• The author stresses that it  is absolutely important for someone interested in Tantra to first practice self-restraint. Without that no progress in Tantra is possible. Further, it is a must to slay one's inner demons before trying to exorcise outer demons. 

The author stresses that it is absolutely important that anyone who is interested in Tantra must first practise self-restraint. Without self-restraint no progress in Tantra is possible. Further, first it is a must to slay one’s inner demons before trying to exorcise outer demons. 

Our Dharma is founded on the principle of restraining the senses (इन्द्रिय निग्रह). One may follow any path (मार्ग), but the cornerstone of all these paths is the control of the senses, drawing them inward. The primary reason for learning Tantra—specifically the Tantra practiced in Assam, Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal—is neither to communicate with demonic beings nor to harm or benefit others. These are secondary reasons for becoming a Shakti sadhak. 

The main purpose, always, has been and remains, the direct experience of God as Mother in this life itself.

Put technically, Tantra is about breaking the bonds of samsara through mantra, yantra, and ritualistic action. Anyone who believes Tantra is about demons, harming others, or practicing black magic has misunderstood its principles. Only after one is established in the Self—when one’s mind is no longer drawn outward—can one practice Tantra for the benefit of others. Not before that. First, one must slay the inner demons of envy, anger, and lack of compassion. One must realize that all humanity is one—there is no fundamental difference between the practitioner and everyone else. The sense of ‘I’ must dissolve entirely before one can practice Tantra to help others.

First, one must help oneself by eliminating ego, subtle and overt pride, and hatred based on linguistic, religious, or dietary differences. Any limitations imposed by us on Tantra in the name of preserving our Faith, contradicts our Dharma and Tantric texts. All humanity is one; whatever brings happiness is acceptable as long as it does not harm others. Any abuse of power, particularly against children and women, is absolutely evil. One must be firmly established in these tenets before seeking to help others.

To embark on this path, one must be reasonably healthy and adept in mantra shastra. However, one should never rely on online sources; though well-intentioned, they mislead due to a lack of true knowledge. There is no need to rush. Lifetimes await you to master this discipline. If you are meant to follow this path, you will not be drawn to the misuses for which so-called Tantrics have been accused. If this path is for you, you will find joy in sitting at cremation grounds and performing japa in solitude. The desire to harm others will not arise; instead, there will be a singular, overwhelming aspiration—to know the Mahavidyas in this very life and to experience God as Power.

The experience of Tantra is mystical, not esoteric, as Western scholars often claim. There is nothing esoteric about Tantra. As Jacques Derrida once said, “The secret is that there is no secret.” 

Anyone who sincerely desires to become a Tantric adept can do so, provided they are called by the Mahavidyas. Everything that needs to be known on this path is revealed to the seeker through the Guru. The only requirement is to follow the Guru, for attaining Guru Siddhi leads to all other siddhis. Nothing else is needed. The Guru will come to you if you are meant to follow this path through your sadhana in past lives. You do not need to run helter skelter for the right teacher. The teacher is going to seek you out.

Harih Om.

गुरूर्ब्रह्मा गुरूर्विष्णुः गुरूर्देवो महेश्वरः ।

गुरूर्साक्षात परब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः ।।

Author Dr. Subhasis Chattopadhyay is a theologian.

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