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| Almost any time I happen on an article by John Friend he always mentions Tantra. Obviously this means more than a certain position as is commonly known in the west. The Dali Lama also uses the word frequently. What is it, and are there any good resources that we can read about the broader philosophy behind Tantra. Why was it rejected in India?
Thanks in Advance. |
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| Tantra = it means technique. And, this is a science of techniques to be followed leading one to Realization. It contains many practices which include worship of Shakti - Or Energy aspect - in a mother form or also in a spouse form. It also contains mantra chanting. All this knowledge springs from Vedas and is taken up by other sects such as Buddhism. Tantric practices, which are also part of Yoga Practices, bestow certain powers leading one astray from the spiritual path. However, that does not mean one should not take them up. Generally, nay always, tantrism has to be learnt from only a real experienced guru if one wants to call it Tantric Practice. Otherwise, Tantrism is already included in most of the Indian way of life which is harmless. It is a greatness of Indian sages who understood the weakness or needs of an average person, and formed guidelines for daily living or social living such that Spirituality, Yoga, Tantrism, Meditation, Stories, Entertainment, all these are included in the daily life. One who lives in India for a month can realize that Spirituality is ingrained in Indian life, nay even in a criminal in India. This is exactly same as conquest in the western and olden mogal world.
If you want to start Tantric practice, I recommend starting it with chanting.
It is NOT good to start Tantrism with Poses.
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| Agree with neel. Also, Tantra is often related to awakening of Kundalini Shakti by different means. |
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| There's also a good wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantric_Buddhism |
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| This Month's Yoga Journal has some explainations of Tantra. It's influenced more instructors than I previously thought,. |
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| kulkarnn - 2006-04-25 10:00 PM
Tantra = it means technique. And, this is a science of techniques to be followed leading one to Realization. It contains many practices which include worship of Shakti - Or Energy aspect - in a mother form or also in a spouse form. It also contains mantra chanting. All this knowledge springs from Vedas and is taken up by other sects such as Buddhism. Tantric practices, which are also part of Yoga Practices, bestow certain powers leading one astray from the spiritual path. However, that does not mean one should not take them up. Generally, nay always, tantrism has to be learnt from only a real experienced guru if one wants to call it Tantric Practice. Otherwise, Tantrism is already included in most of the Indian way of life which is harmless. It is a greatness of Indian sages who understood the weakness or needs of an average person, and formed guidelines for daily living or social living such that Spirituality, Yoga, Tantrism, Meditation, Stories, Entertainment, all these are included in the daily life. One who lives in India for a month can realize that Spirituality is ingrained in Indian life, nay even in a criminal in India. This is exactly same as conquest in the western and olden mogal world.
If you want to start Tantric practice, I recommend starting it with chanting.
It is NOT good to start Tantrism with Poses.
Thanks,
bringing the subject down to earth and de-mystifying the whole subject matter is the characteristic of a great communicator. |
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| Techne, OK, in the how-to sense. Concentration, focus, discipline of attention. If you play a musical instrument, say, you've had some experience of tantra. It can be as simple as training your eyes to trace geometric forms precisely. (Not simple. Try it.) I'm coming from a Buddhist model and perhaps the word has a different meaning elsewhere, but it's pure gold where I've encountered it.
Wendy |
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| For a taste of what John means, look here:
http://anusara.com/?pagerequested=about_philosophy
There are links to other articles that have relevence to Anusara philosophy here:
http://anusara.com/?pagerequested=articles
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| here's a really good book on the topic: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157062304X/sr=1-4/qid=1153126356/ref=sr_1_4/103-7930354-1713400?ie=UTF8&s=books.
it's tantra: path to ecstacy by georg feuerstein. easy to read, gives history and different schools, etc. |
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| Rod Stryker is also a good source for Tantric info. |
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Veteran
Posts: 210
Location: Fort Worth, Texas | Tantra is the name given by scholars to a style of meditation and ritual which arose in India no later than the fifth century AD.The earliest documented use of the word "Tantra" is in the Rigveda (X.71.9). Tantra has influenced the Hindu, Bön, Buddhist, and Jain traditions and spread with Buddhism to East and Southeast Asia. |
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What is Tantra?
