Category: Tantra Mantra Yantra and Vedic Tradition
In the tantric way of attaining higher states of consciousness- to ultimately obtain moksha; there are two main pathways- the right-handed path, called as the Dakshinachara and the left-handed path, which is called as the Vamachara.
Tantric practices are considered more esoteric and very few people truly understand the full connotation of their extensive possibilities.
It is not that Dakshinachara is better or worse than Vamachara, they both are equally effective in allowing one to reach higher states.
As the word tantra suggests (tantra, literally means tool), both these paths are merely tools that ultimately allow an individual to walk on their path of spiritual awareness.
Tantric practices are considered more esoteric and very few people truly understand the full connotation of their extensive possibilities.
It is not that Dakshinachara is better or worse than Vamachara, they both are equally effective in allowing one to reach higher states.
As the word tantra suggests (tantra, literally means tool), both these paths are merely tools that ultimately allow an individual to walk on their path of spiritual awareness.
Dakshinachara practices are usually more in line with societal norms and so have generally been accepted by people. These are the traditionally followed ascetic practices to attain ascension. These practices try to enhance the Sattva guna- the positive principle of cosmic truth in our body.
Vamachara practices on the other hand come across as forbidden activities (the Panchamakara, also called as the Five M-s) that sometimes ruffle up our sense of all acceptable esthetics and at times even seem too morbid for them to be of any spiritual value!!
Though, if done correctly, the sheer ‘shock’ and extreme negative aspects of the Vamachara techniques can catapult one to very high states of spiritual awareness and accomplishments. These techniques work to transform the “decaying aspect”- i.e. the tamas guna in such a way that it will give us the understanding of the Divine absolute- (that which is beyond all the three gunas of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas).
Vamachara practices on the other hand come across as forbidden activities (the Panchamakara, also called as the Five M-s) that sometimes ruffle up our sense of all acceptable esthetics and at times even seem too morbid for them to be of any spiritual value!!
Though, if done correctly, the sheer ‘shock’ and extreme negative aspects of the Vamachara techniques can catapult one to very high states of spiritual awareness and accomplishments. These techniques work to transform the “decaying aspect”- i.e. the tamas guna in such a way that it will give us the understanding of the Divine absolute- (that which is beyond all the three gunas of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas).
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Please note that Shabar Tantra, though has the word tantra in its name, is not a true Tantric pathway for spiritual transformation.
In this, people do simple activities that allows them to modify smaller energy patterns. Usually these activities are conducted not for spiritual awareness and raising of one’s consciousness, but for material gains or other ego-gratifying reasons such as stopping one’s enemies, taking revenge and so on.
There is also a medium pathway called as the Madhyama Tantra is also possible. It utilizes the Rajas guna of transformative action. Though in terms of formal schools of Tantric practitioners, the two main schools of thought are the right-handed pathway of Dakshinachara and the left-handed pathway of Vamachara.
Coming back to utilizing a tantric pathway for our spiritual transformation and ultimate liberation- it is not that the right-handed path (Dakshinachara) is better or worse than the left-handed path (Vamachara). Both these pathways allow us to spiritually transform ourselves.
In this, people do simple activities that allows them to modify smaller energy patterns. Usually these activities are conducted not for spiritual awareness and raising of one’s consciousness, but for material gains or other ego-gratifying reasons such as stopping one’s enemies, taking revenge and so on.
There is also a medium pathway called as the Madhyama Tantra is also possible. It utilizes the Rajas guna of transformative action. Though in terms of formal schools of Tantric practitioners, the two main schools of thought are the right-handed pathway of Dakshinachara and the left-handed pathway of Vamachara.
Coming back to utilizing a tantric pathway for our spiritual transformation and ultimate liberation- it is not that the right-handed path (Dakshinachara) is better or worse than the left-handed path (Vamachara). Both these pathways allow us to spiritually transform ourselves.
Dakshinachara involves more acceptable forms of worship, prayers, and rituals and so it provides one a safer way to advance on their spiritual journey. On the other hand, because Vamachara practices involve unconventional methods that typically tend to lower our spiritual energies such as drinking wine or indulging in sex; unless practiced with full understanding and the guidance of a wise guru, it can easily ensnare a person and push them into lower states of delusion and debauchery!
Take your pick- you can choose either of the tantric pathways for your spiritual transformation and advancement. Just make sure that you have adequate knowledge and the required wise guidance to properly follow that pathway, so you can progress on your spiritual journey.
Take your pick- you can choose either of the tantric pathways for your spiritual transformation and advancement. Just make sure that you have adequate knowledge and the required wise guidance to properly follow that pathway, so you can progress on your spiritual journey.
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