FOUR STAGES OF TANTRA SADHANA
In order to understand this path of spiritual practice, one has to know the four stages one must pass through along the way. Just as a traveller must have a road map to reach a specific destination, becoming one with the Supreme Consciousness needs specific knowlege of the path.
The first stage of Sadhana is called Yatamana. In this phase the spiritual aspirants begin to expand their mind internally and experience their own psychic expressions. The Goal of spiritual practice is to control these propensities of the mind so the unit consciousness can merge into the Supreme Consciousness. Externally the mind encounters As’t’a Pa’sha, the eight bondage of the mind. i.e., fear, hatred, shyness, doubt, bondage of heritage, vanity of culture, false sense of prestige and backbitting. While internally the mind comes under the forces of S’at’ Ripu, the six enemies of the mind, i.e., lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and envy. The main work in this first phase of Sadhana is to fight against these weaknesses of the mind internally and externally simultaneously.
The secret of success in this stage is perserverance. Practice strict discipline and be firm in following it daily. You will soon experience a balance in your efforts to control these 14 psychic negative expressions.
The second stage is called Vyatireka. In this phase you begin to experience control ove one or more of As’t’a Pasha and S’at’ Ripu, but not all. Your struggle on the path become more oriented towards your own weaknesses and your effort to control them is your main concern. The secret of success in this stage is deep and long Sadhana.
The third stage is called Ekendriya. In this phase your mind focuses more on the Indriyas. The five sensory organs of eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin and the five motor organs viz. vocal cord, hands, feet, genital and anus. Your struggle consists mainly in controlling the distracting thoughts stimulated by these ten Indriyas. You actually succeed in controlling one of these Indriyas and in that state of inflated ego, you fail to notice that one of the other Indriyas is bringing your downfall. Therefore, this stage is considered the most dangerous for the spiritual aspirant. You feel you are a great Yogi due to control of one organ. but due to carelessness with other organs, you fall prey to temptation. The secret of success in this stage is Kiirtana. By cultivating the feeling that you are not this body or mind and giving yourself to the Greater Self, you lessen the strength of your ego to go astray.
The fourth stage is called Vashiikara. In this phase your mind has learned the skill of channelizing all 50 propensities toward the Supreme Goal of life. It is in this phase that the importance of Devotion plays the most prominent role. Surrender is not only the secret of success in this stage but it is the final goal.
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