Tantra (Noun)
Meaning 1
Any of a fairly recent class of Hindu or Buddhist religious literature concerned with ritual acts of body and speech and mind.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The ancient text was a tantra that outlined the rituals and practices of the mystical tradition.
- Scholars have long been fascinated by the symbolism and imagery found in Buddhist tantra.
- The practice of tantra in Hinduism often involves the use of mantras and mudras to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
- Tantra texts often emphasize the importance of the guru-disciple relationship in spiritual development.
- The study of tantra has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many Western scholars exploring its connections to yoga and meditation.
Meaning 2
Doctrine of enlightenment as the realization of the oneness of one's self and the visible world; combines elements of Hinduism and paganism including magical and mystical elements like mantras and mudras and erotic rites; especially influential in Tibet.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The ancient text outlined the principles of tantra, a complex doctrine that aimed to unite the individual self with the universe through spiritual practices.
- In Tibetan Buddhism, tantra played a significant role in the spiritual journey of monks, who used mantras and mudras to attain enlightenment.
- The practice of tantra was often misunderstood by outsiders, who saw it as a form of hedonism rather than a path to spiritual liberation.
- Tantra emphasized the importance of the feminine principle, recognizing the divine feminine as a powerful force in the universe.
- The rituals and practices of tantra were often shrouded in mystery, with initiates sworn to secrecy about the inner workings of the mystical tradition.