Aspects of Ancient Indian Philosophy

Tantra is one of the most important systems of Indian philosophy and spiritual practice. But you are correct: it has never been accorded its rightful place. Tantra has no single coherent doctrine; instead, it developed a variety of teachings in connection with the religions adopting the Tantric method. In the scriptures of Tantra it is given in the form of a discourse between "Shiva" and "Shakti". Shiva meaning the "Auspicious one," refers to the infinite supreme consciousness, and considered the Supreme God within Shaivism. In Shaivism, Shakti embodies the active feminine energy of Shiva and is identified as Mahadevi or Parvati. When Shakti manifests as Shiva's counterpart in this divine cosmic play known as "Lila," she asks Shiva how is one supposed to achieve peace in this dimension of time and space. This comprehensive book will be an useful guide for students of philosophy and all those interested in getting familiar with Indian Philosophy, especially Tantra.

Sneha Aggarwal is Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, J. P. University, Chapra. Her several research papers have been published in reputed journals. She has also attended many national seminars.

Tantra is one of the most important systems of Indian philosophy and spiritual practice. But you are correct: it has never been accorded its rightful place. Tantra has no single coherent doctrine; instead, it developed a variety of teachings in connection with the religions adopting the Tantric method. In the scriptures of Tantra it is given in the form of a discourse between "Shiva" and "Shakti" Shiva meaning the "Auspicious one," refers to the infinite supreme consciousness, and considered the Supreme God within Shaivism. In Shaivism, Shakti embodies the active feminine energy of Shiva and is identified as Mahadevi or Parvati. When Shakti manifests as Shiva's counterpart in this divine cosmic play known as "Lila," she asks Shiva how is one supposed to achieve peace in this dimension of time and space. Shiva then goes on to describe all the various methods and practices to penetrate and realize reality. Shiva presents his sacred teachings in a way that the people of that time could grasp them. Tantra states that by knowing the microcosm (human), we can know the macrocosm (universe). To know the universe we simply need to go in. From the beginning, the Vedas and the institutions promoting the Vedic cause have held the same place in India as the Bible and the Church hold in Christianity. Six systems of Indian philosophy-Nyaya. Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta-accepted the Vedas as the final authority, and thus were called Vedic darshana (Vedic philosophy), Buddhism, Jainism, Charvaka, and Ajivika did not accept the Vedas as conclusive, thus they are called non-Vedic darshana. For hundreds of years philosophers on both sides have held formal debates and fought with each other like soldiers on the battlefield. These intellectual wars were documented and form the basis for what is known today as Indian philosophy.

Tantra, however, neither opposed nor advocated the Vedas. It neither sided with Buddhism, Jainism, or other philosophical and religious groups, nor did it condemn them. Tantrics never involved themselves in debates. Instead, they focused their energy on their main goal: to probe the subtle mysteries of life. In so doing they explored the relationship between human beings, the relationship between humans and all other aspects of creation, and the relationship between ourselves and the invisible forces that govern our lives, both within and without. Tantrics placed a much greater emphasis on practice than on philosophical hypotheses. In fact, they presented philosophical doctrines only when it was necessary to explain their worldview logically and to illumine the psychological and metaphysical meaning of the practices they undertook. Tantrics were independent thinkers. Their loyalty was to truth alone. They did not care whether or not their concept of ethics and morality followed the dictums of any particular religious group. In short, they were radicals; but they welcomed meaningful theories and practices from both Vedic and non-Vedic sources-thus unsettling the partisans of both sides and causing both sides to doubt the tantrics' integrity. That is why what they believed and practiced has remained hidden.

This comprehensive book will be an useful guide for students of philosophy and all those interested in getting familiar with Indian Philosophy, especially Tantra.

**Contents and Sample Pages**