This is the first time I am recommending a book here in my journal. Although it’s not about Tantra, it explains tantric philosophy from a non-tantric but spiritual perspective. For those of you who do not yet know the author Gregg Braden, his book "The Divine Matrix" is a good way to get to know his writing. Tantric Philosophy is founded on the Interconnection and Unity of the Universe. The human being does not exist in isolation, but is part of the One and is connected to all other matter in the universe. The human body in Tantra is seen as a microcosm of the universe and all that exists in the universe, exists also in the human body. The path to “enlightenment”, to conscious awareness, is through recognising our connection to the dynamic unity of reality. Through the intimate connection of body and universe in Tantric thought, we can understand how sex and orgasm can be seen as a cosmic and divine experience.
Many ideas of Tantric Philosophy can be found in other branches of philosophical thought and scientific study throughout the ages. It has however been relatively recent discoveries of the properties of space and the wave structure of matter that provide a scientific and logical explanation of the ancient Indian philosophy of Tantra, allowing humans to understand, for the first time, how they exist in space and are interconnected with other matter in the space around them.
I would like to suggest a book that explains all this beautifully. As it states on the back cover:“With easy to understand science and real-life stories, Gregg Braden show us that we’re limited only by our beliefs, and what we once believed is about to change!”
Although it offers an easy to understand and fascinating history of modern science and new physics, this book is much more than a book about science. It allows us to see and understand everyday life in new way and gives us tools, based on scientific knowledge, which empower us to change to take charge of and change our experience.
Namaste
Leandra
The Divine Matrix – Bridging Time, Space, Miracles, And Belief by Gregg Braden.
A Hayhouse publication: http://www.hayhouse.co.za/
Gregg Braden's website: http://www.greggbraden.com/
Hallo Leandra,
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a good overview again, keep up your writing please.
In support of your historical overview I find this introduction to tantra also useful;
Three Yogi World Views
(Source: Hatha Yoga Illustrated – Martin Kirk, Brooke Boon, Daniel DiTuro ISBN-13 978-0-7360-6203-9)
1. Classical Yoga
2. Advaita Vedanta
3. Tantra
Classical Yoga
… it is a dualistic philosophy that draws a clear distinction between two major “substances” of the universe i.e. matter and spirit. Spirit is absolute, unchanging and superior to matter. Matter is relative, changeable and inferior to spirit.
For the Classical Yogi the body and this physical life are problems to be solved and the solution … “discipline the body into submission … strong emphasis on controlling the body and mind through discipline … push through the pain … when the seeker isolates the experience of pure spirit from the lesser realities of body, mind and thoughts”
Advaita Vedanta
…negates the concept of separate realities for matter and spirit … only spirit is real; matter is an illusion … and an error in perception that must be corrected … all human suffering comes from this error of perception. For Vedanta also this embodied life is a problem to be solved and Vedanta’s solution … practice “you are not your body, your are not your thoughts”
Tantra
Sometime in the fifth or sixth century B.C.E. there was another revolution in philosophical thought … it was a radical shift … rather than join the argument between Classical and Vedanta yoga the Tantras transmuted it by agreeing with both sides and adding a new twist … masterful “weaving” together of these two great teachings.
This was an incredible shift in prevailing views, (classical) which considered the physical body as a problem to be solved and required self-denial and intense discipline of the physical body in order to rise above it or (Advaita Vedanta) realize it as illusion. In bold contrast the followers of Tantric philosophy considered the body as a manifestation of divinity “spirit” itself, worthy of celebration and honour. Suddenly there was nothing to renounce (to judge) … only the choice of living fully in the reality one has received as a divine gift.
In contrast to the Classical and Advaita Vedanta adherents who renounced the world as inferior or illusion, the followers of this new path were primarily lay people, heads of household and business men and women living in the everyday world.
Tender loving care
Saheer