nn,1,2

1.2.4 tantra

Q. Is Ananda Marga a purely vidya path? Is avidya tantra to be preserved in the world and if so why?

Now the path of avidya tantra is one of focus upon those forces which increase the since of separateness and delusion. But for name and fame some persons will pursue tantric practices which enhance avidya. For their efforts they may gain some power, wealth or status, but what they sacrifice is the sweet and intimate touch of their Lord. That most sweet and caring Entity becomes beyond their perception. Then they may even laugh at Him saying He does not exist as He cannot be seen, saying He has no power. They may say ' look I am now powerful and no other '. But their victory will turn to suffering in the end and with blinded eyes and a stooped back they will face death saying ' Oh Lord forgive me. Take me back. I thought I was all powerful, but now I see I am as helpless as an infant and all my worldly power is valueless. Where are You, oh Bhagavan?'

Now in Ananda Marga all sadhakas must follow the path of vidya, not avidya. The path of avidya only leads to suffering and delusion. Put it far from you. Whether a particular practice is suitable for a given individual is a matter of knowing what will enhance the path towards Parama Purusa for that person. But no practice should be done which causes harm to others or leads to greed, power, or lust. Such practices of avidya tantra degrade the mind All practices of vidya must enhance the sweet and loving contact with the Cognitive Entity. Then the practice, whatever it may be is vidya as it leads towards the Supreme Nucleus.

Avidya tantra exists because there are those who desire name and fame and power above Parama Purusa. As long as this tendency exists in the human mind, avidya tantra will also exist in some form.