Tantra and Advaita are two distinct spiritual and philosophical traditions that originated in India and have had a significant influence on Hinduism and, to some extent, Buddhism. While they share some common elements and have been practiced in parallel, they have different approaches and goals.
Advaita Vedanta:
Advaita means "non-dual" in Sanskrit, and Advaita
Vedanta is a school of philosophy that emphasizes the non-dual nature of
reality. It is found in the Vedas.
Key Concepts: Advaita Vedanta posits that the ultimate
reality (Brahman) is devoid of distinctions and is the only true existence. It
teaches that the individual self (Atman) is identical to Brahman and that the
apparent diversity of the world is an illusion (maya).
Practices: Advaita Vedanta primarily involves self-inquiry
(atma-vichara) and meditation to realize the non-dual nature of reality. It
places a strong emphasis on understanding the teachings of ancient texts like
the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.
Tantra:
Tantra is a diverse and complex tradition that encompasses
various practices and philosophies. It emerged as a response to the rigidities
of traditional Hinduism, and its origins can be traced back to the 2nd century
CE.
Key Concepts: Tantra emphasizes the idea that the divine
(Shiva and Shakti) is present in everything, including the physical world and
the human body. It does not reject the world as an illusion but seeks to
transcend and transform it.
Practices: Tantra involves a wide range of practices,
including rituals, mantra chanting, meditation, and the use of yantras (sacred
diagrams). It is known for its emphasis on the integration of the physical,
emotional, and spiritual aspects of human life.
Differences between Tantra and Advaita:
Goal: Advaita's primary goal is the realization of the
ultimate reality as non-dual and the identity of the individual self with that
reality. Tantra, on the other hand, aims at spiritual awakening through the
recognition of divinity within the world and the individual.
Worldview: Advaita considers the world to be an illusion
(maya), while Tantra embraces the world as a manifestation of the divine and
seeks to harness its transformative power.
Practice: Advaita mainly relies on meditation and
self-inquiry to realize the non-dual self, whereas Tantra employs a broader range
of practices that often involve ritual, symbolism, and energy work to connect
with the divine.
Texts: Advaita Vedanta's foundation lies in the teachings of
the Upanishads and the writings of Adi Shankaracharya. Tantra has a diverse
body of texts, including the Tantras themselves, which vary among different
sects and lineages.
It's important to note that both Tantra and Advaita have
evolved and diversified over the centuries, resulting in numerous
sub-traditions and interpretations. Some individuals may even combine elements
of both traditions in their spiritual practice, seeking a synthesis of non-dual
realization and engagement with the world.