Direct realization Tantra is way of practicing, and of teaching that emphasizes the direct encounter. It emphasizes dropping all concepts and encountering the living current of Reality.
But for this to work, the fullness of Reality must be available to be directly experienced and embodied. Luckily for us, the readiness and willingness to be discovered is fundamental to what Reality is.
Or, as the siddha Abhinavagupta wrote: Shiva showers grace without any restraint. Thus there is always the presence of the Supreme Reality.
So, direct realization Tantra means that the one, continuous Reality (Tantra) is fundamentally oriented toward being discovered. Or, we could also say, the process of discovery one’s true nature is the life process of Shiva-Shakti.
The only obstruction is our limited View. We are like horses with blinders on. Or bottles with the caps on. We need help to see and receive more directly.
This is where the teacher comes in. Many techniques are used, but transmission, or Guru Yoga, is paramount. The biggest shock is being directly introduced to one’s own nature. This shock is what teachers in direct realization traditions try to give students. Students try to remember the “taste” of that shock and realize fresh, nonconceptual awakeness in every moment.
Students of direct realization Tantra are taught to be real and use what they need, such as purification practices, mantra and kundalini yoga. But ultimately, the goal is to directly realize in every moment without so much support. Then, when one is at home in the natural state, ritual and other practices can be enjoyed in a different way — as nothing but beautiful ornaments of one’s own Self.
In Ma’s love,
Shambhavi
