Tantras Studies on Their Religion and Literature

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The Tantra with its vast literature embodying intricate ritualistic details occupies a very important place in the reli- gious life of India. It was regarded as top secret to be ex- pounded by the preceptor to the disciple who had been prop- erly initiated. But provision for learning and teaching the sub- ject as was prevalent even in the 19th century appears to have totally gone out of vogue. As such it is rather difficult to penetrate into it and make a correct assessment of its value. The book covers extensively the detailed study of the tantra literature.

Though no longer held in definite aversion, the tantras are still little-known and their importance being scarcely ap- preciated. The present book has been published to give in broad outlines a general idea of the subject with special ref- erence to the literature and practices known in Bengal. The several chapters enumerate the importance of of Tantra in other religious practices such as Budhism, Jainism etc. It is in- tended to serve as an introduction to and inducement for wider and more detailed study.

The Appendix gives a detailed study of the Para- manandamatasangraha expounding the doctrines and prac- tices of the tantric worship of the Parananda school, which puts a taboo on the ritualistic details as also on animal prac- tices which was an essential practice of the Sakti worship.

The book is primarily based on writings originally pub- lished in different Oriental Journals and other publications, and since revised and occasionally reshaped.

The Tantra with its vast literature embodying intricate ritualistic details occupies a very important place in the reli- gious life of India. It was regarded as top secret to be ex- pounded by the preceptor to the disciple who had been prop- erly initiated. But provision for learning and teaching the sub- ject as was prevalent even in the 19th century appears to have totally gone out of vogue. As such it is rather difficult to penetrate into it and make a correct assessment of its value. The book covers extensively the detailed study of the tantra literature.

Though no longer held in definite aversion, the tantras are still little-known and their importance being scarcely ap- preciated. The present book has been published to give in broad outlines a general idea of the subject with special ref- erence to the literature and practices known in Bengal. The several chapters enumerate the importance of of Tantra in other religious practices such as Budhism, Jainism etc. It is in- tended to serve as an introduction to and inducement for wider and more detailed study.

The Appendix gives a detailed study of the Para- manandamatasangraha expounding the doctrines and prac- tices of the tantric worship of the Parananda school, which puts a taboo on the ritualistic details as also on animal prac- tices which was an essential practice of the Sakti worship.

The book is primarily based on writings originally pub- lished in different Oriental Journals and other publications, and since revised and occasionally reshaped.

**Contents and Sample Pages**