Many questions arise from minds clouded by fear and confusion. “Jineshji, If we join the spiritual world, must we abandon our material life?” or, “Do we need to sacrifice our career, relationships, love, sex, or business?” These questions, arising from varied life scenarios, are numerous and valid.
According to Tantra, there is no mukti (liberation or infinite realization) without bhukti (embracing finite reality). The finite consciousness we experience is an gross reflection of the infinite consciousness. In essence, the whole universe is the reflection of unmanifested consciousness.. Unlike other spiritual paths that may consider the material world an illusion and the unmanifested as the sole truth, Tantra accepts both the infinite consciousness and its material, limited aspects as real and integral to existence.
Bhukti, or enjoyment, refers to the acceptance of all phenomena—whether pleasurable or painful—that an individual may encounter. In Tantra, the aspirant relies on the magnanimity of personified nature or a deity for guidance, protection, and provision. Thus, Tantra serves as a practical system for achieving the fourfold aims of life—dharma (righteousness), artha (prosperity), kama (desires), and moksha (liberation)—even in today’s modern world.
Tantra is a vast and inclusive science, adaptable to practitioners of varied temperaments. For instance, if someone does not resonate with rites and deity worship but harbors a sincere quest to understand life’s purpose and the ultimate needs of humanity, Tantra offers alternative approaches. Texts like the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra outline unique and profound practices for connecting with the divine and exploring the depths of consciousness.
