Tantrika
SYMBOLIZATION
This graceful yet tenacious WEB symbolizes the perpetual mandala of the Tantric quest or path. The web represents the organic network we weave in life and our connection to humankind. As a Tanrika; the web we weave in life is continuously woven with all of humankind. All of our lives are connected in the great spacial cosmic universe of being. Our lives are woven together as the microcosm is manifested in the macrocosm and the macrocosm within the microcosm. This simplified version of Sri Yantra reveals an elaborate form, but at its core are the two interconnected triangles with the central nucleusor BINDU. In essence this is SACRED GEOMETRY of the Great Mystery revealing pure enlightenment and the glorious union of Shiva/Shakti. The Center 6 pointed Star of David, known as SHATKONA is a Hindu symbol that represents the union of the male and female form. It specifically represents PURUSHA ( supreme being), and PRAKRITI (mother nature, or causal matter). The upward triangle represents the feminine ~ receptive nature and the downward pointed triangle signifies the masculine ~ active aspect. Together, joined and intertwined they embody the UNION OF SHIVA/SHAKTI ~ The consummation of the male and female energies of pure love perpetuating the creation of the divine.
The BINDU in the center is the unborn potential from the union of Shiva/Shakti. It represents the unmanifest source of creation; the genesis from the direct intimate surrender of love through the sexual union of SHIVA/SHAKTI. The greatest power above all is the passionate power of LOVE. Tantra aims to use the human body to achieve spiritual enlightenment, which is represented by the Sri Yantra. The hexagonal Star known as the SHATKONA represents the union of Shiva/Shakti,male~female energy. Through this harmonious energy the unmanifest potential of creation contained in the BINDU powerfully manifests outwards. The Bindu is the perpetual creation or vibratory power of merging LOVE.
The Uncoiling snake denotes Kundalini rising known as the feminine dynamic energy depicted here in its activated state of ascent. The Snake is a metaphor for Kundalini; Pure Being, or Cosmic Energy. In our quest of enlightenment and introspection this spiral movement of energy is the cosmic consciousness known as the "rising Kundalini" it is the primordial pool of energy and intelligence that lies subtly pulsing at the base of the spine. The coiled snake represents the helix DNA; life's universal genetic makeup. The snake is said to be pulsing at the base chakra coiled three and a half times awaiting its spiral ascension. This ascent is activated by the yogic journey through asana, pranayama, and meditation; when unleashed it becomes the powerful force leading to altered states of consciousness. This deep awareness empowers us to discover the immortal divine within.
DEFINITION
Tantrika ~ A yogini who lives in the perfect present of sacred, sensual and supreme consciousness in the great Perpetual Circle of Creation through selflessness and oneness with all.
Tantra derived from the Sanskrit root which means "to weave or extend". This is a comprehensive system for extending knowledge and wisdom as the realization that we are all connected interwoven in unity. Hatha Yoga evolved out of concern in Tantra for creating a transubstantiated body - a physical body that was under the control of the yogi; that one could manifest and de-manifest at will; an immortal being with a vibrating pulsation that is not bound by the whimsical realm but through its own universal organic intelligence.
TANTRIKA ----- a practitioner of Tantra whose core aspect of philosophy is non-dualism. Ones True essence or Transcendental Self, of pure awareness or Divine exists in every particle of the Universe. Everything you do and all that you sense in the physical body, ranging from pain to pleasure is a manifestation of the Divine. In Tantra the world is to be lived in fully as even mundane tasks or events are auspicious and beautiful. A Tantrika views the body as a manifestation of the spirit ~ a holy spirit. When the physical body is pure and strong, through the practice of Yoga, it becomes a vehicle for ending any and all suffering consequently attaining liberation (moksha).
Tantra's comprehensive array of practices, which include asana and pranayama as well as mantra (chanting), pujas (deity worship), kriyas (cleansing practices), mudras (seals), and mandalas and yantras (circular or geometric patterns used to develop concentration) are the modalities of tantra practitioners to claim insight and incredible powers over the physical body and the world. The Tantric body is seen as the microcosm of the entire cosmos: the divine feminine energy is present in the individual person as Kundalini. Tantrism centers on releasing the pulsating serpent to awaken and channel this powerful primordial energy.
The body is considered a Supremely Divine Sacred Temple. Uniting the opposite energies is a main focus of Tantra adepts and within that realm the intention of merging through sexual union is another vehicle for joy and unity. A Sexual relationship has the potential to provide deeper experiences of connection to each other and the universe through sacred/sexuality and the art of loving. Most of the teachings known as Tantra are a practice of Hatha Yoga with techniques and inspiration from the Indian subcontinent and the Middle Eastern texts of the KAMA SUTRA. Sexuality has been revered by the Tantrics as a holy gift from the creator, a sacrament and and art form. In Tantrism, sex is the art of making love and a celebration of the sacred union of life. Sex was thought to join two lovers physically, as well as spiritually in a profound form of meditation through which two lovers could unite the divine energy of the universe. Orgasm is considered to be the ultimate universally shared meditative experience. At the exact moment of orgasm you are in your receptive state of being in a timeless absorption within the present with no thought - just being. Tantra accords utmost respect to women and the feminine divine. In the Hindu Tantric view, the world perpetually arises from the erotic dance of life harmonizing the union of the divine male (Shiva) and the divine female (Shakti), with Shiva providing the necessary seed and Shakti providing the active energy that brings all into being.
