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What is the main focus of Shaiva Tantra?

The main focus of Shaiva Tantra is to achieve union with the ultimate reality, known as Lord Shiva. This ancient spiritual tradition, originating in India, teaches that everything in the universe is a manifestation of Shiva's divine energy, or Shakti. Therefore, by connecting with Shiva, one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Shaiva Tantra is a non-dual practice, meaning that it emphasizes the oneness of all beings and the unity of the individual self with the divine. This is in contrast to dualistic practices, which view the individual self as separate from the divine. In Shaiva Tantra, the goal is to recognize and experience the inherent divinity within oneself and in all of creation.

To achieve this union with Shiva, Shaiva Tantra utilizes various techniques and practices such as meditation, mantra recitation, ritual worship, and physical postures. These practices are designed to awaken the dormant spiritual energy within the individual and direct it towards the realization of the ultimate truth.

In Shaiva Tantra, Lord Shiva is seen as the supreme deity, representing the ultimate reality and the source of all creation. He is often depicted as a meditating yogi, symbolizing the state of transcendence and the path to enlightenment. Through devotion and surrender to Shiva, practitioners of Shaiva Tantra seek to merge their individual consciousness with the universal consciousness of Shiva.

Another important aspect of Shaiva Tantra is the recognition and worship of the divine feminine energy, Shakti. She is seen as the creative force behind all manifestation and is often depicted as Shiva's consort. By honoring and worshiping Shakti, practitioners seek to balance and integrate the masculine and feminine energies within themselves and in the universe.

Overall, the main focus of Shaiva Tantra is to awaken the individual's consciousness to the reality of oneness and to merge with the divine. It offers a path of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and ultimately, liberation from the limitations of the ego and the material world. Through its teachings and practices, Shaiva Tantra guides individuals towards a deeper understanding of their true nature and the ultimate reality of Lord Shiva.