Hinduism is a tradition that originated and flourished in the Indus Valley and became the dominant religion of that area. Much like Christianity, it envisioned a trinity of powers overseeing the world. They call this trinity the Trimurti, and it consists of the 3 primary Gods, or divine energies, of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, the creator, sustainer, and destroyer respectively. As with all other world religions, Hinduism has an outer, exoteric ring of understanding and an inner, esoteric ring of mystery teachings. This formula holds true for all traditions and is the reason why initiates of differing traditions are closer in their behavior and understanding to each other than to those of the outer ring of their own tradition. The followers of the outer ring are more focused on precise ritual, practice, and following a written code of conduct in attempt to appease the Gods by strict adherence to folk Hinduism and the Bhagavad Gita, one of Hinduisms holy books. However, the more esoterically minded follow the Upanishads or the 92 Hindu Tantras, scriptures having to do with the esoteric traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Many in the western and New Age world think that Tantra means an exotic form of sex. While this is true in certain respects, it is a term referring to esoteric texts and the movement of energy within the initiate. The fact is we exist in pure consciousness, and the perceivable reality around us is the illusory dance of Maya, the contents of consciousness. This consciousness is awakened and becomes harmonized with the world outside by balancing the subtle energies of the human body within, which are Tantra and the esoteric mode of Hinduism. The tantric practitioner identifies with both the microcosm and macrocosm outside himself in order to tap into the divine power that flows through everything, and he then directs that power to achieve certain goals, which ultimately are to become a being of light integrated with God. With the help of visualizations - yantras and vocalizations - mantras, the practitioner can use certain rituals and meditations to create a sense of oneness and union with the universe. Tantric practice was created early at the beginning of Hindu-Vedic thought incorporating the gods and goddesses especially Shiva and Shakti, the identification of these two deities have an important role in many tantric practices. It is believed that Shakti, the Goddess, dwells at the base chakra, and Shiva, the God, rests in the third eye. Therefore, when the Shakti energy is raised through the various chakras and reaches the head, a union between Shiva and Shakti occur, and the initiate attains enlightenment. The energy at the base of the spine is also referred to as Kundalini, which is raised by certain meditative techniques.

The Upanishads are considered part of the Vedas, but it is more concerned with the nature of reality and mans place within it. It is composed of such Hindu beliefs as a world soul-Anima Mundi, a universal spirit, Brahman, and an individual soul or Atman. The need for defining a relationship with God was the consequent result of seeking bliss in ones life. To attain such a state of mind one had to acquire knowledge to direct one’s fate, and the true knowledge comes from within through self-realization. They tell us that God is within us, thus to know ourselves inherently is to know God. The Atman is indistinguishable from the unknowable God that permeates the universe, yet perceives only the relative phenomenal world as opposed to the absolute or transcendental realm of Brahman.    

Even though the Hindu orthodoxy proclaims Tantra to be anti-Vedic and is something they denounce, they show their true colors in their need to control the status quo typical of the established power structure of the Vedic tradition. But truth cannot be restrained and steadfast initiates are able to obtain the esoteric nature of not just Hinduism but all religions.  Like the Ain of the Hebrews, the Brahman is the unconceivable, infinite totality of the universe, which manifests within us so that we can eventually become beings of light. 

Orthodoxy has the long habit of trepidation, control, tyranny and ignorance, coming from a mind that is full of conflict and fear. These are the words put forth from men with no direct experience of their own, but only a literal interpretation of the words from their chosen scriptures. These are the ideations of people who are far from the goal of enlightenment, and although their words should not be utterly dismissed, they must be taken with large grains of salt, as it is obvious they are far from being in the know, although they will adamantly tell you otherwise.  Our advice is to go forth taking in the wonderful teachings of all disciplines and create an eclectic spiritual path within which you find harmony. 

Jonathan McGregor Bethel and David Colin Healy are both writers and researchers.  They are the founders of Omega Point Institute, an online magazine and think tank dedicated to the research and dissemination of information pertaining to esoteric modes of thought and how those modes are solidifying  our collective future.  Whether it is the Technological Singularity, 2012 End Times, or the all encompassing omega point, these two individuals have much to say to clarify our view of the future.  www.omegapoint.org www.JonathanBethel.com