Tantra Yoga is an ancient way of attaining eternal freedom from mortal life’s endless wheel. It’s a path which helps reunite your soul with its core – the universe, ultimately giving you – “moksha” (independence from the cycle of birth and rebirth). However, the world keeps you trapped in the matrix, and escaping seems an impossible task.
In order to practice Tantra Yoga, you think you need to abandon your responsibilities, part ways from your family and reside somewhere in the Himalayas. Attaining enlightenment must not come at such a huge cost, right? Exactly, such theories are nothing but misconceptions.
A common man, doing three shifts at work and catering to their family can practice Tantra Yoga as well. And it’s entirely possible to adapt this ancient wisdom in your modern life. In this guide, we will discuss how you can incorporate Tantra Yoga in your day-to-day life with rituals and techniques, personalized especially for a beginner.
- Brahma Muhurta: The beginning of it all
The best time for practicing Tantra Yoga is during the “Brahma Muhurta”. According to ancient wisdom, it is the time during 03:30-05:30 in the morning when your mind is fresh after a good night’s sleep and free from distractions. A similar serenity can be seen in the environment as well which is calm at the point.
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While this is the best time to practice the rituals, it’s not a requisite. You can practice whenever you wake up during the day or find it convenient. However, prioritize the practice as the first thing you engage in upon waking up.
- Make sure is mind is prepared
Considering our declining attention spans, practicing Tantra Yoga might seem boring in the beginning. Thus, preparing your mind to carry on with the process becomes a necessity.
- Set an intention: Begin your practice by setting an intention – “I’m going to practice Tantra Yoga now. I’ll remain calm, composed and focused throughout the process.”
- Calm your nervous system: Once an intention is set, the next step is to take a few deep breaths. Follow the 4 second rule. Inhale slowly, taking a deep breath for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for another 4 seconds before exhaling and repeating the same for 4 times. This will calm you down and prepare you for the next steps.
- Chant your prayer/affirmation: Finally, read aloud a positive mantra, prayer or affirmation to seek cosmic guidance.
Now, you are ready to begin your Tantric practice.
- Follow a personalized morning ritual
The onset of your day should be with a morning ritual dedicated to Tantra Yoga. Create a personalized ritual, starting with pranayama, meditation and yoga. Take inspiration from these various techniques mentioned below –
- Pranayama Techniques:
- Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Balances the flow of energy in the body.
- Kapalbhati (Skull Shining Breath): Cleanses and energizes the body through rapid exhales.
- Bhramari (Bee Breath): Calms the mind and soothes the nervous system with humming breath.
- Meditation Techniques:
Beginners must practice only one of these when starting their practice.
- Trataka (Concentration on a Point): Enhances focus and concentration by gazing at a fixed point.
- Ajapa Japa (Spontaneous Repetition): Involves breath awareness and mental repetition of a mantra.
- Chakra Meditation: Focuses on activating and balancing the body’s energy centers (chakras).
iii. Yoga asanas
- Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose): A sitting pose that enhances concentration and aids digestion.
- Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose): Opens the hips and stimulates the sacral chakra.
- Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose): Encourages surrender and deep relaxation.
- Practice Tantric rituals
In Tantra Yoga, deities are considered a manifestation of positive energies, who help you achieve happiness, contentment and serenity. Practicing tantric rituals like worshiping, Yajna and providing offerings attract these energies to you who in return fill your life with abundance and positivity.
- Puja: Deity worship
In Hinduism, every deity is connected with a certain quality. For instance, Lord Hanuman blesses you with strength, willpower and protection, Goddess Laxmi blesses you with wealth and fortune while Maa Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge.
It is believed that worshiping a deity grants you with their qualities. Doing puja invites prosperity into your house and brings you closer to enlightenment.
- Yajna: Ritual near the sacred fire
Special significance has been given to fire in Tantra yoga. It is used in almost every ritual. Homa or Yajna originated during the Vedic times and were prominent in tantric practices.
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The sacred fire symbolizes purification and transformation. Practitioners may perform fire rituals, offering specific substances into the fire while chanting mantras to purify the environment and invoke divine forces.
iii. Bali: Offerings
Bali doesn’t require harming an innocent. Instead, it involves sacrifice of worldly illusions. To follow this ritual, you can offer food, flowers and clothing to the deity. It signifies acknowledging the interconnectedness of all things.
The ritual is also metaphorical in Tantra Yoga where you sacrifice negative feelings like your anger, dishonesty, laziness, greed, jealousy etc. for a better living.
- End the day with a pre-sleep tantric routine
There is no hard and fast rule for a Tantric Yogi to end their day with a bedtime ritual. Yet, to adapt Tantra yoga in modern times where you are occupied with different responsibilities during the day, it’s better to allocate a fixed time to this practice before sleep when your subconscious mind is highly activated.
For beginners, a pre-sleep tantric routine might encompass gentle yoga poses, meditation, mantra chanting, and journaling. If practiced with a partner, consider incorporating tantric sex or couple yoga asanas to deepen the connection. This intentional approach seamlessly integrates Tantric principles into your daily routine.
- Designate a special space for Tantra Yoga
Designating a special place for Tantra Yoga in your home fosters routine, discipline, and dedication. Overtime, continuous spiritual practices also infuse the space with a robust positive energy, encouraging you further in the journey. The space must be a calm corner free from distractions. Also, make sure the space is well-lit with access to fresh air.
Conclusion
Tantra Yoga may seem complex, but it’s a simple and life-changing practice if followed with patience and persistence. This beginner-friendly guide will surely help you begin your Tantric journey.
