Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on August 28, 2011.

In this talk, Swami Bhaskarananda explains what Tantra is within the Hindu tradition and corrects popular Western misunderstandings that reduce it to sensual practices. He describes Tantra not as a separate religion but as an integral stream within Hinduism, alongside the Vedic tradition. Drawing on traditional definitions, he explains that “tantra” refers to that which spreads or originates divine knowledge, and that many tantras are regarded as revealed texts on a par with the Vedas. He outlines different tantric schools and forms of worship—Shaiva, Shakta, Vaishnava, Saura, and Ganapatya—and emphasizes that the ultimate goal is realization of the Supreme Reality—variously referred to in different tantric schools as Brahman, Shiva, or Kula—not mere pursuit of power or experience.

Swami Bhaskarananda then discusses Tantra’s analysis of human nature into three basic dispositions—animal (pashu), heroic (vira), and divine (divya)—and the corresponding disciplines meant to transform lower tendencies into spiritual strength. He explains the seven codes of conduct (acharas) and carefully interprets the famous “five Ms” (wine, meat, fish, mudra, and mithuna) as symbolic of inner transformation rather than literal indulgence. True “wine,” for example, is the bliss of union with God; true “meat” and “fish” are the control and offering of the senses to the Divine. He also notes tantric practices such as using intense fear in cremation-ground disciplines to turn the mind inward, and concludes by showing how Tantra’s worship of the Divine Mother affirms that the same divinity lies hidden in every human being, waiting to be awakened.