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Vāmācāra (Sanskrit: वामाचार, Sanskrit pronunciation: [ʋaːmaːtɕaːɽɐ]) is a tantric term meaning "left-hand path" and is synonymous with the Sanskrit term vāmamārga. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] It is used to describe a particular mode of worship or sadhana (spiritual practice) that uses heterodox things to sublimate for spiritual growth.
In Western esotericism, left-hand path and right-hand path are two opposing approaches to magic. Various groups engaged with the occult and ceremonial magic use the terminology to establish a dichotomy, broadly simplified as (malicious) black magic on the left and (benevolent) white magic on the right. [ 1 ]
Taboo-breaking elements are only practiced literally by "left-hand path" tantrics (vāmācārin-s), whereas "right-hand path" tantrics (dakṣiṇācārin-s) do not follow these. [ 1 ] In the Vamachara tradition, adherents engage in literal consumption and use of the Five Ms, often in the context of ritual feasts ( ganachakra ), along with ...
The Guhyasamāja is a Mahayoga class of Tantra, which features forms of ritual practice considered "left-hand" such as the use of taboo substances like alcohol, consort practices, and charnel ground practices which evoke wrathful deities. [20]
Sri Vidya practices are primarily divided into Kaula and Samaya, as referenced in the Lalita Sahasranama.Kaula is further subdivided into different schools: Dakṣiṇācāra, which focuses on external rituals; Mishramachara, a combination of ritualistic and meditative practices; and Vamachara, or left-hand practices.
As I near the bed, he smiles and gazes. Flower-arrows fill the world. The sport of love, its glow and luxuries are indescribable, O friend, And when I yield myself, his joy is endless. Freeing my skirt, he snatches at my garland. My downcast mind Is freed of frontiers, Though my life is held in the net of his love. He drinks my lips.
The term dakshinachara ('right-hand path') is a technical term used to refer to tantric sects that do not engage in heterodox practices. In contrast, vamachara ('left-hand path') is used to describe particular tantric practices that are considered heterodox.
Reference is made in the early 9th century to vama (left-hand) Tantras of the Kaulas. [101] Literary evidence suggests Tantric Buddhism was probably flourishing by the 7th century. [ 63 ] Matrikas, or fierce mother goddesses that later are closely linked to Tantra practices, appear both in Buddhist and Hindu arts and literature between the 7th ...