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a cache of usenet and other text files pertaining
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a cache of usenet and other text files pertaining
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Subject: Tantrism Reference Definitions ... Tantrism (is) a category of its own and (to) define it generally as a practical path to supernatural powers and to liberation, consisting in the use of specific practices and techniques -- ritual, bodily, mental -- that are always associated with a particular doctrine. These practices are intrinsically grounded in the doctrine that gives them their aim and meaning and organizes them into a pattern. Elements of the doctrine as well as of practices may also be found elsewhere in Indian religions, but when both are associated and welded into a practical worldview, Tantrism is there. Tantrism may be briefly characterized as a practical way to attain supernatural powers and liberation in this life through the use of specific and complex techniques based on a particular ideology, that of a cosmic reintegration by means of which the adept is established in a position of power, freed from worldly fetters, while remaining in this world and dominating it by union with (or proximity to) a godhead who is the supreme power itself. All practices and notions constituting the Tantric way correspond to a particular conception of the deity, polarized as masculine and feminine, and of the universe and man, both imbued with this divine power (shakti). Thus is may be said that, for a Tantric adept, the quest for liberation and the acquisition of supernatural powers result from a tapping, a manipulating of this ubiquitous power. 'Tantrism' entry, The Encyclopedia of Religion, Mircea Eliade, quoting André Padoux, Macmillan, New York, 1986. Constituents of Tantrism: 1. A practical, individual road to salvation provides an alternative to the Vedic one. 2. Mundane aims are valued as well as spiritual emancipation. 3. A special form of yoga transforms animal instincts by rousing bodily energy upward through yogic centers. 4. A mystic physiology identifies the microcosm of the body with the macrocosm of the universe. 5. An assumed parallel between material phenomena and sounds is explored through speculation on the mystic nature of speech. 6. Certain verbal formulas (mantras) are ritually invested with power. 7. Concrete devices like formulas, geometrical designs (mandala, yantra, cakra) are employed to express metaphysical principles. 8. The supernatural world is realized through specific methods of meditation often involving the creation of mental images. 9. Reality is unitary, but characterized by complementary opposites at both divine and human levels. 10. Female manifestations called shaktis are important. 11. Realization of the double-sided nature of reality is accomplished through intentional, regulated contact with socially disapproved persons and entities. 12. Initiation by a qualified teacher is essential. 13. A complete set of ritual practices beside the Vedic is developed. 14. Reality is elaborately categorized, especially in number and speech symbolism. 15. Speculation begun in Brahmanical circles is further articulated. 16. The distinctive form of yoga is often related to alchemy and body culture. 17. A special religious geography is developed. 18. Special terminology and "code language" require special forms of exegesis. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hindu Tantrism", Teun Goudriaan, in Gupta, Hoens and Goudriaan, E.J. Brill, Leiden/Koln, 1979. EOF
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