Mantramarga, Mantramārga, Mantra-marga: 5 definitions

Introduction:

Mantramarga means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Mantramarga in Shaivism glossary
Source: academia.edu: Religious Inclusivism in the Writings of an Early Modern Sanskrit Intellectual (Shaivism)

Mantramārga (मन्त्रमार्ग) refers to “tantric Śaivism”.—In Abhinavagupta’s time and place, tantric Śaivism (mantramārga) was divided into two main branches: Śaiva Siddhānta―its main representatives being Sadyojyotis and Kashmirian theologians such as Bhaṭṭa Nārāyaṇakaṇṭha and his son Bhaṭṭa Rāmakaṇṭha II (or Rāmakaṇṭha)―and non-dualist, Śākta-oriented schools such as the Trika, on which relied most of Abhinavagupta’s exegesis. Both forms of tantric Śaivism essentially share a single ritual system, with the same elaborate procedures for initiation, consecration of officiants and worship. However, certain features set the two schools apart. While Śaiva Siddhānta adheres to a strictly dualist doctrine (dvaitavāda, bhedavāda) according to which Śiva is the efficient cause of the world and is distinct from souls and worlds, non-dualist schools hold that Śiva is ultimately non-different from the soul and that liberation is achieved not through ritual but through gnosis.

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions

Mantramārga (मन्त्रमार्ग) refers to the “path of mantras”.—The Teaching of Śiva which defines the Śaivas is divided between two great branches or “streams” (srotas). These are termed the Outer Path (atimārga) and the Path of Mantras (mantramārga). The first is accessible only to ascetics, while the second is open both to ascetics and to married home-dwellers (gṛhastha). There is also a difference of goals.The Atimārga is entered for salvation alone, while the Mantramārga promises both this, and for those that so wish, the attainment of supernatural powers (siddhis) and the experience of supernatural pleasures in the worlds of their choice (bhoga).

Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Mantramārga (मन्त्रमार्ग) refers to a particular stream of Śaiva texts.—This means its rites are accessible to ascetics and married householders. Like other texts in this stream, the Netratantra offers salvation (mokṣa), the attainment of supernatural powers (siddhi), and other worldly enjoyments (bhoga).

Shaivism book cover
context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

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Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Mantramarga in Shaktism glossary
Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Mantramārga (मन्त्रमार्ग) refers to the “path of mantra”, according to the Ambāmatasaṃhitā (verse 8.85cd-88ab).—Accordingly, “[...] Ciñcānātha is the ocean of the three Lords of the Lineages. They play with him in the pool (taṭāka) encompassed by Ciñcinī. Ciñcinī is the supreme Śakti, she is Parā whose nature is nectar. She is the radiant energy on the path of mantra (mantramārga). Auspicious, she is full of the Command. The supreme god Vidyārājeśvara (i.e. Navātman) was first pervaded by her. (He is) Śrīnātha endowed with power and so goes by the name Ciñcinin. [...]”.

Shaktism book cover
context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

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General definition (in Hinduism)

[«previous next»] — Mantramarga in Hinduism glossary
Source: Alexis Sanderson: The Śaiva Literature

Mantramārga (मन्त्रमार्ग).—One of the five levels of religious injunctions relevant to Śaivas;—For the doctrine that while the Atimārga teaches only the means of liberation the Mantramārga (‘Tantric Śaivism’) teaches both such means and the means of accomplishing supernatural effects (siddhi). see Tantrāloka 37.14–16.

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