tantra

tan·tra

noun, often capitalized \ˈtən-trə, ˈtän-, ˈtan-\

Definition of TANTRA

: one of the later Hindu or Buddhist scriptures dealing especially with techniques and rituals including meditative and sexual practices; also : the rituals or practices outlined in the tantra

— tan·tric \-trik\ adjective often capitalized

— Tan·trism \-ˌtri-zəm\ noun

— Tan·trist \-trist\ noun

Origin of TANTRA

Sanskrit, literally, warp, from tanoti he stretches, weaves; akin to Greek teinein to stretch — more at thin

First Known Use: 1799

Rhymes with TANTRA

yantra

tantra

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In some Indian religions, a text that deals with esoteric aspects of religious teaching. There is considerable tantric literature and practice in Hinduism, Buddhism, and, to a lesser extent, Jainism. Because tantric practices typically represent teachings of relatively late development and incorporate elements of different traditions, they are often eschewed by orthodox practitioners. In Hinduism, tantras deal with popular aspects of the religion, such as spells, rituals, and symbols. Buddhist tantric literature, believed to date from the 7th century or earlier, has reference to numerous practices, some involving sexual activity, that have no basis in canonical literature.