Tantrism

British  

/ ˈtæntrɪzəm /

noun

1. a movement within Hinduism combining magical and mystical elements and with sacred writings of its own

2. a similar movement within Buddhism

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Other Word Forms

• Tantrist noun

Etymology

Origin of Tantrism

C18: from Sanskrit tantra, literally: warp, hence, doctrine

Example Sentences

While yoga is not part of Sikhism, Bhajan teaches the practice, and not the mild form widespread in the U.S. but Tantrism, a strenuous, mystical variety practiced by men and women in pairs.

From Time Magazine Archive

Claiming to be the only living master of Tantrism, Bhajan stresses Kundalini yoga, which supposedly releases secret energy that travels up the spine.

From Time Magazine Archive

Tantrism is a system of magical or sacramental ritual, which professes to attain the highest aims of religion by such methods as spells, diagrams, gestures and other physical exercises.

From Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 2 by Eliot, Charles, Sir

Three characteristics of Tibetan Tantrism, which are all more or less Indian, may be mentioned.

From Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 3 by Eliot, Charles, Sir

It would be better to describe this literature and worship as Sâktism and to use Tantrism for a tendency in doctrine and ceremonial which otherwise has no special name.

From Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 2 by Eliot, Charles, Sir