Direct realization spiritual practice emphasizes the direct encounter. It de-emphasizes faith, trust and belief in favor of finding out about Reality firsthand for yourself.

A Jaya Kula reader asked about the role of family relationships in Tantrik life. In general, Tantra has always been a householder tradition. As far as I know, there were no Tantrik ashrams or Tantrik monastics until modern times.

If you’re a Tantra Geek like me, you have read, or have attempted to read, the ancient texts of the Tantrik traditions. As beautiful, profound and fascinating as these texts called “tantras” can be, they present a number of interpretive problems for sincere, contemporary students.

A reader of my blog asked me why I don’t write more about the “complexities of the Trika system” and about “Trika sadhana.” First, many of you will want to know: What is Trika Tantra?

How can I start practicing Tantra? What if I don’t have a teacher? These are questions I am frequently asked. It’s easy, but I have to warn you that some people have not taken to my answer.

Tantra has a bad reputation, especially in India where it’s associated with “black” magic and general unsavoryness.

Sanskrit words generally carry multiple meanings. The word “Tantra” is no exception. Here is a handy dictionary-ette with the most important definitions of Tantra.

Tantra has enjoyed many different forms of expression in many times and places. Various streams of Tantra have been seeding Asian countries for centuries, and Tantra is now becoming a global phenomenon.