The necessity of a Guru in one’s sadhana has been a cornerstone of spiritual traditions, particularly in the tantric path. For a tantric practitioner, the Guru is not merely a guide but an crucial presence in unlocking the mysteries of the practice. Tantric teachings often bypass the limitations of words and actions, dwelling in the realm of direct experience and transmission. This makes the presence of a Guru indispensable, as only they can activate the subtle faculties within the student and transfer the experiential knowledge required for deeper realization.
Due to the intricate and esoteric nature of tantra , genuine Gurus remain almost hidden, operating outside the visible and conventional spiritual circles. Many tantric practitioners live in secrecy, safeguarding their practices from the uninitiated. This secrecy serves both as a protection for the sanctity of the tradition and as a filter, ensuring that only the truly committed aspirants approach them.
During a Tantric initiation, the Divine mother is considered as the initiating Guru , who descend to the world in order to elevate the aspirant. For the same reason , a female Guru is considered highly auspicious. The task of initiating tantra sadhana lies totally within the Guru as the disciple only has to prepare himself in receiving. It is when the Guru feels that the disciple is ready, does he initiates him into the tantric tradition. Considering this, searching for a tantric Guru becomes pointless, – as in when the disciple is ready, the Guru shall appear.
Just as one lamp is lit from another, so too is the divine Shakti, embodied in the form of a mantra, passed from Guru to disciple. A Tantric Guru can either be a renunciate (sannyasin), like Swami Sivananda Saraswati or a householder like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Regardless of their lifestyle, what qualifies them as a Guru is their mastery of Tantra and their ability to uplift others through their practice.
Householders, being active members of society, often have a deeper understanding of everyday life and its challenges. This perspective allows them to serve as Gurus, provided they have mastered the science of Tantra. In India, many Gurus who give initiation live as householders, blending into society while adhering to a disciplined and self-controlled life. Unlike the average householder, a Tantric practitioner in family life maintains higher ideals, practices, and spiritual focus, setting them apart.
A spiritual householder demonstrates effective communication and navigates relationships with compassion and wisdom, balancing their spiritual duties with worldly responsibilities. This makes their approach relatable and impactful for those they guide.
In my strong view that all spiritual practices, especially Tantra, should be undertaken only under the direct guidance of a Guru or spiritual teacher.
