Tantric Traditions: Gods, Rituals, & Esoteric Teachings in the Kali Yuga

by Gwendolyn Taunton

Tantra. The word conjures forth a million images - including sex, transgressive practices, and the occult. But how accurate are these portrayals, and how do they compare to actual Tantric practices in India? To the casual observer, Tantra appears to partake of an oppositional role in regard to Vedic teachings, but this conceals a much more conservative core, for the Tantric traditions actually strive to reinforce their Vedic heritage. The Tantras are believed to be the appropriate teaching in the Kali Yuga, and understanding the role that the Kali Yuga plays in Tantric traditions is absolutely vital to interpreting the nature of Tantra itself. Contrary to being opposed to Vedic teachings, Tantra is actually an extension of them - it is a reinterpretation of the Vedas for the modern era.In addition to explaining the complex role Tantra plays within the larger corpus of Hinduism, Tantric Traditions also examines the way in which Tantra is linked to sacred geographical locations, and provides explanations on the nature of Siva, the Devi, the role of the Traditionalist School in the export of Tantric traditions to the West, and reveals secret mantra techniques.Furthermore, Tantric Traditions provides details on magical and esoteric practices from authentic Tantric occult texts such as the Mantramahodadhi of Mahidara (c.1588 CE) and the Vinasikhatantra, both of which make even the most infamous European Grimoires look totally harmless by comparison.CONTENTSIntroductionPART I Gods, Sacred Sites, & the Kali Naṭarāja, Śankara, & Higher ConsciousnessNataraja | Shankara | Yoga | ShamanismThe From Satī to KālīSati | Parvati | Durga | Kali | DraupadiTopographical ReligiosityKashi | Tirtha-Yatra | Shakta PithasTantra, the Kali Yuga, and the Occidental TraditionalistKali Yuga | Yuga Sastra | Traditionalism PART II Origins, Rituals, & Esoteric TeachingsThe Point of OriginDefinition | History | Rta | Dharma | Kali YugaSacred TransgressionPower | Impurity | Left Hand Path | Right Hand Path Lexicographical GnoseologyBhaskararaya | Abhinavagupta | Mantra Encryption | Formulas | Rasa | Philosophy of SoundMagico-Religious PracticesCharms | Siddhi | Mantramahodadhi of Mahidhara | Vinasikhatantra | Alchemy | Magical PracticesAppendix IOccult FormulaAppendix IITables of Correspondences

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

246 pages, Paperback

Published March 21, 2018

About the author

Gwendolyn Toynton (real name Gwendolyn Taunton) was the recipient of the Ashton Wylie Award for Literary Excellence in 2009 for her first book, 'Primordial Traditions Compendium', which featured a collection of articles from the periodical Primordial Traditions which ran from 2005-2010. Northern Traditions is her second book. Her poetry is also featured in the 'New Zealand Collection of Poetry and Prose 2002'. She has written for numerous periodicals, including 'New Dawn Magazine'. Gwendolyn has recently also returned to fictional work with her latest short story published in 'Mythos: The Myths and Tales of H. P. Lovecraft & Robert E. Howard'. She also has an article in 'Occult Traditions' (ed. Damon Zacharias Lycourinos, Numen Books, 2012). Her most recent work is 'Mimir - Journal of North European Traditions'. Gwendolyn's first major work, The 'Tantrik Tradition' is also scheduled for publication in 2013.
Gwendolyn Toynton also holds a BA (Hons) in Religious Studies and has a strong interest in all spiritual matters and philosophy. Gwendolyn also has a interest in the arts and the humanities.

Gwendolyn Toynton is devoted to restoring the cultural values which should be at the core of our civilization and upholds the right for all indigenous peoples to preserve their cultural heritage. She is also firmly committed to the preservation of the natural environment and animal welfare.

Reviews

[Pegboard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tantric Traditions: Gods, Rituals, and Esoteric teaches the philosophy and techniques of this Sanskrit word in the Hindu belief. Using meditation, these practitioners believe the sexual union is a metaphor of uniting a man and woman into becoming one with a god. While giving a layout of the belief in organized sections, it keeps this book easier to find the information you are looking for.

While a professed Maverick in her political standing, Gwendolyn Taunton, pursues employment that allows her to keep her individualism and express her views. I read this book as research on the practice, but found it was not an area I would practice.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the West, the word "tantra" is usually followed by the word "sex". Part of mainstream Hinduism, there is much more to tantra than just sex.

Tantra is actually loosely defined, consisting of multiple schools that worship various deities and practice different techniques. Tantra cannot be "nailed down" to a specific tradition.

The God Siva is a very important part of the social and religious life of India. Among the aspects, or portrayals, of Siva is that of Nataraja, King of the Dance. Another aspect of Siva is Sankara the Beneficent. Nataraja uses constant dancing, and Sankara uses yoga, as a route to a higher level of consciousness. Such different facets of Siva lead to the description as a God that transcends opposites and the limitations of humanity.

Devi is a Goddess with many aspects which are shown under numerous names and forms. In Hindu law, menstrual blood and menstruating women have all sorts of taboos. Touching a menstruating woman is akin to touching an outcast or a corpse. A woman who wears her hair unbound is a sign that she is menstruating.

The holy city of Kasi is not just a place of pilgrimage. The God Siva is said to be always present there. It is said that merely to die in Kasi is enough to release a person from Hinduism's cycle of death and rebirth.

This book is not Hinduism For Beginners. It is recommended for religious scholars, university students or people who otherwise know their way around the Hindu religion. For everyone else, this book can be skipped.

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tantric Traditions: Gods, Rituals, & Esoteric Teachings in the Kali Yuga by Gwendolyn Taunton is an in depth look at Tantra. This is definitely not a book for a beginner, as you must have some working knowledge of the subject matter. However you interpret Tantra, which most people associate with Tantric sex, a seemingly Western interpretation, you can learn a great amount from this book. The author has thoughtfully laid out the book in sections, which helps to disseminate the information more clearly. Truly an exploration of the Hindu religion, you will find so much information here that will expand your knowledge on a difficult subject. The best part of the book however is where the author includes a collection of spells and rituals that can help one gain power. There are also appendices of mantras that are helpful. Overall, a very informative book for the beginner and those more knowledgeable about Tantra.

[Nancy McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of the rites and traditions of the tantric path