Tantra Sadhana: Feminist Interpretation of Ancient Indian Spiritual Practice

Key Points

Women's roles in tantra reveal their worship as whole, affectionate, and fearsome, showcasing diverse spiritual aspects.
The exploration of feminine energies emphasizes their importance in the cosmic and social order, contrary to patriarchal views.
Tantric spirituality regards women's bodies, sexuality, and desires as vital, aiming for spiritual liberation from societal norms.
Women are seen as embodiments of shakti, which is fundamental to understanding tantra and achieving personal enlightenment.

Abstract

This paper explores the roles of women in tantra, an ancient spiritual practice that is still practised today. In tantra, women are worshipped as whole, affectionate and fearsome. It talks about how women's body, sexuality and desire are considered taboo from a patriarchal perspective but it is actually the very fabric of reality, the centre of the cosmic and social order. It is considered in Tantra that Shakti or these feminine energies, are all-pervading; they are present in all the objects this universe holds and are the only way to attain spiritual liberation.

Tantra Sadhana: Feminist Interpretation of Ancient Indian Spiritual Practice

Key Points

Abstract

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