Tantrik Sadhnaye Ek Paryavekshan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text "Tantrik Sadhnaye Ek Paryavekshan" by Dr. Rudradev Tripathi:

The article, "Tantrik Sadhnaye Ek Paryavekshan" (An Observation of Tantric Practices), by Dr. Rudradev Tripathi, published in "Shri Pushkarmuni Abhinandan Granth," explores the significance and nature of Tantric sadhana (spiritual practice) in Indian life.

Core Argument: Tantric sadhana is presented as a crucial and effective method established by ancient Indian sages for the well-being, prosperity, and peace of humanity, addressing both worldly and spiritual needs. It is highlighted as a readily accessible and simple path to achieving desired outcomes, making it popular across all sections of society, regardless of education or social status.

Reasons for Tantra's Popularity:

Addressing Human Needs: Drawing a parallel with Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita (7.16), the author explains that people approach the divine for four reasons: distress (आर्त), curiosity (जिज्ञासु), desire for material gains (अर्थार्थी), and knowledge (ज्ञानी). While the last category is rare, the first three are common. Tantra caters to these widespread needs, offering solutions for suffering, fulfilling desires for knowledge, and achieving worldly pleasures.
Ease and Simplicity: Compared to other sadhanas, Tantra is described as easy and simple to practice, requiring less effort and time for success. This accessibility makes it a universally sought-after path.
Fulfillment of Aspirations: When freed from immediate suffering, human aspirations and desires expand limitlessly, and people naturally seek methods that require less strenuous effort. Tantra fulfills this need by offering straightforward practices.

Meaning and Definition of 'Tantra':

The word 'Tantra' is derived from the root "tan" (to expand) and "tra" (to protect or liberate), signifying the act of expanding or bringing under control the essential principles and liberating people from fear.
It's defined as a scripture that elaborates on the meanings of mantras and rituals, and whose practices protect people from fear.
Tantra is also synonymous with Agama. The text explains that Agamas originated from Lord Shiva's mouths, reached Goddess Parvati, and were approved by Lord Vishnu. Therefore, Agamas/Tantras are seen as scriptures that guide both worldly enjoyment (bhoga) and liberation (moksha).

Misconceptions about Tantra: The article addresses prevalent misconceptions surrounding Tantra, particularly the idea that it is merely about magic or trickery.

Association with Magic: Many people, even educated ones, mistakenly equate Tantra with mere trickery, like street performers, believing its effects are temporary.
Inclusion of Panchamakara and Taboo Practices: The author acknowledges that later additions to Tantric texts included practices like the consumption of the five 'M's (madyan-liquor, mānsa-meat, mīna-fish, mudrā-grain, and maithuna-sexual intercourse), corpse-worship, and sacrifices. However, he stresses that these practices have a deeper, symbolic spiritual meaning understood through scriptural study and guru lineage, and their "secrecy" is important. The term "Vamamarga" or "Vamachara" is also linked to this symbolic interpretation and is misunderstood by the common populace.
Historical Criticism: The author suggests that during periods of social upheaval and foreign invasions, when people sought solace, saintly poets promoted Bhakti (devotion) as a simpler path to peace. This might have led to some criticism of Tantra, contributing to its negative perception.
Selfish Manipulations: The article also attributes the negative view to selfish individuals who exploit the common people with superficial rituals and deceptive practices in the name of Tantra.

The Five Limbs of Tantric Scripture: The article details the five essential components of Tantric scriptures:

Patal: Focuses on the significance of a deity, instructions for mantra repetition, fire rituals (homa), necessary materials, and remedies for cursed mantras.
Paddhati: Provides a step-by-step ritualistic method for sadhana, from daily ablutions to the conclusion of chanting and rituals, including the invocation and appropriation of mantras.
Kavach: Involves internalizing deities within one's body through their names, seeking protection. When perfected through practice and recitation, these "Kavachas" can be used for healing ailments through touch or incantation. They are also used for consecrating objects like amulets, talismans, and purifying water.
Sahasranama: A collection of a thousand names of the deity, which are considered powerful, mantra-infused, and endowed with divine qualities. They are used in various forms of worship, independent recitation, and fire rituals.
Stotra: Collections of praises and prayers to the deity. Some powerful "Siddha-Stotras" also contain secret instructions for mantra usage, creating metals, constructing yantras, and using medicinal herbs.

The Efficacy of Tantra in Kali Yuga: The author emphasizes that Tantric practices yield quick results in the Kali Yuga (the current age of spiritual decline). The text quotes scriptures like "Yogini Tantra" stating that Vedic mantras have become powerless in this age, akin to venomous snakes without venom, and that seeking spiritual progress through other traditional paths is as foolish as digging a well near the Ganges for water. Tantric mantras, in contrast, are considered effective and swift in bringing results.

Tantra's Supremacy and Divine Sanction: The Matsya Purana is quoted to declare Tantra-shastra as the foremost among all scriptures, similar to Vishnu among gods, the ocean among lakes, the Ganges among rivers, and the Himalayas among mountains. It is described as bestowing all desires, being meritorious, and sanctioned by the deities. The Mahanirvana Tantra states that householders in Kali Yuga will achieve success only through Agamas (Tantras), not through other paths.

Substances of Tantra (The Five Amritas): The article highlights the five essential elements that complement the five limbs of Tantric scriptures:

Yantra: Geometric diagrams used in worship. The author draws a parallel between modern mechanical advancements and the ancient "mechanical" era of Tantra, where yantras were used for both worldly problem-solving and spiritual upliftment.
Mantra: Sacred sounds or syllables. The vastness of mantra's power through speech is acknowledged, but the article emphasizes the concentration of energy through seed mantras ("Bija Mantras") for effective results.
Tantra: Refers to the skillful application and organization of practices. It is considered vital for making the potential of mantras and yantras manifest.
Yoga: Essential for practicing Tantra, enabling the sadhak to harness the combined power of these elements. Without Yoga, success is impossible.
Swarodaya: The science of breath and its influence on time and events. It helps in understanding the temporal compatibility of the body for undertaking actions.

Proposed Endeavors for Tantric Study: The author outlines a comprehensive plan for preserving and promoting the study of Tantra:

Introducing Tantric traditions across all religions.
Creating a vast collection of Tantric and related texts.
Recovering lost or endangered scriptures.
Preserving ancient texts through various media (photos, films).
Establishing museums of sacred yantras in temples and places of worship.
Collecting and displaying ritualistic and worship materials.
Creating artistic representations of yogic practices and mudras.
Publishing research, organizing seminars, and promoting Tantric knowledge.
Collaborating with international scholars.
Obtaining guidance and support from Indian scholars.
Creating commentaries, translations, and research articles.
Investigating and documenting folk traditions related to Tantra to dispel misconceptions about ghosts and spirits, and to clarify practices like mesmerism and hypnotism.

Tantric Practices in Jainism: The article specifically addresses Tantric practices within Jainism.

The Soul as the Source of Power: In Jainism, the soul (Atma) is considered the central source of power. Tirthankaras (enlightened beings) are seen as embodiments of awakened souls.
"Namo Arihantanam" as the Core Mantra: The Yantra-Mantra vidhana in Jainism is rooted in the mantra "Namo Arihantanam." "Arihant" signifies one who has destroyed enemies (desire, aversion, and other afflictions) and achieved infinite powers.
Arhants as Embodied Divine: While Siddhas (liberated souls) are disembodied, Arhants are considered embodied divine beings who have fully realized infinite knowledge, perception, conduct, strength, and valor. Even the mere worship of an Arhant can fulfill desires for mystical powers and both material and spiritual aspirations.
Jain Yantra-Mantras: Jain Yantra-Mantras are described as highly potent and effective, yielding results quickly.
Jain Shakti Puja and Shaktism: The author notes that Jainism also incorporates Shakti Puja (worship of divine feminine energy) and aligns with certain aspects of Shaktism. Practices like Padmasana meditation in Hemachandra's "Yogashastra" and the worship of guardian deities (Shasan Devis) of Tirthankaras, such as Chakreshwari and Padmavati, demonstrate this. The worship of Dharanendra and Padmavati is compared to the worship of Tara Devi in Buddhism and Sri Vidya in Hinduism.
Absence of Vamachara: It's crucial to note that Jainism does not have practices akin to the Vamachara of Hinduism or the Hinayana of Buddhism.

The Importance of Guru and Initiation:

Guru's Necessity: The article stresses the indispensable role of a Guru for any spiritual practice. Initiation by a qualified Guru is essential for the sadhana to bear fruit.
Shankaracharya's View: Quoting Shankaracharya, it's stated that a Muni who has received initiation from a Guru is not subject to delusion.
Jain Emphasis on Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus: The Pancha Namaskara mantra itself highlights the importance of Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus.
Beyond Book Knowledge: While books can provide theoretical knowledge, success in sadhana requires the lineage-based knowledge of a Guru. Without this, practitioners can face lifelong suffering.
Diiksha as Grace: Initiation is seen as the grace of the Guru. Abhinavagupta defines 'Diiksha' as the imparting of true knowledge and the severing of animalistic bonds, derived from the letters 'da' (giving) and 'ksha' (destroying). Therefore, entering the path of sadhana after initiation is considered most beneficial.

Tantric Applications and Their Use:

Nagarjuna's Example: The example of the great Tantric Nagarjuna is given, who, through his mother's grace and study at Mount Abu, gained knowledge of medicinal sciences and acquired aerial locomotion. His collection of Siddha practices, known as "Kakshashti," is mentioned.
Jain Tantric Practices: Some Jain Acharyas also engaged in Tantric practices, utilizing mantras like Jangulimantra for healing snake and scorpion venom, using roots of various plants, and performing rituals on auspicious days like Ravi Pushya, Holi, Diwali, and Navratri to resolve issues like difficult childbirth, miscarriages, and fertility problems.
Lesser-Known Practices: The article also touches upon practices involving items like single-eyed coconuts, conch shells, Rudrakshas, and specific forms of Ganesha, indicating the prevalence of Tantric applications in popular belief.
Magic and Illusion: The text acknowledges the use of practices like magic, Yakshini-sadhana, ghost-siddhi, cremation-sadhana, Vetala-siddhi, body-transference, communication with the deceased, performing illusions, hypnotism, mesmerism, and the Ouija board (Planchette) within the broader scope of Tantra.

Conclusion: The author concludes by stating that Tantric sadhana is a prominent path among various spiritual disciplines. It requires adherence to proper methods, fosters self-strength, and emphasizes that fragmented or impure practices are unsuccessful. The sadhak's intention must be noble, and negative intentions can be detrimental. Faith in scriptures and the Guru are the true means to success. The article urges practitioners to follow the Bhagavad Gita's advice: "It is better to die in the performance of one's own duty than to prosper in the performance of another's duty; danger is the path of another." By doing so, success in Tantric sadhana is assured.