Tantric scripture: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Tantric scripture means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Yoga (school of philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Tantric scripture in Yoga glossary
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch

Tantric Scriptures are denoted by the Sanskrit term Āgama, according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] For, [that desired state] cannot be realized by the proclamations of the philosophical arguments of the Upaniṣads, [nor] the Tantric scriptures (āgama), a multitude of texts of various sorts, excellent Mudrās and [practices] such as meditation, without the one and only guru who is the wish-fulfilling jewel. [...]”.

Yoga book cover
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Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

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India history and geography

[«previous next»] — Tantric scripture in India history glossary
Source: Google Books: The Kilaya Nirvana Tantra and the Vajra Wrath Tantra (history)

Tantric scriptures are envisaged as the spontaneously arising expressions of the self-existent transcendent maṇḍalas of the deities that they describe. Closely linked to the notion of divine spontaneous expression is the notion of divine play. Such play is seen as the very essence of many a Tantric deity's activities at every level, and playfulness is very particularly described as an essential part of Vajrakīlaya’s nature throughout the literature. If that is the case, then it follows that the maṇḍala of Vajrakīlaya is perfectly likely to enjoy the expression of a few spontaneously-arising text-games, and playfully produce two different versions of the profound teachings on bodhicitta phur pa that use all the same words and lines, but in two very different orderings. Consideration of their unique notions of play can often provide useful perspectives when studying the world of the esoteric Buddhist Tantras.

India history book cover
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The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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