Introduction to Vedas and Vedanta - Part 6

The Tantras

Side by side the Vedic discipline, Hinduism has another parallel set of disciplines called the Tantras. 

There is a common misconception that Tantra is the name only of the Scripture of the worshippers of Shakti (the Shaktas). 

Actually each of the Hindu religious groups has its own tradition of sacred literature, and based on it, the Tantras are divided into three classes, namely: Shaiva Agamas (worshippers of Shiva), Shakta Tantras (worshippers of Shakti), and Vaishnava Agams (worshippers of Vishnu).

Agama and Nigama Texts

The scriptural texts of Tantra are usually in the form of dialogues between Shiva and Shakti (Parvati). The Dialogues where Shiva is the speaker giving spiritual teachings and Parvati (Shakti) is the listener are called Agama texts. 

On the other hand, where Parvati plays the role of teacher and Shiva the listener, the texts are called Nigama. Thus Agamas are those, which are revelations advocating the paths of spiritual practice while Nigama are the traditions describing the forms of actions (karma), spiritual practice and knowledge. 

Now, after giving a brief introduction to Sruti, Smrithi, Darshanas and Tantras in the few earlier posts upto now, we will now proceed to the most important part of Srutis- Vedanta.

Vedanta is the culmination of the Vedas. It is entering into the study of Brahman. It is the science which raises man above the plane of worldliness. 

It is the rational method of meditating on the Supreme Absolute, the Eternal, the Infinite. Vedanta is the culmination of human experience and is the end of the faculty of thinking. It is the greatest and the highest knowledge. This wisdom was revealed to the ancient sages.

The Rishis and sages of yore have made experiments and researches in meditation and given to the world their spiritual experiences. 

These are all authoritative. You must not spend much time in making the preliminary experiments once more. Your whole life-time is not sufficient for making these experiments and researches.

One  has  to simply follow their instructions implicitly with perfect, unswerving faith and devotion. Then alone can one make any progress in the spiritual path and attain the goal of life.

Hari Aum Tatsat.

“Embodiments of Love, Students!

Whatever you have learnt here, share it with others. It is not enough if you share it with others, you too should put your knowledge into practice and derive benefit therefrom. We prepare many delicious items at home and serve them to the guests. Is it not necessary that we should also partake of them?

Likewise, we should digest the Vedic knowledge we have acquired and also share it with others. All types of knowledge have originated from the Vēdas. That is why the Vēda is extolled as sarva vijñāna sampatti (the treasure chest of knowledge). But unfortunately, we are not making proper use of such a treasure. Share your knowledge to the extent you have acquired. Never forget what you have learnt. With sincere effort, you will certainly be able to attain sākṣhātkāra. Those of you who wish to have the vision of God should digest the Vedic wisdom you have acquired and share it with others.”

Bhagavān Sri Sathya Sai Baba – Discourse on 19 October 2004