at What? Magazine Online
at What? Magazine Online
The word Tantra is derived from the Sanskrit verbal root tan, meaning "to weave."
"Tantra itself is unique for being a synthesis of bhoga and Yoga, enjoyment and liberation. There is no place for renunciation or denial in Tantra. Instead, we must involve ourselves in all the life processes which surround us. The spiritual is not something that descends from above, rather it is an illumination that is to be discovered within." - Ajit Mookerjee.
Tantric Buddhism
Transcendence: the Tantra Connection -Tantric Buddhism is unique among Buddhist sub-traditions in its acceptance of the body and sense experience as sources of knowledge and power. Tantric Buddhists eulogized the body as an "abode of bliss" and boldly affirmed that desire, sexuality, and pleasure can be embraced on the path to enlightenment.
Shakta Tantra
Shakti means "power" and is the feminine aspect of divinity. The Shakta Tantra teaches attainment through honoring the Feminine Divine through Puja (worship); Pushpa (flower offerings); Mantras (spoken sacred words); Yantras (drawn symbols); and Prasad (sacred food offerings), usually consisting of the five "M's" which are: Madya - liquor or wine; Mudra - intoxicating beverage made from grains (beer); Matsya - fish; Mamsa - meat; and Maithuna - copulation.
Devi:Tales of the Great Goddess - Reading on some history, myth and legend of the goddess in Indian context.
Kali Puja for East and West - Bringing together elements of Western, Earth-based practice and Eastern, Shakta Tantra worship. Ritual created by Chandra Alexandre, PhD, Wiccan Priestess, and initiate into the Shakta tradition at a Kali temple in Puri, India. Chandra is also the founder and executive director of SHARANYA/The Maa Batakali Cultural Mission, Inc.
Art
Tantric Images - A gallery of sacred art.
Tantra as a Spiritual Art Form - An article about Ajit Mookerjee, author of many books on tantric art, including "Kali: The Feminine Force." Ajit was a great believer in "art as sadhana," meaning "art as spiritual practice." He was an ardent believer in "the Great Goddess" and dedicated his works "to Her."
Exotic India Art has Tantric, Wiccan and Pagan items for purchase, as well as articles on "Mother Goddess as Kali - The Feminine Force in Indian Art" and "The Buddhist Mandala - Sacred Geometry and Art."
Hinduism
The Gods of Hinduism - A brief introduction to a few of the major Gods.
Encyclopedia Mythica has a section on Hindu mythology with an alphabetical index.
Hindu Prophecy - The return of Vishnu in the form of Kalki, a rider on a white horse.
How to Become a Hindu - Hinduism has always accepted adoptives and converts. Learn more about the world's most ancient faith.
Mantras
Some Simple Mantras if you are just starting out.
More Mantras from Mantra On Net.
Music
Shakti-Shiva Puja Online Radio Show is broadcast twice daily between 7:00-9:00 (EDT) am & pm. A 2-hour mix of Indian, Bhangra, Middle Eastern, Asian & Pop music for sacred inspiration. Featuring Ravi Shankar, Sheila Chandra, George Harrison, Donovan, Yungchen Lhamo and Jai Uttal.
Celestial Music Radio broadcasts an eclectic mix of Kirtan, chanting, sacred music and poetry by the celestial musicians of our time.
Sacred Sex
TheMystica.com - an online encyclopedia of the occult, mysticism, magic and the paranormal. Their article on Tantrism deals with the connection between Tantra, sacred harlots, courtly love and Gnosticsm!
Sacred Sex - a place where you can read about Tantra yoga, Karezza, and other forms of spiritual sexuality. By Cat Yronwode and others.
Tantra: Sex and Beyond - an article by Wendell E. Wilkinson. "For the Tantrika adept, there is nothing but doorways. Even eating, drinking, or listening to music can be a communion with God/dess."
Miscellaneous Links
Tantra Yoga Meditations, Art & Poetry - Tantra with an Irish flavor. Paintings & poems of desire, sensuality, healing and aliveness.
