Today’s Struggles and the Role of Tantra

In today’s world, almost everyone is battling some form of challenge. The influence of Western lifestyles, polluted environments, rapidly spreading diseases, and an uncontrolled population growth are just some of the reasons that are hollowing people out from within. Consequently, nearly fifty percent of India’s population relies on medication for one ailment or another.

Over the last thirty to thirty-five years, many self-proclaimed spiritual leaders, yoga practitioners, and religious figures have capitalized on this crisis. Exploiting people’s vulnerabilities, they have propagated confusion and turned spirituality into a booming business. These practices continue to grow with each passing year.

Modern medical science offers solutions to these rising tensions, but we Indians are unique. We often trust superstition more than treatment. Part of this mistrust stems from certain doctors who exploit their position for personal gain. These circumstances, coupled with a growing web of misinformation, have pushed people further toward superstition.

Renewed Faith in Natural Healing and Meditation

Amidst these challenges, there is a positive trend—an increasing interest in natural healing methods and spirituality. The younger generation, in particular, is showing a renewed inclination toward religion, yoga, and meditation.

However, despite the growing number of people teaching and practicing meditation, there is no concrete data to show how many truly succeed in mastering it. While the number of meditation instructors is documented, the transformative results among practitioners are not visible. If even 20–30% of people genuinely succeeded in learning meditation, we would have witnessed significant societal change. Sadly, no such transformation is apparent.

Common Questions and Struggles Related to Meditation

Many people struggling with meditation send us their queries. Questions like:

• “I’ve been practicing meditation for years but haven’t achieved success.”
• “Meditation seems to work initially, but now I feel more anxious or depressed.”
• “Old, negative thoughts are resurfacing and overwhelming me.”
• “I’m afraid of my own thoughts or feel disconnected from myself.”

Such questions reveal that something is missing or misunderstood in their practice.

One recurring question is, “What is Tantra?” People often admit to hearing only negative or sensationalized things about it. Some even ask, “Are you a Tantrik? Do you believe in ghosts and spirits?” These misconceptions are widespread, and it is important to address them clearly.

Dispelling Myths About Tantra

Tantra has no connection with spells, exorcism, or the misuse of spiritual powers for personal gain. These are misrepresentations that have tarnished the reputation of this sacred knowledge. The term “Tantra” or “Tantrik” often evokes fear, but this fear is both necessary and unnecessary.

• There is no need to fear true Tantra or genuine Tantriks.
• However, one must be cautious of impostors who exploit people for money by claiming to be Tantriks.

Such individuals are often seen performing street magic or self-promotional rituals, plastering posters in every neighborhood, or dominating social media with their claims. These practices have distorted the true essence of Tantra.

Tantra’s True Connection with Mantras and Meditation

Tantra is related to mantras but does not depend solely on them. Mantras form a separate branch of spiritual practice, which may include elements of Tantra or meditation, but neither is central to it.

Today, Tantra has been diluted and commercialized, with elements like magic, vashikaran (hypnosis), and sexual practices mixed into it. What remains is a shadow of its original form.

Understanding the History of Tantra

Studying the history of Tantra can help dispel misunderstandings and restore faith in its authenticity. Tantra’s origins are often traced back to the time of the Buddha, forming what is known as Buddhist Tantra. Some accounts suggest that Buddha himself taught certain aspects of Tantra. However, around 500 BCE, neither Buddhism nor Tantra gained significant traction in India. While Buddha was born and attained enlightenment in India, his teachings were not widely accepted here. Instead, they spread to neighboring countries.

One reason for this was Buddha’s rejection of external depictions of God, which contradicted the prevailing religious doctrines in India at the time. This led to the misconception that Buddha denied the existence of God entirely, alienating his teachings from the mainstream religious culture.

As a result, Buddhist Tantra nearly disappeared in India but found fertile ground in neighboring regions.

Tantra’s Revival in India

Tantra saw a resurgence in India during the 2nd century CE, as evidenced by historical records. During this period, elements of the Vedas, Puranas, spirituality, and Buddhist teachings influenced Tantra. However, Tantra did not focus on external rituals, and this may have hindered its acceptance.

At its peak, Tantra had over twenty branches, but due to opposition from societal and religious groups, only three or four branches remain today. One of the strongest oppositions came from Shankaracharya and the Brahminical community. While their resistance is understandable in the context of preserving ritualistic traditions, Shankaracharya’s stance against Tantra remains unclear.

The Golden Age of Tantra in Kashmir

During the era when Hinduism and Buddhism thrived in Kashmir, Tantra and Kashmiri Shaivism reached their zenith. Kashmir was regarded as the cradle of divine wisdom, attracting many great spiritual figures between the 2nd and 13th centuries. It is said that Buddhist teachings and Kashmiri Shaivism spread through Kashmir to the surrounding regions.

However, the Islamic conquest of Kashmir in the 13th century and its full establishment by the 14th and 15th centuries marked the decline of Kashmiri Shaivism and Tantra in the region.

A Call to Understand Tantra’s True Essence

Tantra, at its core, is a profound spiritual science rooted in the union of the individual with the cosmos. It is not about fear, superstition, or exploitation but about achieving higher consciousness and self-realization. By understanding its history and principles, we can reclaim its purity and restore its rightful place in spiritual practice.