An Introduction to Tantra: Part 2

This is part 2 of a two-part class in which we explore what Tantra is and where it comes from. This class is a concise overview of Tantra, intended as a comprehensive introduction for anyone who is curious to know what Tantra is really all about.

In this episode we trace the development of Tantra through the early period of Classical Tantra, Kashmir Shaivism, and up to today’s modern Neo Tantra. By getting an overview of this evolution, and the various influences that have shaped Tantra as we know it today, we are able to better understand what Tantra really is.

Listen to Part 1 HERE.

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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.

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

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.

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.

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

Wallis 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

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

Yeshe, L. T. (2014). Introduction to Tantra: The Transformation of Desire (Rev. ed.). Wisdom Publications.

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