Tantric Puja

The purpose of a Tantric Puja is to enhance one's ability to experience the divine aspect within every human being. The mechanics of the ritual may vary, but the most essential aspect is the opening of the heart space, as this is what allows for recognition of the divine.

 

While experienced Tantrikas may go quite readily into the heart space, the less experienced may require some preparation. Typically, some men may tend to maintain a macho act and regard the softening of heart opening as weakness or "gayness." Similarly, some women may find themselves experiencing issues of competition and unworthiness thus making heart opening more difficult. Some tantric traditions initially separate the participants by gender to create bonding before conducting the main ceremony.

 

Typically, a Tantric Puja takes the form of a circle. Each man prepares a station to receive each of the women in turn. Pillows and comforters are abundant as the comfort of the participants is important. Participants generally take the time to bathe and dress splendidly. Generally the men await the entrance of the women at their respective stations. If a couple is participating, the woman will sit before her partner. Single women then select a suitable partner to call "home."   

 

As the ritual proceeds, each pair engages in a practice designed to open the heart and awaken awareness of the divine aspect of one's partner. With the conclusion of each practice, each women moves to a new station until she has made her way around the circle and returned to her original partner. Practices may include gazing into one another's eyes, melting hugs and visualizations. Participants are encouraged to notice the divine aspect of each new partner. In the ideal case, one is able to open one's heart and realize the divine aspect in every partner. By the conclusion of the ritual, participants may readily see the divine in all beings, even when they show up for work the next day.