This article was posted by CrystalWind.ca.
Tantric Psychology: Between Fear & Heroism
Written by Sofia Falcone
This post is about the psychological aspect of Tantra as a path of liberation.
The most unique and fundamental contribution to the psychological dimension of Tantrism comes from two Jungian theorists; Joseph Campbell and Heinrich Zimmer, who analyzed tantric sadhana in terms of “spiritual quest for self-discovery and true identity.” Implicit in this approach is the assumption that, at times, a confrontation with the unconscious part of the psyche, however unpleasant and terrifying is a necessary preliminary to any spiritual growth.
Following this reasoning, one can argue that the tantric path — especially in certain aspects of the Kashmiri non-dual Shaivism tradition. A spiritual discipline that found a new way to challenge one of the most powerful experiences in the dynamics of emotions– is facing fear as opposed to trying to play the hero.
Fear and its patterns from a Tantric Perspective: Fear participates in several conceptual patterns….
Sacralization to Overcome Fear– He is sacralized as the god Bhairava (the fearsome one).
Tantric Sadhana Towards Heroism: Due to fear of transmigration, it constitutes a powerful stimulus to undertake Tantric sādhanā (to avoid suffering).
Spiritual Liberation: Ritualistic ingestion of substances that can provoke fear is used to reduce the contraction of consciousness – which is the cause of bondage. Consequently, in doing this it leads to expansion of consciousness and liberation (mokṣha). Therefore, liberation is approached here through the paradigm of psychological growth that involves a direct, face-to-face confrontation with fear.
OUR FIRST IMPULSE TO OVERCOME FEAR AND DIRECTING TOWARDS HEROISM: Fear thus conceived becomes the main driving force to undertake a tantric path of heroism. Fear functions as a central organizing characteristic in a dynamic construction of tantric identity. The tantric practitioner is called Vīra (hero). His heroism, spiritually motivated, lies in the conquest of fear. It is the fear that you are forced to face both in the realm of the outside world and also in the depths of your soul. Such a confrontation endows a Hero with the virtue of steadfastness (dhairya) that makes him a heroic person and takes him significantly further on his spiritual path, to the knowledge of the goddess Kālī.
It is important to recognize that not all fear bad: An important conclusion about fear that emerges from my analysis is its ambiguous nature. On the one hand, we have a “positive” (evolutionary) fear, considered an emotional peak experience that provides personal and spiritual power, that should be welcomed. On the other hand, we have a “negative” (useless) fear resulting from saṃskāras (mental impressions stored in the subconscious) that give rise to contraction of consciousness and therefore useless suffering. The task of the Tantric Hero lies in conquering this “negative” fear.
However, despite the diversity of objective stimuli that cause fear, there is an important element to find: “positive” fear always arises from the Heart. The symbol of the Heart has been adopted by the non-dual tantrics of Kashmir, as the locus of both emotional power and supreme liberated consciousness. It is conceivable that this assumption represents an attempt to elevate the emotional life which can be seen as a mode of access to the higher metaphysical reality flourishing in all its glory and impenetrable depth.
Sofia Falcone
I passionately believe one person can make a difference. I write from my own experiences and interests. It is my greatest hope that by writing about my own challenges and hopes, others may feel inspired to believe more in their inner power and to fully embrace themselves.
Reprinted on crystalwind.ca with written permission from Sofia Falcone.
Source here
© 2023 crystalwind.ca. All rights reserved. We track all IP addresses. Using a VPN will now also get tracked to original source IP.
© CrystalWind.ca 2024. All content (articles, imagery, fair use) & design protected. Written permission required for copying. All rights reserved.
Join the Conversation Now! Comment Below!
Disclaimer Health
All post and information provided within this blog is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Please consult with your healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes or taking supplements that may interfere with medications. Any products or information discussed are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any illness, disease or lifestyle. Please consult your physician or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and wellbeing or on any opinions expressed within this website.
Spirit Animal Totem Of The Day!
Crystal Of The Day!
The Crystal Wind Oracle
Myth & Magic Card Deck!
Details Here!
NEW Expanded
Printed & Boxed!
Now with 58 cards!
CrystalWind.ca is free to use because of
donations from people like you.
Donate Now »
Latest Articles
Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!
Follow Us!
Who is Online Now
We have 14544 guests and no members online
Featured This Month
Yule - The Winter Solstice
Yule, or the Winter Solstice is one of the lesser Sabbats of the Witches calen... Read more
Yule By The Hedgewitch
Yule Yule is a solar festival and one of the Minor Sabbats. This is when the ... Read more
Sun in Sagittarius
An Overview of Sun Sign Characteristics for Sagittarius At the heart of Sagit... Read more
Gods and Monsters of the Winter Solstice
La Befana Because Santa Claus has presided over the Yule festival for the las... Read more
Long Snows Moon
Elk – Obsidian – Black Spruce – Black November 22 to December 21 The Long ... Read more
Sagittarius Mythology
The Sagittarius Myth Other than Virgo, the Sagittarius myth is probably the... Read more
Twas The Night Before Yuletide
Yule Chant Brightly burns the Yule log tonight Magic dances in firelight Ho... Read more
Winter Solstice - A Season of Giving
CELEBRATING THE WINTER SOLSTICE The December solstice is also known as the ... Read more
Yule Blessings
Yule The Winter Solstice or Yule is one of the Lesser Wiccan Sabbats, and it ... Read more