SCIENTIFIC AND BENEFICIAL ASPECTS OF TANTRA CULT

  • Ratan Lal Basu Presidency College, Calcutta & University of Calcutta, India
Keywords: Tantra, Esoteric, Mysticism, Beneficial Aspects, yoga, induism, theravada, mahayana

Abstract

This article endeavors to identify and isolate the scientific and beneficial from falsehood, superstition and mysticism surrounding tantrism.Among the various ancient Indian religious and semi-religious practices, tantra cult has got the most widespread recognition and popularity all over the world. The reason for this popularity of tantra has hardly been from academic, spiritual or philosophical interests. On the contrary, it has been associated with promises of achievements of magical and supernatural powers as well as promises of enhancement of sexual power and intensity of sexual enjoyment, and restoration of lost sexual potency of old people. In India, tantra cult has assumed a bad reputation among ordinary people. Mystery, guilt psychosis and fear have also been associated with this esoteric cult.Tantra itself is not a religion but it has penetrated most of the major religious and sub-religious communities not only in India but also in Tibet, China, Japan and many other countries (especially Asian). In India there are innumerable tantra-based societies and individual tantriks as gurus (teachers) with their circles of disciples. Nevertheless, there are many aspects of tantra which are scientifically verifiable and the effects of which are beneficial for individuals and the human society. Accordingly, at the end of the article, some studies proving decreased stress levels as a result of tantra practices are highlighted.This work also aims at inspiring more competent and erudite researchers to carry forward the task herein initiated.

Author Biography

Ratan Lal Basu, Presidency College, Calcutta & University of Calcutta, India
Is a Ph. D. in Economics (on Arthasastra of Kautilya). He is a prolific writer – Fiction, Indology, Ancient History, Economics, International Relations, Espionage, Scientific Interpretation of Religious & Mythological Texts, Yoga and Tantra Cult. He is an Alumnus of Presidency College, Calcutta & University of Calcutta. He retired as Reader in Economics & Teacher-in-charge of a govt. sponsored college and joined IIMS (Kolkata)-AIS, New Zealand Cross Credit Program as Principal. He is the Treasurer of Bengal Economic Association. He is an invited author on Indology of Cosmopolis, the bi-lingual (French & English) journal associated with the Encyclopedia jointly sponsored by the governments ofCanada&Belgium. He is associated as an author with The Culture Mandala the journal of Bond University, Australia. He is one of the most notable critiques of the concept of Human Development Index (HDI).

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Published
2016-07-19
How to Cite
Basu, R. L. (2016). SCIENTIFIC AND BENEFICIAL ASPECTS OF TANTRA CULT. MenteClara Foundation’s Peer-Reviewed Journal, 1(2), 26-49. https://doi.org/10.32351/rca.v1.2.15
Section
Acta Tántrica