The View of Saiva Tantra Yoga

In the heart of Tantra yoga lies a deep perspective, or "The View," that unravels the mysteries of existence and offers a pathway to transcendence. This article delves into the principles of Śāiva Tantra, offering a clear and accessible guide to its rich philosophy and transformative practices.

Seeing the World Through Tantra Yoga

Modern life often leaves us feeling isolated, stressed, and disconnected from a deeper sense of meaning. These feelings of separation create dissatisfaction, a yearning for something greater, and a pervasive sense of being incomplete.

The goal of Saiva Tantra yoga is to awaken a sense of unity—a recognition that all existence is an expression of one infinite Consciousness. By aligning with this understanding, we can transcend suffering and embrace a life of blissful awareness.

Consider moments of profound peace: watching the sunrise, meditating in stillness, or being immersed in music. These fleeting glimpses of unity hint at our true nature, an experience Tantra yoga helps us sustain and deepen.

Awakening to The View transforms how we perceive life. Challenges become opportunities for growth, relationships deepen, and the mundane becomes sacred. Life is experienced as a joyful dance of divine perfection.

Through a combination of study (“Jnana”), practice (“Sadhana”), and integration, Tantra yoga reveals our true identity as an inseparable part of the infinite.

This transformative philosophy is known as The View in Saiva Tantra yoga. It teaches us to see ourselves not as separate beings but as luminous expressions of the divine whole.

Defining The View in Saiva Tantra Yoga

At its core, Tantra yoga presents a radical idea: all that exists is a single infinite Consciousness, referred to in Sanskrit as Chit. This Consciousness is inherently:

Infinite: It transcends time, space, and all boundaries.

Free: Unrestricted by any external force.

Blissful: Overflowing with joy and love.

This Consciousness projects a vast multiplicity of subjects (you and I) and objects (everything we perceive). Every individual subject is a contracted locus of self-awareness, while every object is an actualization of a timeless potentiality within the divine Jyotir (Light of Consciousness).

The Divine Play (Lila)

The universe, according to Tantra, is not a static creation but a dynamic, joyful expression known as Lila. This divine play arises from Prema (love), the inherent nature of Consciousness to express its infinite potential.

How This Relates to Us

• Every moment of existence is part of this play, whether we perceive it as joyful or challenging.
• Each experience, no matter how mundane, is a manifestation of the divine.

Consciousness contracts itself into finite forms to experience and express its infinite nature. This contraction allows for individuality and diversity while maintaining the underlying unity of all things.

The Root of Suffering: Misidentification

While this divine play is inherently blissful, suffering arises when we identify with the limits of our finite experience rather than our infinite nature.

Sanskrit Terms to Understand

Duhkha: The suffering caused by disconnection and limitation.

Avidya: Ignorance of our true nature, leading to misidentification.

When we identify solely with our bodies, thoughts, and circumstances, we lose sight of the overarching pulsation of pure Awareness. This creates a sense of separation and limitation, which manifests as stress, fear, and dissatisfaction.

The Path to Liberation

The good news is that suffering is not permanent. Saiva Tantra yoga provides a clear pathway to liberation, guiding us back to the recognition of our true nature.

Understanding the Nature of Suffering

The first step is to recognize that suffering arises from misidentification. This requires introspection and self-awareness, which Tantra yoga cultivates through meditation and self-inquiry.

Wisdom and Practice

Tantra emphasizes the interplay of:

Jnana (Wisdom): Studying sacred texts and teachings to deepen understanding.

Sadhana (Practice): Engaging in yogic techniques to embody this wisdom.

Integration and Realization

Through repeated practice, the insights gained become integrated into your everyday life. Eventually, the sense of separation dissolves, revealing the infinite Bliss (“Ananda”) of Consciousness.

Practices in Saiva Tantra Yoga

The path of Tantra yoga involves a variety of practices designed to facilitate the recognition of one’s true nature. Here are some of the key techniques:

Meditation (Dhyana)

Meditation helps quiet the mind and expand awareness beyond the finite self.

• Focus on the inner light of awareness (“Jyotir”).
• Use mantras, such as Om Namah Śivaya, to align with divine energy.

Mantra Yoga

Mantras are powerful tools for tuning into the vibrational essence of Consciousness.

Example: So’hum (“I am That”): A reminder of our unity with the infinite.

Related: Introduction to Mantra Meditation

Kundalini Awakening

Kundalini refers to the latent divine energy within each individual. Practices aim to awaken this energy, allowing it to rise through the chakras (energy centers) and dissolve blockages.

Rituals (Puja)

Tantric rituals honor the divine in all forms and help cultivate devotion (“Bhakti”).

Offerings such as flowers and incense symbolize surrender and gratitude.

Self-Inquiry (Svadhyaya)

Asking questions like "Who am I?" or "What is my true nature?" helps dismantle misidentification.

The Benefits of Awakening

Awakening to The View has profound benefits for every aspect of life:

Inner Peace: Realizing your infinite nature dissolves fear and anxiety, replacing them with unshakable peace.

Joyful Living: Life becomes a celebration, with every experience seen as part of the divine play.

Harmonious Relationships: Recognizing the divinity in others fosters compassion, empathy, and deep connection.

Empowerment: Awakening to your true nature unlocks your creative potential and aligns you with your purpose.

Liberation: Freedom from suffering and a life rooted in blissful awareness is the ultimate goal.

Living The View

At its essence, The View of Saiva Tantra yoga offers a universal perspective that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. It invites us to:

• See the world as a dance of divine perfection (“Ananda Tandava”).
• Recognize ourselves as expressions of infinite Consciousness.

Embrace life’s challenges as opportunities for growth and realization.

Saiva Tantra yoga is not merely a philosophy but a way of living that transforms every moment into an expression of divine bliss. By embracing The View, we move from a sense of separation to profound unity, from suffering to joy, and from limitation to infinite possibility.

The journey begins with a single step: the willingness to look beyond appearances and explore the infinite Consciousness within. As we practice, study, and integrate this understanding, we awaken to our true nature and experience life as it truly is—a luminous dance of divine love.