Tantra

Tantra is a genre of Hindu and Buddhist scriptures and practices. The term tantra, in the Indian traditions, also means any systematic broadly applicable "text, theory, system, method, instrument, technique or practice".

Origins and History

The origins of tantra are hard to pin down, since it has been practiced in various forms across multiple cultures and centuries. It is generally agreed that tantra originated in India, and was later incorporated into both Hindu and Buddhist practices. The earliest documented use of the word "Tantra" is in the Rigveda, a collection of ancient Indian hymns, dated to 1500-1200 BCE.

Practices and Beliefs

Tantra practices vary between Hindu and Buddhist traditions, but they share common elements. These include the use of mantras, meditation, yoga, and rituals. In some traditions, tantra also involves the use of sexual practices, although this is not universal.

Hindu Tantra

Hindu tantra, also known as Shaiva tantra, focuses on the worship of Shiva and Shakti. It includes practices such as meditation, yoga, and rituals, and is often associated with the Kundalini energy.

Buddhist Tantra

Buddhist tantra, also known as Vajrayana, is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. It incorporates practices such as meditation, mantras, and rituals, and is often associated with the concept of Bodhisattva.

Criticism and Controversy

Tantra has been criticized and misunderstood in both the East and the West. In the West, it is often associated with "new age" sexual practices, while in the East it has been criticized for its association with magic and the occult.

See Also

• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Vajrayana
• Shaivism
• Kundalini
• Mantra
• Meditation
• Yoga

References

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