Ritual

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Moscow Institute of Oriental Studies, aptly observes: 'But what
explains its persistence in Indian life is its greater awareness of
human psychology.'
Tantra's exclusive concern with practical techniques of selfenlightenment
over theory and speculation has given sadhana
(spiritual discipline) a unique place of importance in the whole
system. A vast body of tantric literature concerns itself with the
systematic attuning of the body and psychic forces for a gradual
unfolding, so that the tantras are often considered a way of action, a
way of life, a way of joy for the attainment of desired ends. Tantric
rituals are an internally consistent code of practices which follow
logically from its belief system. They have definite symbolic
meanings: though all rituals are performed as symbolic acts, they
have the power to bring about alterations in consciousness and
therefore when they are efficient they become sources of
manifestation of that power. In tantra, ritual assumes the status of
much more than mere obeisance to the deity; it calls for
unification, an internalization of the personal and specific towards
the timeless, abstract and universal. In this way, rituals in tantra
become an operational concept uniting theory and practice. Its
merit depends upon its correct application, for only then can it
become a verifiable experience of a definite state of consciousness.
The various rituals generally practised are basically
consciousness-amplifying techniques in so far as they represent
psycho-physical experiences touching every aspect of our senses;
but when they are practised mechanically for material gains or
results, the rites may not necessarily lead to higher results.
A distinction can be made between a single ritual act and a
sadhana. A ritual technique performed in daily life may be
artificially separated from the whole discipline and the entire
process may remain value-free without being bounded by any
specific code, whereas sadhana implies a total spiritual discipline
comprising many concurrent practices of which a particular ritual
forms an integral part of the whole belief system.
If tantra is freed from its cult-oriented associations, that is, if not
pursued for its wider goals of sadhana but for its own sake as a
device of expansion of consciousness, it can become a key to
modern needs.
There is a multiplicity of techniques employed in tantric rituals
through the medium of sound (mantra), form (yantra), psychophysical
postures and gestures (nyasas and mudras), offerings of
flowers, incense and ritual ingredients, breath-control (pranayama),
sexo-yogic practice (asana), concentration (dhyana).