Shakta Tantra is one of the most powerful systems of upasana present within Dharma, focused on the worship of Shakti. However, people have various misconceptions regarding this path due to lack of understanding and knowledge. The speaker, Rajarshi Nandy, discusses the foundational structure of Shakta tantra as practiced today and addresses some related questions.
To watch Part 2 of the talk, please visit: https://youtu.be/CKNYWJ7xzPI
SUBTOPICS
00:00:00
00:00:10 Genesis of Shakta Tantra
00:04:36 How is Tantra different from other systems?
00:05:06 Primary difference between Tantric and Pouranic Scriptures
00:08:00 What is the final aim of the Tantric process?
00:09:07 Importance of the Mantra in the Tantric approach to a Deity.
00:10:37 Bifurcation of Tantra - Kalikula and Srikula
00:11:40 Importance and Gradations of Initiation (Diksha) in Shakta Tantra
00:15:40 Acharas or Modes of Upasana in the Tantric system
00:18:30 Two fundamentals in Tantric Upasana
00:19:32 Mahavidya Upasana
00:20:40 Q&A Session
00:21:24 Are Deities real? Are they beyond the realm we live in or are they simply energies we can access?
00:27:05 Does a Deity have any limitations?
00:32:58 If a person in sadhana is deeply connected to the Mother and worships her, would that automatically make him/her a Shakta upasaka?
00:34:22 Ma Kamakhya: The Deity, Shaktipitha and iconography
00:39:08 Importance of Kamkhya in Shakta Tantra
00:44:25 Why do different cultures have different Deities?
00:48:56 Importance of living traditions for worshipping and accessing a Deity
00:51:00 Are stories about Deities real world happenings?
00:54:55 Is all sadhana of Deities done for human well being?
00:56:47 If Tantra is a quick, even though difficult path, why haven’t all sincere seekers chosen it over Yogic sadhana or Bhakti sadhana?
00:58:08 Types of malas used for different Deities in mantra japa
01:00:15 Can we worship some form of Devi to solve problems in our country?
01:02:19 Limitations and dangers of doing Homas as a standalone sadhana
01:05:50 Importance of Akasha tattva
01:13:14 Can we pick up a mantra on our own and do japa?
01:19:14 When can chanting a mantra be counterproductive?
01:21:40 What is a reasonable time to attain Siddhis?
01:23:23 Significance of Bhairava in the Tantric path
01:26:17 How do we find our Ishta Devata?
01:28:53 Did Buddhist Tantra influence Hindu Tantric practices?
01:35:15 What is the relation of sex with Tantra?
01:41:49 Using rituals to access a Deity
01:45:00 How can we increase shakti for spiritual and material progress?
01:46:43 Should mantras be chanted mentally or verbally?
01:48:14 Significance of a spiritual experience in sadhana
01:54:56 An individual as a vessel for a Divine force
01:59:42 Can we worship multiple Deities at the same time?
02:01:02 Can one’s Ishta Devata override or impact the influence of grahas?
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Rajarshi Nandy is an upasaka, author, speaker, and columnist with a keen interest in the exploration, and practice of Shakta tantra.
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