Tantra

Tantra (; ) is an esoteric yogic tradition that developed in the Indian subcontinent, beginning in the middle of the 1st millennium CE, initially within Shaivism and Shaktism, and subsequently in Mahayana Buddhism and Vaishnavism. Tantra presents complex cosmologies, viewing the body as divine and typically reflecting the union of Shiva and Shakti. Tantric goals include Siddhi (supernatural accomplishment), bhoga, and Kundalini ascent; while also addressing states of possession (āveśa) and exorcism.

Vajrayāna (), otherwise known as Mantrayāna ("Mantra Vehicle"), Guhyamantrayāna ("Secret Mantra Vehicle"), Tantrayāna ("Tantra Vehicle"), Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Tantric Buddhism, and Esoteric Buddhism, is a vehicle in the Mahāyāna Buddhist tradition that emphasizes esoteric practices and rituals aimed at rapid spiritual awakening. Emerging between the 5th and 7th centuries CE in medieval India. Vajrayāna Buddhism incorporates a range of techniques, including the use of mantras (sacred sounds), dhāraṇīs (mnemonic codes), mudrās (symbolic hand gestures), mandalās (spiritual diagrams), and the vi

thumb|Sri Yantra by [[Harish Johari using traditional colors]] thumb|Unalome is the sacred Yantra used widely in Southeast Asian Buddhism

thumb|right|Yogini, 10th century Chola dynasty, [[Tamil Nadu, India. From the Smithsonian Institution.]]

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highly restricted sexual practices found in Hindu and Buddhist tantra

valid knowledge which cannot be contradicted and true knowledge which is the knowledge of the self intuitively gained