An Introduction to Tantra: Part 1

This is part 1 of a two-part class in which we explore what is Tantra and where does it come This class is a comprehensive introduction to Tantra, intended as a concise overview, for anyone who is curious to know what Tantra is really all about.

In this episode we consider definitions of the word Tantra, and present different views on what Tantra is. In this introduction to Tantra we explore the early historical roots of Tantra, and draw on scholarly research to try and put together a picture of Tantra’s origins.

In part 2 of this class we will learn more about the development of Tantra, and the various influences that have shaped what Tantra is today.

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References

Balogh, D. (2019). Inscriptions of the Aulikaras and Their Associates. Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston .

Banerji, S. C. (1988). A Brief History of Tantra Literature. University of Michigan.

Christopher, C. D. (2013). Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History, and Practice of a Timeless Tradition (2nd ed.). Mattamayura Press.

Christopher, C. D. (2015, August 2nd). What is Tantra?: Setting the Record Straight. Hareesh.org. https://hareesh.org/blog/2015/8/2/what-is-tantra?rq=what%20is%20tantra

Goodall, D., Sanderson, A., Isaacson, H. (2015). The Niśvāsatattvasaṃhitā: The Earliest Surviving Śaiva Tantra, Volume 1. Institut Français de Pondichéry.

Gray, D. B. (2016, April 5th). Tantra and the Tantric Traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Oxford Research Encyclopedia. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.013.59

Joshi, M. C. (2002). Historical and Iconographic Aspects of Shakta Tantrism. In K. A. Harper, & R. L. Brown (Eds.), The Roots of Tantra (pp. 39-55). State University of New York Press, Albany.

Lorenzen, D. N. (2002). Early Evidence for Tantric Religion. In K. A. Harper, & R. L. Brown (Eds.), The Roots of Tantra (pp. 25-36). State University of New York Press, Albany.

Mishra, K. (2009), Kashmir Saivism: The Central Philosophy of Tantrism (Rev. ed.). Rudra Press.

Osho (1991).  The Dhammapada: The Way of the Buddha, Series 10. The Rebel Publishing House, Germany.

Payne, R. K. (2002). Tongues of Flame: Homologies in the Tantric Homa. In K. A. Harper, & R. L. Brown (Eds.), The Roots of Tantra (pp. 39-55). State University of New York Press, Albany.

White, D. G. (2006). Kiss of the Yogini: “Tantric Sex” in its South Asian Contexts. University of Chicago Press.

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