Tantra is closely connected with Hinduism, but describing it as a single separate “branch of Hinduism” is too simplistic.
Why?
Tantric ideas and practices developed within several different Hindu traditions. Among the most important were:
– Shaiva Tantra — traditions centered on Shiva; – Shakta Tantra — traditions centered on the Goddess and Shakti; – certain Vaishnava traditions.
Each had its own texts, deities, rituals, mantras, and philosophical ideas.
What Did These Traditions Have in Common?
In many of them, particular importance was placed on:
– initiation; – the guru; – mantra; – visualization; – worship of deities; – specialized ritual systems; – concepts related to the body and consciousness.
However, even these elements could be understood and practiced in very different ways.
It is therefore more accurate to say that Tantra developed within several different currents of Hinduism and had a major influence on their religious practices.
Hindu Tantra is not a single school, but a diverse collection of traditions with different histories, teachings, and methods.
In the next article: Tantra and sexuality — what role did sexuality actually play?