Tantra

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Tantra (; Sanskrit: तन्त्र, lit. 'loom') is an esoteric yogic tradition. It was developed in the Indian subcontinent, beginning in the middle of the 1st millennium CE; initially within Shaivism and Shaktism practices, and subsequently in Buddhism and Vaishnavism. Tantra presents complex cosmologies, viewing the body as divine and typically reflecting the union of Shiva and Shakti. Tantric goals include siddhi (supernatural accomplishment), bhoga (pleasure), and kundalini ascent; while also addressing states of possession (āveśa) and exorcism. The term tantra in the Indian traditions also refers to a set of texts describing systems, methods, instruments, techniques and practices. The tantras focus on sādhanā, encompassing dīkṣā, rituals and yoga. A key feature of tantric traditions is the use of mantras, thus they are commonly referred to as Mantramārga ('Path of Mantra') in Hinduism, Mantrayāna ('Mantra Vehicle') in Mahayana Buddhism. In Buddhism, the Vajrayana traditions focuses on tantric...

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