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Tantra (“loom”). Refers to a class of texts “Weaving” a Distinctive Religious Practice Secrecy Power Non-dualism. Secrecy. Elite knowledge, hidden from the Uninitiated Assumes Initiation by a Guru Text expanded by oral commentary . Power. Greater Efficacy Claim
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Tantra (“loom”) • Refers to a class of texts • “Weaving” a Distinctive Religious Practice • Secrecy • Power • Non-dualism
Secrecy • Elite knowledge, hidden from the Uninitiated • Assumes Initiation by a Guru • Text expanded by oral commentary
Power • Greater Efficacy Claim • Enlightenment in one lifetime • Siddhis (Powers) • Power entails secrecy (protection) • Guru’s action activates and empowers mantras • Greater Efficacy
Non-dualism • All Things are Ultimately one Thing • Often conceived theistically (Shiva, Goddess, or the union of Shiva/Shakti) • Unity affirmed in rituals involving intoxicants, non-veg food, illicit sexuality • Ritually Transgressing conventional norms/boundaries to affirm non-dualism