Tantra
Also called: Tantrism, Tantric practices · Topic: Bhakti and Sufi Traditions · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 3 "Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries"; Class 12, Ch 2 "Bhakti-Sufi Traditions"
Meaning
Tantra is a group of religious practices that grew from about the 6th century. It stressed secret rituals, mantras (sacred sounds), meditation and the worship of powerful deities, especially Shakti, the goddess as divine energy. Tantric worship was open to both women and men. Inside the ritual, people often ignored caste and class. Tantrics also often ignored the authority of the Vedas, which brought them into conflict with Vedic traditionalists. Tantra deeply shaped Shaivism and Buddhism in eastern, northern and southern India.
Example
Under the Pala kings of eastern India (Bengal and Bihar, c. 8th–12th centuries), Buddhism thrived, while it declined elsewhere as temple Hinduism and bhakti spread. Its Tantric form, Vajrayana, was taught at Pala-supported monasteries such as Vikramashila.
Don't confuse with
- Bhakti: loving devotion to a personal god through song, prayer and surrender. Tantra relies instead on special rituals, mantras and initiation.