![]() Tantras are divided into two categories that is Sadagama and Asadagama that is good and bad Agamas. The work in which the worship goes along with custom is sat; the reverse is asat. Tantras are also divided into astika or Vedic and Nastika or non-Vedic. According to the power of the deity the Astika works are again divided into Shakta, Shaiva, Saura, Ganapatya and Vaishnava. Again Shakta Tantras are divided into ten classes according to the names of ten Mahavidyas. Tantra literature is divided into Srotas, Pitha and Amriaya. Tantras are divided into Hindu and non-Hindu. The non-Hindu works comprise the works of Buddhists and the Jains. Both of them belong to the Nastika class. Tantra classification is based on the mythological ages. There is a further classification which is done in accordance with their origin from the different mouths and positions of Lord Shiva. Another classification is that of Kalkula and Srikula. Kalkula attaches the greatest importance to the cult of Goddess Kali. The followers of this school are monist. Sakti and Brahman are identical according to them. Siva-Sakti was considered as beyond dualism. According to Srikula, Shiva is the cause of the world. The atomic elements are produced by his Sakti. The followers of this school consider Shakti as Siva's natural vibrating power. ![]() The subject-matter of a Tantric work may be broadly divided as follows: 1. Jhana: This refers to knowledge that includes philosophical and metaphysical doctrines with a monotheistic tendency and seldom a monistic bias. Occultism including knowledge of the mystic powers of letters, syllables, formulae and figures are also inclusive. 2. Yoga: This refers to the control of the mind for acquiring magic powers. 3. Kriya: This contains instructions for idol making and constructing and sanctifying temples. 4. Caryd: This refers to the rules about rites, festivals and social duties. As far as worship, is concerned Tantra recognises three aspects of the deity worshipped by a devotee, that is image, mantra and the highest which alone mind can realise. |
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