Synopsis
Tantra. The word conjures forth a million images - including sex, transgressive practices, and the occult. But how accurate are these portrayals, and how do they compare to actual Tantric practices in India? To the casual observer, Tantra appears to partake of an oppositional role in regard to Vedic teachings, but this conceals a much more conservative core, for the Tantric traditions actually strive to reinforce their Vedic heritage. The Tantras are believed to be the appropriate teaching in the Kali Yuga, and understanding the role that the Kali Yuga plays in Tantric traditions is absolutely vital to interpreting the nature of Tantra itself. Contrary to being opposed to Vedic teachings, Tantra is actually an extension of them - it is a reinterpretation of the Vedas for the modern era.In addition to explaining the complex role Tantra plays within the larger corpus of Hinduism, Tantric Traditions also examines the way in which Tantra is linked to sacred geographical locations, and provides explanations on the nature of Siva, the Devi, the role of the Traditionalist School in the export of Tantric traditions to the West, and reveals secret mantra techniques.Furthermore, Tantric Traditions provides details on magical and esoteric practices from authentic Tantric occult texts such as the Mantramahodadhi of Mahidara (c.1588 CE) and the Vinasikhatantra, both of which make even the most infamous European Grimoires look totally harmless by comparison.CONTENTSIntroductionPART I Gods, Sacred Sites, & the Kali YugaShiva: Naṭarāja, Śankara, & Higher ConsciousnessNataraja | Shankara | Yoga | ShamanismThe Devi: From Satī to KālīSati | Parvati | Durga | Kali | DraupadiTopographical ReligiosityKashi | Tirtha-Yatra | Shakta PithasTantra, the Kali Yuga, and the Occidental TraditionalistKali Yuga | Yuga Sastra | Traditionalism PART II Origins, Rituals, & Esoteric TeachingsThe Point of OriginDefinition | History | Rta | Dharma | Kali YugaSacred TransgressionPower | Impurity | Left Hand Path | Right Hand Path Lexicographical GnoseologyBhaskararaya | Abhinavagupta | Mantra Encryption | Formulas | Rasa | Philosophy of SoundMagico-Religious PracticesCharms | Siddhi | Mantramahodadhi of Mahidhara | Vinasikhatantra | Alchemy | Magical PracticesAppendix IOccult FormulaAppendix IITables of Correspondences
From the Author
The Tantras are believed to be the Śāstra of the Kali Yuga, and understanding the role that the Kali Yuga plays in Tantric traditions is absolutely vital to interpreting the nature of Tantra itself. Contrary to being opposed to Vedic teachings, Tantra is merely an extension of them - a reinterpretation of the Veda for modern man.
Despite Tantra attracting a wide range of colorful personas such as Aleister Crowley and the 'Omnipotent Oom', none of them actually implemented any esoteric practices based on famous Tantric occult texts such as the Mantramahodadhi of Mahidara (c.1588 CE) or the Vīṇāśikhatantra. In addition to attracting the attention of Western occultists, Tantrism has also deeply penetrated the Traditionalist school, and led to the Kali Yuga becoming a core component of Western perennial philosophy.
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