The
Technique of Yoga has their sources
in tantra and the two can not be separated,
just as consciousness, Shiva can not be separated from energy Shakti.
Tantra is a combination of two words "Tanoti" and "Trayati."
This means expansion and liberation respectively. Therefore tantra is
the science of expanding the consciousness and liberating the energy.
We can say it in another way that it is the way to attain freedom from
the bondage of the world being living in it.
The first step in tantra is to know the limitations
and capacities of the body and mind.
Next it prescribes techniques for the expansion of consciousness and the
liberation of energy where by individual limitations are transcended and
a higher reality experienced. Lord Shiva is widely considered to be the
symbol or the embodiment of supreme consciousness. Parvati her consort
represents supreme knowledge, will and action, and is responsible for
all creation. This force or energy is also known as kundalini shakti.
The cosmic shakti which is in dormant form in all beings. Parvati is regarded
as the mother of the whole universe. The individual soul is embodied and
bound to the world of name and form and also liberated from the bondage
of the world and united with supreme consciousness through her grace out
of love and compassion for her children. She imparted her secret knowledge
of liberation in the form of tantra.
Tantric physiology :
There are seven main charkas (energy centers)
containing psychic powers in the human body. When activated
they hold potential for reaching cosmic planes of existence. They can
be portals into a new existence and the realization of inherent powers.
CHAKRAS:-There are so many charkas
in our body .But seven of them are very important .
MOOLADHAR:-It is located in perineum.
From here the spiritual evolution started .One goes beyond animal consciousness
and progress starts for a real human being.
SWADHISTAN:-Situated in the coccyx
(tail bone of spine). Corresponds to the sacral flexus of nerves and controls
the unconscious.
MANIPUR:-It is located in the spine
behind the navel. Corresponds to solar flexus of nerves. Regulates the
bodily temperature, digestion and assimilation.
ANAHAT:-It is located in the spine
behind the base of the heart. Corresponds to cardiac flexus of nerves.
Controls the function of heart, lungs, diaphragm etc.
VISUDDHI:-Located in the spine, behind
the throat pit. Corresponds cervical plexus of nerves. Controls the epiglottis,
thyroid glands etc.
AJNA:-It is located in the middle
of the brain directly above the spine, behind the eyebrow centre. Corresponds
to the pineal gland. It has the complete control over all the bodily function.
SAHASHRARA:-Situated at the crown
of the head. It is the final culmination of kundalini shakti. Which is
the seat of higher awareness.
Sahhasrara is said to be abode of
Lord Shiva the cosmic consciousness,
and Mooladhar is the seat of Shakti Whose is that of a cosmic force known
as kundalini. Ultimately, tantra asana aims to arouse kundalini shakti
to unite with Shiva.
The human body also contains five koshas
or sheaths. According
to tantra only one third of the human body is inevidence -the rest is
not visible.
The five sheaths are:
1. Annamaya Kosha: It works in mooladhar,
swadhisthan and manipur area
2. Pranamaya Kosha:Pranamaya works
in Anahat and Vishuddhi
3. Manomaya Kosha & 4.
Vignanamaya Kosha Both are identified
with the cognitive principle, the Ajna chakra is the center. Here in this
state one gets inner vision, simultaneous knowledge as they really are
and the third eye opens in the center of head.
5. Anandamaya Kosha:Here one can experience
the bliss and it works at Sahashrara.
Through the yogic practices the energy begins to rise upwards from the
mooladhar chakra, breaking open and transforming each energy centers as
she ascends until Shakti enters the magnetic sphere of Shiva consciousness.
The discipline of breathing is absolute essential in yogic practices because
the prana (vital air) enters human body through these charkas and nadis
diffusing through out according to different functions. These vital air
are important to the tantric practitioners