The Nervous System in Yoga and Tantra (Study)
by Ashok Majumdar | 1981 | 72,079 words
This study deals with the presentation of the Nervous System in Yoga, Tantra and Ayurveda. Yoga and Ayurveda are allied sciences dealing with science of man in depth. Whereas Yoga and Tantra are the rich sources for the knowledge of nervous system and its biological and metaphysical aspects. This study has revealed a number of hither to unknown fac...
6. Tantricism in Dharmasastra, Puranas, etc.
Detractors of Tantra rites are found inclined to read denunciation of Tantricism in early Dharmasutras and Samhitas like those of Apastambha, Manu, Yajnavalkaya etc.
156 (see introductory portions of Apararka's commentryq on ya janavalkya) commentators interpret particular Sutras of the Brahma Sutra (11.2,34) as having reference to Tantricism e.g. Saivaism, Pancaratraism, etc. The efficacy of Mantra and drugs for the attainement of perfection has been mentioned by Patanjali in his yogasutra (iv. 1). Many a Purana work of which the dates have not been definitely ascertained refer to the Tantras generally or to particular tantra rites. Puranas like Devi, Kalika and Linga Purana explicitly deal like Devi, Kalika and Linga explicity deal with Tantra worship. In the Padma Purana (svarga khanda chapter xxvii) and Kalika purana (chapt. I iv) are found elaborate descriptions of Sat Cakras of the tantras. Kurma and some other Puranas, however are found to decry the Tantras. There are passages in the Mahabharata, some interpolated, referring to phallic worship of Siva as well as to number of other Tantric deities. The use of wine and meat in the worship of the never-goddess Ganga is mentioned in Ramayana (Ayodhya Kanda L II.89).