|  Tantra
Yoga is a holistic approach to the study of the universal
from the point of view of the individual: the study of the
macrocosm through the study of the microcosm. Tantra Yoga
draws on all the sciences - astronomy, astrology,
numerology,
physiognomy, physics, chemistry, alchemy, Ayurveda
(the traditional medicine of India), psychology,
mathematics, geometry, and so on - to provide a practical
means of realizing the highest ideals of philosophy in daily
life. Instead of separating and categorizing the different
areas of human knowledge, Tantra Yoga draws them together.
Tantra Yoga studies the tree of life itself instead of limiting
itself to any single branch of the tree. This tree is a microcosm,
a great organization of diverse elements linked together by
a unifying law (dharma)
that is inherent in their very nature. Tantra Yoga seeks to
understand this law.
The aim of Tantra Yoga is to expand awareness
in all states of consciousness, whether waking state, dream
state or sleep state. To accomplish this we need a kind of
"deprogramming" and "reprogramming" of
our human computer. Our birth in a particular place and time
gives us our primary programming, influenced by heredity and
environment. If we are content with the results and live our
lives without too many problems, then we will see no need
for change. But when we experience great difficulties in life
or begin to seek something beyond our limited "program"
then we need a way to alter it. Tantra Yoga provides the methodology
and the tools for this work. Tantra Yoga teaches us to identify
the various factors that influence our thoughts and feelings
and to transcend the obstacles to our evolution arising from
ignorance, intolerance, attachment to our animal nature, and
selfishness. By refining our thoughts and feelings by means
of these Tantra Yoga practices, we learn to create peace,
harmony, and order within ourselves. Tantra Yoga thus promotes
a one-pointedness and centeredness that help us to free the
consciousness from limitations.
 The
universe is a product of two opposites: the static principle
(rest, shaktiman, powerholder, Shiva)
and the dynamic principle (movement, energy, power, creativity,
Shakti).
The external part of everything is the creative aspect, and
inside every dynamic creation is the static aspect. The play
of Shakti has no beginning or end. Although it is restless,
the energy moves in an orderly cycle, alternating periods
of motion and rest. Energy undergoes many changes, gets distorted
and then it reorganizes itself during the period of rest.
Thus a continuous process of creation, preservation and destruction,
reorganization and re-creation goes on forever. Tantra Yoga
believes that as long as the phenomenal world exists, it is
the Universal Mother who is the creator, preserver and destroyer.
Thus in Tantra Yoga she should be worshipped as an aspect
of the Divine.
The motivating force behind this eternal play
of the illusory world of phenomena is the power of desire
(ichcha-shakti). This desire is present in the one who is
without attributes, the nameless and formless aspect of the
divine (Brahman). Tantra Yoga accepts desire as the prime
motivating force of the universe, so it does not ask its'
aspirants to renounce desire. Many other spiritual sciences
advise the avoidance of desire, which they claim leads to
bondage and is an obstacle to achieving higher consciousness.
They try to overcome desire through ascetism. Yet one is left
with the paradox that to achieve desirelessness, one must
have a strong desire to be without desire.
Tantra Yoga asserts that desires are natural
and that as long as we are embodied, we will have them. Our
sense organs serve as windows through which desires enter.
The constant presence of desire arouses a yearning and love
for the desired object. Most desires center on the physical
body and its comforts. People become slaves to their instincts,
which constitute the lower part of the personality and fall
prey to agitation, loneliness, anxiety, dissatisfaction, selfishness
and misery. Tantra Yoga offers practical tools for reprogramming
the mind and our desires. By means of physical and ritual
cleaning, breathing exercises (pranayama), contemplation,
visualization (of yantras
and deities),
repetition of a mantra (mantra
japa), Tantra Yoga helps to unfold our divine nature.
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