self-manifested aspect of Śiva in the mūlādhāra chakra.
- Kundalinī-Śakti: The coiled divine energy lying dormant in the mūlādhāra.
Kundalinī: The Coiled Energy
- Kundalinī means “the coiled one” and is depicted as a serpent resting at the base of the spine in the mūlādhāra chakra.
- She is the vital energy (jīva-śakti) that animates all life and manifests as prāṇa (life force).
- Kundalinī has three and a half coils, corresponding to:
- The three guṇas and the half bindu mentioned in the Kubjikā-Tantra.
- When awakened, Kundalinī ascends through the chakras, leading to higher states of consciousness.
Stages of Cosmic Creation
The cosmic evolution begins with the unmanifested avyakta and progresses through various stages:
- Avyakta (Unmanifested State):
- The state of Mūla-prakṛti in perfect equilibrium.
- Mahat (Cosmic Intelligence):
- The first manifestation, where the three guṇas become distinctly evident.
- Ahaṃkāra (Selfhood):
- Ahaṃkāra develops in three forms:
- Sāttvika (Pure): Produces the senses and divine forces.
- Rājasika (Active): Governs dynamism and change.
- Tāmasika (Dense): Gives rise to the elements and the subtle essences (tanmātrās).
- Ahaṃkāra develops in three forms:
- Tanmātrās and Tattvas:
- The tanmātrās (subtle essences) are associated with the five elements:
- Ether (sound), Air (touch), Fire (sight), Water (taste), Earth (smell).
- These essences evolve into the tattvas (principles of creation).
- The tanmātrās (subtle essences) are associated with the five elements:
The Vaikrta Creation
- The process of creation bifurcates into:
- Prākṛta (Belonging to Prakṛti): The initial stages of creation (e.g., elements, senses).
- Vaikrta (Modified Creation): Includes all life forms, such as:
- Vegetation: Life currents move upwards.
- Animals: Life currents are horizontal.
- Spirits (Bhūta, Preta, etc.): Life currents tend downward.
Key Takeaway
This passage illustrates the intricate dynamics of creation, highlighting the interplay of Śiva (pure consciousness) and Śakti (dynamic energy). The universe arises through a systematic process, starting with the unmanifested potential of Mūla-prakṛti, moving through cosmic intelligence, and culminating in the diverse forms of life and matter. These teachings not only reveal the cosmic processes but also emphasize the divine forces present within the human body, such as Kundalinī, inviting us to explore our inner spiritual potential and align with the universal principles of Śiva-Śakti.