Tantra

Tantra is composed of two words, i.e.tan and tra which implies that through sadhana and pooja one can mould nature and God according to one’s desires. Tantra is a sadhana, a method, a technique or a path that is available in all religions. Tantras are deeply associated with the mantras. Without mantras tantra cannot be successful. Both are practiced simultaneously to achieve more success in tantra. Tantra is not a religion but is a sadhana, a shastra, consisting of religion’s treatise compiled by Lord Shiva containing mystical formulae for the attainment of supernatural powers. Mantras are continually whispered by a tantrik while performing the rituals as they help to energise tantras for specific purposes. The mantras produce appropriate vibrations within a psychic field. Besides mantra the asana is also closely related to tantra.
Asana is actually a step by step dissolution of the body into the subtle elements, a process of gradual involution whereby the body is identified with the sense of smell, water with taste, fire with vision, air with touch, ether with sound. These five elements are
merged one by one into their sources with potentials of energies and ultimately ego is dissolved into mahat, the great one. Sahkti or pure consciousness is constantly coming down in a shower on human beings,but on account of cosmic bombardment, it is immediately transformed and diffused throught the body.
In reuniting Shiva shakti, the adept can reach out and enjoy the benefits falling from the sahastara chakra, the centre of communication directly between the individual and infinite consciousness above. It is also stressed that all the rituals should be performed under the guidance of the Guru. Various kind of initiation by a Guru are mentioned in Tantra sastras.They are sakti, sambhabi, mantri, anabi, kriyabati, barnamoyee, kalatma, bidhanmdya,etc.Despite different kinds of initiation,all produce the same effect and lead to liberation from bondage.

5 Bases Of Tantra

1) Pattal : This part details the importance, of jaap for desires, homa, mantra and homa articles for a particular Deva or Deity. Use of mantras if any are also indicated in this.
2) Paddati : The methods of sadhana indicated in this part, includes the methods of taking bath from morning to puja jaap mantra, their use and methods of sadhana for particular occassions.
3) Kawach : The method which we adopt to appease each devta through their names and pray for protection is known as kawach. It is a way through which siddhi of devtas is obtained. Kawach is used after japa. Talismans are made through it and clothes etc. can also be infused for use in tantra.
4) Sahastra Nam : It implies to thousand names. The verses contains thousand names of the devta for which pooja is performed. It indicates the various details of different deities,etc.Specific mantras for siddhi of these deities are detailed therein.
5) Stotra : They are the verses of pooja, prayer of deities. Also methods are indicated for use of mantra, method of making yantras, use of medicines, and other details have been provided in the stotras.