Major Philosophical Thinkers and Schools: Tantricism | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Tantricism: Overview

Tantricism, also known as Tantrism, is a spiritual practice that seeks to attain spiritual power and ultimate liberation through the repetition of sacred syllables and phrases (mantras), symbolic drawings (mandalas), and various secret rites detailed in texts called Tantras, which means "Looms." It encompasses a wide range of practices, theology, philosophy, and texts, making it challenging to define with precision due to the diversity in rituals and beliefs.

A central aspect of these traditions is the use of mantras, leading to their classification as Mantramārga ("Path of Mantra") in Hinduism or Mantrayāna ("Mantra Vehicle") and Guhyamantra ("Secret Mantra") in Buddhism. Tantricism has its roots in Hinduism and Buddhism, borrowing from and influencing these religions while maintaining certain common themes, such as:

• Belief in magic and the attainment of magical powers through practice.
• Realization of the self as a deity.
• Involvement in violent and sexual practices.
• Extreme devotion to a god or guru.

Tantric traditions emerged in the early centuries of the Common Era, focusing on deities like Vishnu, Shiva, or Shakti. Various tantric lineages developed within modern Hinduism, including the Shaiva Siddhanta tradition, the Shakta sect of Shri Vidya, Kaula, and Kashmir Shaivism.

• In Buddhism, Vajrayana traditions are known for their tantric practices based on Indian Buddhist Tantras, which include Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Esoteric Buddhism, Japanese Shingon Buddhism, and Nepalese Newar Buddhism. Although Southern Esoteric Buddhism does not explicitly reference tantras, its practices and ideas align with tantric principles.
• Tantricism was popular in northeastern India and Tibet, with some of its rituals derived from Tibetan practices. It was inclusive of all castes and women, and it is believed to be a simplification of Vedic worship. Tantric practice involved prayers, mystical formulae, magical diagrams, symbols, and the worship of specific deities, with a significant emphasis on the mother image due to the belief in creation within the mother's womb, linking it to Shakti worship. The guru held a central and revered position in Tantricism.

Origin of Tantrism

• The precise origin of Tantrism is a matter of debate. While some suggest it dates back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, historical evidence primarily points to its emergence during the medieval era. It is believed that Tantrism began to take shape in the early centuries CE and gradually evolved into a coherent system by the end of the Gupta period.
• The spread of Buddhism to East Asia and Southeast Asia also contributed to the introduction and development of Tantric practices in these regions.

Salient Features of Tantrism

• Spirit of Heterodoxy: Tantrism embraced a spirit of heterodoxy, promoting equality among all individuals, encouraging free social interactions across castes, and allowing unrestricted access to ritual worship for everyone. This stance was in stark contrast to the prevailing Brahmanic traditions.
• Ritualism: Tantrism placed a strong emphasis on ritualistic practices as a means of spiritual advancement and realization.
• Centrality of the Body: The human body was regarded as the primary medium for realizing truth. Tantric practices involved utilizing the body and its faculties in the pursuit of spiritual goals.
• The Ultimate Reality as Bi-polar: Tantrism conceptualized the ultimate reality as bi-polar, emphasizing the union of polarities as a key aspect of liberation from bondage.
• The Pursuit of Siddhis: Tantrism involved the pursuit of Siddhis, or supernatural powers, as part of the spiritual journey.
• Predominance of Female Deities: Tantric practices often featured a predominance of female deities, highlighting the significance of feminine divine energy.
• Deities of Terrifying Nature: Tantric traditions included deities of a terrifying nature, reflecting the diverse and complex nature of the divine.
• Emphasis on Guru and Diksha: Tantrism stressed the importance of a competent Guru in guiding practitioners through the intricate and potentially perilous path of Tantric sadhana. Diksha, or initiation, was a crucial aspect of this process.

Nature of Influence on Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism:

• According to Hindu tantrism, the universe is viewed as a divine stage where Shiva and Shakti perform the drama of life. Tantra involves rituals and spiritual practices aimed at receiving the grace of Shakti, with the goal of liberating oneself from ignorance and achieving immortality.
• Today, Tantra is present in the Shakta, Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shaurya, and Ganapatya traditions. While each tradition has its own texts, they share fundamental Tantric principles.
• Left-hand tantric rites are sometimes seen as a quick path to self-realization and spiritual enlightenment, but many orthodox Hindus consider them dangerous. In Indian media, tantra is often wrongly associated with black magic.
• Tantra is viewed as a suitable practice for spiritual seekers in Kaliyuga, a time when Vedic practices are believed to be less effective due to moral decline. It is seen as a direct means to spiritual realization.
• In traditional Tantric practices across India, such as in Assam(near the Kali temple of Kammakha), parts of West Bengal, Siddhanta temples in South India, and Kashmiri Shiva temples in the north, Tantra has preserved its original form.

Buddhism:

• Tantric Buddhism, or Vajrayana Buddhism, is an ancient and complex system of Buddhist philosophy.
• Buddhist Tantrism is distinguished by its use of rituals that focus on the Upaya aspect to achieve enlightenment, rather than solely relying on meditation.
• Tibet has a rich tradition of Buddhist Tantrism, which continues to thrive, although many practices have been moved to monasteries in India. Tibetan Tantrism is considered a right-hand path, in contrast to the more diverse practices found in Hindu Tantrism, which includes both left-hand and right-hand approaches.

Conclusion

• Tantric traditions in Hinduism and Buddhism have significantly influenced various other religious traditions, both within South Asia and beyond. Since these traditions originated in South Asia, their impact in this region is particularly notable.
• South Asian traditions influenced by Tantric practices include Jainism, Islam, and Sikhism.