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Tantra: A Critical Approach

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Specifications
Publisher: Rank Publishing House, Chhattisgarh
Author Durga Sankar Koley
Language: English
Pages: 222
Cover: PAPERBACK
8.5x5.5 inch
Weight 280 gm
Edition: 2025
ISBN: 9789349819337
HCE158
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Book Description
About the Author
Durga Sankar Koley is a well known historian, academic, and writer specializing in Ancient Indian philosophy, history, and cultural studies. With an extensive background in research and teaching, he has established himself as a leading voice in the study of early Indian traditions, particularly in the fields of Vedic studies, Tantra, and Indian epistemology. As a lecturer at Dum Dum Motijheel Rabindra Mahavidyalaya, Koley has played a pivotal role in shaping historical discourse, mentoring students, and engaging in critical academic discussions. He actively participated in national and international seminars, contributing scholarly insights on ancient Indian history and Culture. His latest book, Tantra: A Critical Analysis, presents an in-depth and scholarly examination of Tantric traditions, tracing their historical origins, philosophical frameworks, and their evolution over centuries. Often misunderstood and shrouded in mystery, Tantra is frequently reduced to esoteric rituals or sensationalized interpretations. Koley's work seeks to demystify these notions, offering a balanced, historically grounded, and critically insightful perspective on Tantra's impact on Indian spiritual and philosophical traditions. Beyond his research in Tantra, Koley has also authored two books. First, Exploring the Cosmos: Insights from Vedic Astronomy in the Indian Knowledge System, which investigates ancient Indian astronomical wisdom. His academic rigor, combined with a lucid writing style, makes his works accessible to both scholars and general readers, bridging the gap between historical research and contemporary discourse.

Preface
The subject of Tantra is one that evokes a wide range of emotions, beliefs, and interpretations. Often romanticized or misunderstood, Tantra is both an ancient spiritual tradition and a living, evolving system that has found a place in contemporary discourse, especially within the realms of personal development, wellness, and spirituality. Yet, despite its growing popularity, Tantra remains a complex and multifaceted tradition that demands careful and critical examination. This book, "Tantra: A Critical Approach," aims to take a nuanced, analytical look at the Tantric tradition, dissecting its practices, philosophy, and modern-day interpretations. Through this critical lens, we seek to move beyond the surface-level fascination with Tantra especially in its Western adaptations and explore its deeper meanings, historical evolution, and its role in shaping both Eastern and Western spiritual landscapes. While Tantra has often been viewed as a pathway to heightened spiritual awareness, intimacy, and enlightenment, it is essential to engage with it not only as a sacred tradition but also as a cultural and social phenomenon that has been shaped by centuries of historical, political, and philosophical forces. Tantra's roots are embedded in the sacred texts and teachings of India, but it has traveled far beyond the subcontinent, evolving and being adapted in ways that often stray far from its original intent. The increasing popularity of Tantra in the West has sparked a widespread, albeit sometimes superficial, interest. In many cases, it has been reduced to a set of esoteric rituals or practices centered on sexual liberation and personal empowerment.

Introduction
Tantra, an ancient spiritual tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent, has long been a subject of fascination and mystery. The term "Tantra" itself is derived from the Sanskrit root "tan," meaning "to expand" or "to weave," suggesting a system of thought and practice that aims to expand consciousness, weave together the sacred and the profane, and integrate the individual self with the cosmos. Over centuries, Tantra has evolved into a complex and multifaceted path, encompassing diverse spiritual, philosophical, and cultural dimensions across Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and beyond. At its core, Tantra offers a unique and powerful approach to spiritual practice. Unlike many traditional religious paths that emphasize renunciation and withdrawal from the world, Tantra encourages practitioners to embrace the totality of existence, viewing all aspects of life-whether physical, emotional, or spiritual-as potential vehicles for transcendence. Tantra is deeply holistic, focusing on the balance and integration of the mind, body, and spirit. Its practices often include meditation, rituals, sacred chants, and visualizations, with an emphasis on the transformative power of energy and consciousness. Tantra is also known for its distinctive use of symbols, mantras, and rituals. The yantra (sacred geometric design), the mantra (repeated sacred sounds), and the mudra (hand gestures) serve as tools to focus the mind and channel spiritual energy. At its highest level, Tantra seeks to transcend dualistic thinking, aiming to experience the unity of all existence, often represented in the divine union of masculine and feminine principles, symbolized by Shiva and Shakti in Hindu Tantra.

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