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Philosophical Writings
make it very difficult to include complete details of Tantras, and almost impossible to give justice to all the dormant and deep truths of Tantra Sastra. The paper, anyhow, will be an attempt to share some of the basic Tantrik ideas and practices:
MEANING AND PHILOSOPHY OF TANTRA
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The word Tantra has many meanings. It is derived from Sanskrit root 'tan', meaning to spread out or to extend. Thus tantra etymologically indicates expansion of knowledge. The meaning usually applied to Tantra system is pertaining to the development of man's power to do, both material and spiritual. More than twenty-five meanings have been ascribed to this world. "The Tantra Sastra is also known as Agama and Nigama. Agama is tantra from the mouth of Siva to Girija, and Nigama is tantra emanated from the mouth of Girija to enter the ears of Siva, being approved by Vasudeva2 Tantra Sastra is also considered as the fifth Veda3 by Hindus and called Sruti According to Kullukabhatta. Sruti is of two kinds - Vaidiki and Tantriki+ "Tantra is both an experience of life and a scientific method by which man can bring out his inherent spiritual power. In this way the Tanfric rituals are the basis of many a philosophy-Saiva, Jaina, Buddhisf or Vaishnava..... In fact, the Tantric method of Sadhana has been in vogue even from vedic times"5.
The philosophy and aim or goal of Tantra is the realization of the Highest Reality - the purnatakhyati. Commonly we call the highest as moksa or liberation from bondage. "The aim of all 'isms' is essentially the same, to realize through all forms the formless". Writing about 'Sri Aurobindo on Tantra' Mr M.P. Pandit quotes, ..... the Tantric Yogi pursued the aim of his discipline - mastery, perfection, liberation, beatitude".
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Tantra is a way of life; a way to attain liberation through highest enjoyment of worldly objects including sex. Tantra thus is for obtaining joy; when joy is obtained suffering automatically is eradicated. The object of Tantra is not for eradication of suffering but for obtaining joy. Tantra is a worship of Sakti i.e. power, which is the Universal Energy. The Sakti or the Universal Energy has brought the universe into existence, which sustains and withdraws
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