Principles of Tantrism constitute ideas of original cause and representative of a generation. The roots of Tantric principles are Prakriti and Purusha. Tantra in Buddhism is an ancient practice in which there are many processes to attain Nirvana. All human beings are part of the same Universal energy according to Buddhist Tantrism. Tantric Practices the aspects of Tattvas, Shakti Sadhana, Tapas, Yogini, Anugraha, Mandala, Puja and the teacher-student relationship. Tantric Literatures usually contain different forms of worship, magic, spiritual exercises, ways to worship a particular deity and thoughts on nature.. Tantra in Hinduism is closely associated with the Vedic concept of Hinduism. It is a complex religious component of Hinduism. Origin of Tantrism is Indian in nature. All authentic Tantric lineages - deities, scriptures, oral teachings and teachers claim to extend back to Indian sources. Significance of Tantra lies in the fact that it liberalised the rites and rituals by reducing the severity of Brahmanical practices. Tantric texts of Bengal have influenced the social and religious life of people of Bengal which are divided into Hindu and Buddhist kinds. Purification in Tantrism is an important ritual which includes cleansing of body parts through air, water, fire, earth and externalization. Tantra in Vaishnavism was an inevitable effect as there was a distinct class of Vaishnava Tantras. Shakta sect conceives the Goddess as the supreme. They believe that one should realise his identity with Yantra, Mantra, Guru and Devi. Tantra in Shaivism is the practice of worshipping Purusha and Prakriti as a unit to be united with the universe. Classification of Tantra indicates that Tantrism has influences of Vaishnavism, Shaivism and Shaktism. Tantra aims at liberation and power. Direct Path or the third path is an important level in Tantrism which seeks to attain Self Realization or the True Self. Tantra Paintings are a study of the correlation between the physical body and the universe. These paintings reflect the Tantric philosophy. Rituals of Tantra stresses on sublimation rather than negating the relative reality. Sublimation consists of three phases:; purification, elevation and the "reaffirmation of the identity on the plane of pure consciousness." Shiva in Yogic practice is revered as Shiva the Yogeshwar. Lord Shiva in this posture is considered as relentless meditator. Tantra in Jainism has had an unavoidable influence. The rules for psychological and physical discipline, beliefs in magical rites do indicate the elements of Tantrism in it. Tantric Guru initiates the disciple into a long training which is normally required to master Tantric methods. Mantras in Tantrism are viewed upon as true knowledge of the universe that provides freedom from the bondage of the world. |